Activation

Server installations are influenced by choice of activation model. MAK is suitable for small networks, but large enterprises may opt for KMS.

• MAK activations are subdivided into Independent and Proxy, based on whether or not a VAMT is used.
• KMS activations, which distribute GVLKs, are valid for a period of time and require the installation of a role and management tools. KMS operates on TCP port 1688.
• AVMA simplifies the process of activating Hyper-V VMs running Windows Server 2012 or 2016.

Active Directory-based activation is an alternative for enterprises who opt to activate licenses through the existing AD DS domain infrastructure. Any domain-joined computers running a supported OS with a GVLK will be activated automatically and transparently. The domain must be extended to the Windows Server 2012 R2 or higher schema level, and a KMS host key must be added using the VAMT. After Microsoft verifies the KMS host key, client computers are activated by receiving an activation object from the DC. ^{MS Docs}