What Is KMS Volume Activation and How It Works

What Is KMS Volume Activation and How It Works

KMS (Key Management Service) is Microsoft's volume activation technology for enterprise deployments. A KMS host server runs on the network and activates client machines on demand.

Activation flow:

1. Client installs GVLK key (slmgr /ipk)

2. Client sets KMS server (slmgr /skms)

3. Client triggers activation (slmgr /ato)

4. KMS server verifies and returns activation token

5. Activation valid for 180 days, auto-renews

Full explanation: Windows licensing guide

Command reference: slmgr.vbs guide