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To use KMS, you need to have a KMS host available on your local network. Computers that activate with a KMS host need to have a specific product key. This key is sometimes referred to as the KMS client key, but it is formally known as a Microsoft Generic Volume License Key (GVLK). Computers that are running volume licensing editions of Windows Server and Windows client are, by default, KMS clients with no extra configuration needed as the relevant GVLK is already there.
There are some scenarios, however, where you will need to add the GVLK to the computer you wish to activate against a KMS host, such as:
Important
To use the keys listed here (which are GVLKs), you must first have a KMS host available on your local network. If you don’t already have a KMS host, please see how to create a KMS host to learn more.
If you want to activate Windows without a KMS host available and outside of a volume-activation scenario (for example, you’re trying to activate a retail version of Windows client), these keys will not work. You will need to use another method of activating Windows, such as using a MAK, or purchasing a retail license. Get help to find your Windows product key and learn about genuine versions of Windows.
If you are converting a computer from a KMS host, MAK, or retail edition of Windows to a KMS client, install the applicable product key (GVLK) from the list below. To install a client product key, open an administrative command prompt on the client, and run the following command and then press Enter:
slmgr /ipk <product key>
For example, to install the product key for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter edition, run the following command and then press Enter: