What is the difference between mak and kms

MAK keys are not the default model for Volume Activation clients, so users will have to request MAK keys from the Volume Licensing website if they want to use this model. There are two ways to activate computers using the MAK model. The first method is MAK independent activation, which requires that each computer independently connect with Microsoft and be activated, either over the Internet or by telephone. The second method is MAK proxy activation.

With this method, a computer acting as a MAK proxy gathers activation information from multiple computers on the network and then sends a centralised activation request on their behalf.

Like standard VLKs, MAK keys allow a predetermined number of activations, depending on the number of licenses an organisation requests. For example, if your donation includes 10 copies of Windows 7, you can use the Windows 7 MAK key to install that product on 10 separate computers. Organisations can also visit the page directly. View this "Best Answer" in the replies below ».

Popular Topics in Microsoft Licensing. Spiceworks Help Desk. The help desk software for IT. Track users' IT needs, easily, and with only the features you need. Learn More ». Pure Capsaicin. DragonsRule This person is a verified professional. Verify your account to enable IT peers to see that you are a professional. Microsoft Licensing expert. Add to that some practical considerations like organization type, network size, and OS versions, among others.

KMS does require activation, but it allows customers to do this within their own network, serving as a central location where all clients acquire an activation key. It is specifically designed for enterprise customers and is most compatible with Vista and Windows Activation with MAK is made possible through a unique alphanumeric key capable of activating a specific number of computers. As far as installation is concerned, KMS proves more convenient, as it allows the computer to automatically detect it via DNS.

With met pre-requisites, no further client configuration for activation is required upon installation, even with newly installed PCs, for as long as they are within the network. MAK activation needs keen supervision during the installation and activation process.

Every PC added for activation is equal to individual configuration. Similarly, KMS is also capable of completion without further changes to the firewall. Each KMS host can activate an unlimited number of computers.

A Multiple Activation Key MAK activates systems on a one-time basis, using Microsoft's hosted activation services which requires connection with a Microsoft activation server. Once computers are activated, no further communication with Microsoft is required. Each MAK has a predetermined number of allowed activations, based on your Volume Licensing agreement.

KMS is the preferred activation method for large scale deployments. Many factors determine the number of activations associated with each MAK, including licenses purchased, the customer purchase pricing level, and their Volume Licensing program. The number of activations available for a product may not always match the number of licenses purchased.

Usually you will receive a higher number of activations in case you need to reinstall and activate some of your products. Please check the Licensing Summary section of your agreement to see your number of licenses. Customers are free to use a combination of activation methods as desired. Refer to the following resources for assistance in determining which key to use when activating a Microsoft Volume License product:.

Read these Microsoft documents about Windows licensing and activation prior to deploying Windows or Windows Server. Additional resources include this video on Fundamentals of Volume Activation. Alternatively, for Offline Servers the activation wizard offers Phone or Web Activation as alternatives.

During activation, you are requested to select the License Program and Agreement Number. Note for Open License customers, you should enter your Authorization Number. License compliance and Asset Management are independent of key activation. Customers do not have to use the keys provided under a specific Licensing ID agreement, enrollment, affiliate, or license for use only with the licenses specified under that Licensing ID. If a parent organization which owns a chlld organization has an individual agreement, it can use the same key to deploy a product across both parent and child organizations.

Re-imaging rights are granted to all Microsoft Volume Licensing customers. Under these rights, customers may re-image Original Equipment Manufacturer OEM or Full Packaged Product FPP licensed copies using media provided under their agreement as long as copies made from the Volume Licensing media are identical to the originally licensed product.

You can also request your keys through a Microsoft Activation Center. If you are an Open License customer, you must purchase at least one unit of the product that you want to re-image to obtain access to the product media and receive a key. For more information on Re-imaging Rights, see article on this page about reimaging rights.