There are two roles: the KMS host and the KMS client. KMS is also a renewal model, in which the clients try to reactivate on a regular interval. However, instead of handing out IP addresses to clients on their request, KMS enables product activation. KMS is a client-server model that has some similarities to Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Let’s start with a quick refresher on how KMS activation works. This article walks you through how to troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.įor more information about event log entries and the slmgr.vbs script, see Volume Activation Technical Reference. However, sometimes the process doesn't work as expected. Usually, once you set up the KMS host, the KMS clients connect to the host automatically and activate on their own.
Enterprise customers set up Key Management Service (KMS) as part of their deployment process because it lets them use a simple, straightforward process to activate Windows in their environments.
