- Preface
Microsoft Windows began research and development in 1983. The initial research and development goal was to provide a multi-tasking graphical user interface based on MS-DOS . Subsequent versions gradually developed into an operating system mainly designed for personal computer and server users , and eventually won the The world's personal computer operating system monopoly. The first version of Windows was launched on November 20, 1985. After the release of Windows 3.0 , it began to gain commercial status. The Windows NT series was launched in August 1993 , and the Windows Server series was launched in 1996 . Microsoft Windows was an MS-DOS virtual environment in the early days , and later adopted a graphical user interface ( GUI ). Its operating interface was successively released in 1995 (Windows95), 2001 (Windows xp), 2006 (Windows Vista), and 2012 (Windows 8). Make substantial changes.
As of August 5, 2022, Microsoft Windows updates have been pushed to more than 30 systems. The regular version has been updated to Windows 11 ; the server version has been updated to Windows Server 2022.
First of all, I personally recommend and support everyone to use genuine Windows systems. Even if we don’t use genuine ones, we should try to avoid using pirated ones. But if we want to experience all the functions of Windows, we have to activate it. However, there are many types of activation methods, such as common KMS keys, OEM keys, and GVLK. Keys, MAK keys, etc.
Today I will try my best to give you an objective and comprehensive understanding of the current information on key activation of Windows and other aspects.
- Attached demo tool download
【Download address】
https://wwrd.lanzoum.com/iDSCt14qt0kb
- KMS key
KMS, the full name is Key Management Service. Many people may not know that KMS is actually a system activation method officially recognized by Microsoft. This activation method is mainly used for batch activation of corporate computers.
The administrator needs to set up an activation server (Activation Server) and install the KMS client on each client computer to perform batch activation and management.
How do software such as KMS Pico, Rainbow Activation Tools, etc. operate? I did some searching and found that these software use no more than three algorithms:
1. Create a virtual task in the local computer and try the system unlimitedly.
2. Use the software developer's activation server to activate.
3. Create a virtual activation server (service) on the local computer and send activated analog signals.
However, every algorithm has drawbacks. The first type is unlimited trial, Microsoft just needs to give you a patch easily and you are done, there is no difficulty; the second type, if Microsoft finds that you have illegally used the activation server, it will directly block the key, and activate from the server All computers will appear inactive; the last one, Microsoft has taken measures not only to let Windows Defender report viruses, but also to delete the task directly when the system is updated.
Some people say that these are temporary problems, and it will be fine if they are activated and cracked again. Let’s look at a more serious problem: When your computer is activated remotely, it usually displays like this:
What's the meaning? This means your system is no longer yours—it belongs to a team or administrator. Don't take it for granted - there are so many operations that administrators can perform. Copying data and collecting information is a piece of cake. What's even more powerful is that you can directly reset your system while retaining KMS permissions.
- GVLK key
GVLK, the full name in English is Generic Volume License Key, which represents the volume authorization license key and is used for the universal activation serial number of the kms client. All Windows systems or Office activated using kms use the GVLK key. The GVLK key is officially provided to users by Microsoft for free. If you want to use the GVLK key for kms activation, you need to install the VL version of the system. The kms activation period is generally 45 days or 180 days. After expiration, continue to use kms activation and renewal.
- Windows product key types:
1.MSDN
The MSDN key is a reward for paying users to test the use of the WINDOWS system in advance, but according to regulations, MSDN cannot be used for commercial purposes. And they cannot be authorized to other users without Microsoft's permission. Regardless of regulations or technology, Microsoft can block this batch of KEYs at any time, and it can even find out who leaked them.
There are two types of MSDN keys based on the user's subscription type. One is that one KEY corresponds to one machine, which is equivalent to the subscriber buying several KEYs for one product. There is also a KEY that can activate N machines, and N depends on the number of user subscription licenses.
But no matter what kind of MSDN key, as long as it is activated on a machine, it seems that Microsoft will record some unique information about the computer. For example, CPU ID, motherboard serial number, hard disk ID, etc. This means that once the hardware is replaced, reactivation may be required and may not be successful. If unsuccessful, you may need to activate by phone or call Microsoft customer service to verify your MSDN account before you can activate it. Therefore, there is a risk when you buy someone else's MSDN authorized KEY online, that is, others will definitely not tell you their MSDN account. Otherwise, Microsoft will definitely block his account.
2.Retail retail version key
Retail authorized version: Obtain individual authorization and activation rights for Windows operating system products through retail stores. It is the retail version of the Windows license. You can have full technical support from Microsoft. Each copy of these software comes with a unique product key (printed on the product packaging). During the product installation process, the user enters the Internet or completes the product by phone. activation.
3.OEM key
The OEM key is pre-installed with OEM customized WINDOWS when the computer leaves the factory. You pay for it and the cost is included in the cost of the computer. In fact, the OEM will also provide a backup network activation key on the back of the machine or on the side of the chassis. key. OEM activation requires three conditions: 1. BIOS containing SLIC; 2. OEM certificate; 3. OEM key. In actual use, as long as the OEM software environment is virtualized, any machine can be activated using the OEM key. However, OEM keys also have a limit on the number of online activations. Microsoft's count of activation times seems to be based on changes in the computer's hardware, but it does not confirm this. But if it exceeds the limit, you can activate it by phone or directly contact customer service.
OEM License
According to the computer manufacturer's pre-installed system activation strategy, the OEM's Windows key can still be activated when the memory and hard disk are replaced, but the activation will become invalid if the motherboard is replaced.
4.VL key
VOLUME Volume License Edition: VOLUME Volume License is a software licensing plan. Volume licensing plans are subscribed to individually by users, but are typically sold to enterprise customers and can be bundled with larger numbers of licenses.
Volume License key
Bulk authorization for large customers is purchased by enterprises in large quantities. The acquisition and verification methods at the activation end are relatively complicated, but one secret key can activate the corresponding number of units (ranging from hundreds to thousands or hundreds of thousands). This activation strategy is also subdivided into two types: KMS and MAK. The former is activated every six months, and the latter is a "permanent" activation.
- MAK key
MAK is the abbreviation of (Multiple Activation Key), which means "permanent activation". Once the "MAK key" is used, it will be reduced once until it is "0". Only when the "big customer" pays again, Microsoft will rejuvenate the "MAK key" based on the "number of authorized activations" based on the payment amount. For each volume version of Microsoft Office, each organization is provided with a unique Multiple Activation Key (MAK) key. The activation process must then be performed once per computer using an activation service hosted by Microsoft. Each key is associated with a certain number of activations. For example, for a Microsoft Office product, if its MAK key has 100 activations, it allows an organization to install the same key on multiple computers for a total of 100 activations. Clients are connected to Microsoft's activation server to activate the product. For each set of product activation, Microsoft will automatically deduct 1 point from the 100 counts on the activation server.
MAK is suitable for organizations whose computers are not connected to the corporate network for a long time (such as laptops). To do this, it must be installed using a MAK key instead of the default KMS client key used in volume licensed editions of Microsoft Office.
With MAK activation, you don't have to renew your activation regularly. If a major hardware change is detected, reactivation is necessary. Also, after the number of activations exceeds a predetermined limit, a greater number of activations allowed must be requested. You have to manage the installation of the MAK, as well as the potential need to manually activate the system over the phone when an Internet connection is unavailable.
Even if the license of the MAK client cannot be renewed, there is no loss of functionality. After successful activation, the user will no longer receive notifications.
The above is an introduction to the differences and comparisons of Windows key activation. I believe everyone knows how to distinguish them. It can be seen that KMS is a batch activation tool, which is only valid for 180 days. If it comes with automatic renewal, it is still good. OEM is a private label, but the key is permanently valid, but OEM keys are relatively rare online. As for retail version keys, volume licensing keys, and MSDN keys, they are not as common as KMS keys.