KMSVerfahren

KMSVerfahren is a term often encountered in the context of Microsoft software licensing, specifically referring to the Key Management Service method. This method is used to activate Microsoft products, such as Windows operating systems and Office suites, within an organization's network. Instead of each individual computer connecting to Microsoft's activation servers, a KMS server is established on the local network. Client computers then connect to this internal KMS server to obtain activation.

The KMSVerfahren relies on a client-server architecture. A KMS host computer is configured with a specific KMS host key, which allows it to function as an activation server. Client computers running eligible Microsoft software are configured with a generic volume license key (GVLK). When a client computer attempts to activate, it queries the DNS for the KMS server within its network. Upon locating the KMS server, the client sends an activation request. The KMS server then validates the request and, if sufficient activation requests have been met, issues an activation token to the client.

A key requirement for KMSVerfahren is maintaining a minimum number of active client connections to the KMS server. For Windows Server operating systems, at least five client computers must attempt activation within a 180-day period. For Windows client operating systems, at least 25 client computers must attempt activation within the same timeframe. If this threshold is not met, the KMS server will cease to issue activations, and client machines may revert to an unlicensed state. This ensures that the KMS server is being used by a legitimate volume of devices within an organization.