KMS vs MAK activation — which should I use?

KMS and MAK are two activation methods that come with Volume Licensing.

KMS (Key Management Service) runs an activation host on your own network. Clients check in every 180 days to renew activation. KMS needs a minimum count (25 for Windows, 5 for Office) before it starts handing out activations — below that you stay in 30-day grace mode. KMS is the right choice for fleets that are always on the corporate network or VPN.

MAK (Multiple Activation Key) activates each device directly against Microsoft. No on-prem server, no minimum count, no renewal — but each activation burns a count from the key. MAK is the right choice for laptops that may leave the network for months, isolated networks, or small deployments below the KMS threshold.

Still unsure?

Talk to a licensing specialist for a written, signed quote tailored to your environment.