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Licensing Virtual Machines: Using MAK Keys

October 17, 2023

Licensing virtual machines (VMs) with Multiple Activation Key (MAK) is a crucial process for ensuring compliance and functionality in your virtualized environment. This guide will walk you through the steps to correctly license your VMs using MAK keys.

1. Obtain MAK Keys:

Before you start, ensure you have the MAK keys necessary for your virtual machines. These keys are typically provided by Microsoft and should be kept securely.

2. Access the VM You Want to License:

Open the virtualization software you are using (e.g., Hyper-V, VMware, VirtualBox) and access the virtual machine you intend to license.

3. Open the Windows Activation Wizard:

Inside the virtual machine, open the Windows Activation Wizard. You can typically do this by right-clicking on the “Computer” or “This PC” icon, selecting “Properties,” and then choosing “Activate Windows.”

4. Enter the MAK Key:

When prompted to enter a product key, input the MAK key you obtained earlier. Make sure to type it accurately.

5. Activation Process:

The virtual machine will connect to Microsoft’s activation servers to validate the MAK key. This process may take a moment.
Once validation is successful, your virtual machine will be licensed, and Windows will be activated.

6. Confirm Activation:

To confirm that your VM is activated, go to the “System” or “About” section in the virtual machine’s settings. It should display “Windows is activated” or a similar message.

7. Repeat for Each VM:

If you have multiple virtual machines to license, repeat the process for each one, using the appropriate MAK key.

8. Record Key Usage:

Maintain a record of which MAK key is used for each virtual machine. This helps with tracking and compliance.

Licensing your virtual machines with MAK keys is an essential step to ensure that your VMs are legitimate and compliant with Microsoft’s licensing policies. Failure to properly license your VMs could result in compliance issues and potential legal consequences. By following this step-by-step guide, you can simplify the process and ensure that your virtualized environment is properly licensed and functioning as it should be.