Key Management Service

KMS activates computers on a local network, eliminating the need for individual computers to connect to Microsoft. To do this, KMS uses a client–server topology. KMS clients can locate KMS hosts by using Domain Name System (DNS) or a static configuration. KMS clients contact the KMS host by using Remote Procedure Call (RPC). KMS can be hosted on computers running the Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, or Windows Server 2003 operating systems.

Minimum Computer Requirements

If you are planning to use KMS activation, the network must meet or exceed the activation threshold (the minimum number of qualifying computers that KMS requires). IT professionals must also understand how the KMS host ...

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