Did you download Windows 8 Enterprise using your MSDN or TechNet subscription for testing in your lab? As the full-featured "business edition" of Windows 8, the Enterprise SKU defaults to using corporate Volume License activation on a business network. On a business network, this process provides a simplified end-user activation experience, because Windows 8 Enterprise automatically determines which servers to activate against using DNS without you needing to manage individual activation keys for each PC. To learn more about the Windows 8 Volume License activation process on a business network and the new Active Directory-based activation process, click here.
But, what if I'm testing Windows 8 Enterprise in an isolated lab environment?
This VL activation process works well in a business environment to simplify and automate the overall activation experience, but if you're testing Windows 8 Enterprise in an isolated environment, then you'll encounter an error during the activation process and activation will not successfully complete. This is because your Windows 8 Enterprise PC cannot find the appropriate DNS records to determine how to automatically activate. But, there's an alternative! In your TechNet and/or MSDN subscription portal, you have the ability to claim a "Multiple Activation Key" (MAK) for activating Windows 8 Enterprise by clicking the "Product Keys" button. The MAK is an alternative Product Key that doesn't require the same corporate VL activation process on a business network.
Great! I've got my MAK - What do I do now?
To enter your MAK on Windows 8 Enterprise and successfully activate, you can complete one of the following steps:
Keith
But, what if I'm testing Windows 8 Enterprise in an isolated lab environment?
This VL activation process works well in a business environment to simplify and automate the overall activation experience, but if you're testing Windows 8 Enterprise in an isolated environment, then you'll encounter an error during the activation process and activation will not successfully complete. This is because your Windows 8 Enterprise PC cannot find the appropriate DNS records to determine how to automatically activate. But, there's an alternative! In your TechNet and/or MSDN subscription portal, you have the ability to claim a "Multiple Activation Key" (MAK) for activating Windows 8 Enterprise by clicking the "Product Keys" button. The MAK is an alternative Product Key that doesn't require the same corporate VL activation process on a business network.
To enter your MAK on Windows 8 Enterprise and successfully activate, you can complete one of the following steps:
- Command Line option:
Hit the Windows+R hotkeys to open the Run box and run the following command:
slmgr -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
- GUI option:
Hit the Windows+R hotkeys to open the Run box and run the following command:
slui.exe 3
This command will open the following Dialog Box in which you can manually enter your MAK:
Enter your MAK in the "Product Key" field shown above, click the "Activate" button and you should be good to go!
HTH,Keith
About the Author
 | Keith Mayer is a Technical Evangelist at Microsoft focused on Windows Infrastructure, Data Center Virtualization, Systems Management and Private Cloud. Keith has over 17 years of experience as a technical leader of complex IT projects, in diverse roles, such as Network Engineer, IT Manager, Technical Instructor and Consultant. He has consulted and trained thousands of IT professionals worldwide on the design and implementation of enterprise technology solutions. Learn more about Keith at: http://about.me/KeithMayer. Want Keith to speak at your community or group event in the US Heartland? Submit your request!Tip-of-the-Day - Microsoft Windows 8 Enterprise Activation #ITPro #Windows8 |
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