Difference Between KMS and MAK (2024)

KMS and MAK are two different activation methods for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. KMS (Key Management Service) is a server-based activation technique that requires the setup and activation of a KMS host server. MAK (Multiple Activation Key) is a client- based activation technique that uses a unique activation key to activate individual devices.

Read this article to find out more about KMS and MAK and how they are different from each other.

What is KMS?

KMS is an abbreviation for Key Management Service, a Microsoft technology used to allow Microsoft products such as Windows and Office. KMS allows organizations to activate numerous devices on the same network without having to activate each device individually. Before KMS can be used for activation, a KMS host server must be set up and enabled.

The KMS host server is a computer that operates a KMS service and comes with a unique KMS host key. The KMS host key is used to activate the KMS host server, allowing the KMS service to accept activation queries from client devices on the same network. The KMS service then verifies the activation requests and activates the client devices if the minimal activation threshold is met.

The minimum activation threshold is the number of client devices that must be activated in order for KMS to operate properly. The minimum activation threshold for Windows products is 25 client devices, while the minimum activation criteria for Office products is five client devices. When the minimum activation threshold is reached, KMS will automatically activate any new client devices on the same network without requiring any further activation requests.

KMS activation is also restricted in time and must be renewed every 180 days. The reactivation procedure is completely automated and requires no user intervention. KMS activation is appropriate for organisations that need to activate multiple devices because it simplifies the activation process and reduces the workload needed for individual device activation.

What is MAK?

MAK is an abbreviation for Multiple Activation Key, a Microsoft technology used to activate Microsoft programmes such as Windows and Office. MAK is a client-based activation method, as opposed to KMS, which is a server-based activation method. Each client device is individually activated with a unique activation key supplied by Microsoft.

MAK activation can be done through either online or phone registration. An internet connection is required for online activation, which can be done immediately by entering the MAK key into the activation wizard. Calling the Microsoft activation centre and giving the organization's product key and installation ID is required for phone activation.

MAK activation is right for organizations with a smaller number of devices to activate. It also gives you more control over the activation process because each device can be activated individually. However, because each device must be activated individually and there is a limited number of activations available, the activation process can be time-consuming.

Difference between KMS and MAK

The following table highlights the major differences between KMS and MAK −

Conclusion

In conclusion, KMS and MAK are two different activation techniques for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products. KMS is a server-based activation process that can activate numerous devices on the same network, whereas MAK is a client-based activation process that can activate individual devices using a unique activation key.

KMS is more suitable for bigger organizations with many devices, whereas MAK is more suitable for smaller organizations with fewer devices. Both activation methods have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of activation method is made depending on the organization's particular needs and requirements.