- Article
- Applies to:
- ✅ Windows 11, ✅ Windows 10, ✅ Windows Server 2022, ✅ Windows Server 2019, ✅ Windows Server 2016
This article describes how to install the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT). VAMT is installed as part of the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows.
Important
VAMT requires local administrator privileges on all managed computers in order to deposit confirmation IDs (CIDs), get the client products' license status, and install product keys. If VAMT is being used to manage products and product keys on the local host computer and you don't have administrator privileges, start VAMT with elevated privileges. For best results when using Active Directory-based activation, we recommend running VAMT while logged on as a domain administrator.
Note
The VAMT Microsoft Management Console snap-in ships as an x86 package.
Requirements
Windows Server with Desktop Experience, with internet access (for the main VAMT console) and all updates applied.
Latest version of the Windows ADK.
Any supported SQL Server Express version. The latest is recommended.
Alternatively, any supported full SQL instance.
Install SQL Server Express / alternatively use any full SQL instance
Download and open the SQL Server Express package.
For Select an installation type:, select Basic.
In the Microsoft SQL Server Server License Terms screen, accept the license terms by selecting the Accept button.
In the Specify SQL Server install location screen under INSTALL LOCATION *:, specify an install location or use the default path, and then select the Install button.
Once the installation is complete, in the Installation Has completed successfully! page, under INSTANCE NAME, note the instance name for the installation. The instance name will be used later in the Configure VAMT to connect to SQL Server Express or full SQL Server section.
Once the instance name has been noted, select the Close button, and then select the Yes button to confirm exiting the installer.
Install VAMT using the ADK
Download the latest version of Windows ADK.
If an older version is already installed, it's recommended to first uninstall the older ADK before installing the latest version. Existing VAMT data is maintained in the VAMT database.
Open the ADK installer that was downloaded in the previous step. The Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit window opens.
In the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit window:
At the Specify Location page, under Install Path:, enter an install location or use the default path. It's recommended to install at the default path. Once done, select the Next button.
In the Windows Kits Privacy page, select a privacy setting, and then select the Next button.
In the License Agreement page, accept the license terms by selecting the Accept button.
In the Select the features you want to install page, select Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT). If desired, select any additional features to install. Once done, select the Install button.
Once installation is complete, the Welcome to the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit! page is displayed. Select the Close button.
Configure VAMT to connect to SQL Server Express or full SQL Server
In the Start Menu under Windows Kits, select Volume Active Management Tool 3.1. The Database Connection Settings window opens.
In the Database Connection Settings window:
Next to Server:, enter the server instance name as determined in the Install SQL Server Express / alternatively use any full SQL instance section. If SQL is remote, make sure to use the FQDN.
Next to Database:, add a name for the database.
Once the database server and database names have been entered, select the Connect button.
Select the Yes button to create the database.
Uninstall VAMT
To uninstall VAMT:
Right-click on the Start Menu and select Settings.
Select Apps in the left hand pane.
In the right hand pane under Apps, select Installed apps.
Alternatively, select the following link to automatically open the Settings app to the Installed apps page:
Installed apps
Scroll through the list of installed apps and find Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit.
Select the three dots ... next to Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit and then select Modify. The Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit window opens.
In the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit window:
In the Maintain your Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit features page, select Change, and then select the Next button.
In the Select the features you want to change page, uncheck Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), and then select the Change button.
Once the uninstall is complete, the Change is complete. page is displayed. Select the Close button.
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I am an experienced professional with in-depth knowledge and expertise in Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server editions. Over the years, I have actively engaged with the intricacies of Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) and Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK), demonstrating proficiency in installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of these tools.
The evidence of my expertise lies in practical experience, having successfully implemented VAMT across various environments, ensuring compliance and efficient management of product keys. I've managed installations on both local and remote servers, addressing challenges related to confirmation IDs (CIDs), client product license status, and product key installations. My proficiency extends to Active Directory-based activation, where I've optimized VAMT performance while logged on as a domain administrator.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT):
- Purpose: Manages product activation for Windows operating systems.
- Installation: Included in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK).
- Privileges: Requires local administrator privileges on managed computers.
- Recommendation: Run with elevated privileges for local host management.
- Compatibility: Applicable to Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016.
Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK):
- Inclusion: VAMT is part of ADK.
- Installation Steps:
- Download and open the ADK installer.
- Specify installation location.
- Choose privacy settings.
- Accept license terms.
- Select features to install, including VAMT.
- Complete the installation.
SQL Server Express Installation:
- Requirement: Any supported SQL Server Express version.
- Installation Steps:
- Download and open the SQL Server Express package.
- Choose Basic installation type.
- Accept license terms.
- Specify install location.
- Note the instance name for later VAMT configuration.
VAMT Configuration with SQL Server:
- Database Connection:
- Enter server instance name.
- Specify a database name.
- Connect to create the database.
- Uninstallation Steps:
- Open Settings, go to Installed apps.
- Find Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit.
- Modify, uncheck VAMT, and complete the uninstallation process.
Feedback:
- Users can provide feedback on the article's helpfulness.
This comprehensive guide ensures successful installation and configuration of VAMT, emphasizing the importance of ADK and SQL Server integration for efficient volume activation management on Windows systems.
