Multiple Activation Keys (MAK) is a type of Volume Licensing from Microsoft for Windows. It allows you to activate multiple computers with the same key, but there is a limit on the count. However, one drawback of using an MAK is that if a computer undergoes re-installation, the key will no longer be valid, and you will need a new MAK key to activate Windows. In this post, we will talk about some tips to troubleshoot MAK Activation errors and issues.
MAK Activation Troubleshooting Tips in Window Server or Windows 11/10
How can I tell if the computer is activated?
- Go to Windows 11 Settings > System > Activation and check the status.
- Go to Windows 10 Settings > Update & Security > Activation and check the status.
Or run the following command-line option to check on activation status:
Slmgr.vbs /dli
The computer will not activate over the Internet
If you are not able to activate the computer over the internet, you can check on the following:
- Independent activation: If there is no corporate network in your organization, it is best to activate the computer over the telephone.
- Proxy activation: If there is a corporate network, you can use MAK Proxy activation. It can send activation requests in bulk. IT admin will have to set up MAK Proxy. This can be done using the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT).
Here is the official list of URLs to the Proxy Authentication exclusion list:
http://go.microsoft.com/* https://sls.microsoft.com/* https://sls.microsoft.com:443 http://crl.microsoft.com/pki/crl/products/MicrosoftRootAuthority.crl http://crl.microsoft.com/pki/crl/products/MicrosoftProductSecureCommunications.crl http://www.microsoft.com/pki/crl/products/MicrosoftProductSecureCommunications.crl http://crl.microsoft.com/pki/crl/products/MicrosoftProductSecureServer.crl http://www.microsoft.com/pki/crl/products/MicrosoftProductSecureServer.crl
MAK Activation fails on Internet and telephone
Connect with a local Microsoft Activation Center. You can also call Microsoft Activation Centers over the phone. You will have to provide the Volume License agreement information and proof of purchase when calling.
Slmgr.vbs /ato returns an error code
slmgr.vbs is a Microsoft command-line licensing tool. It is a Visual Basic script to configure licensing. When you run this script, it may return a hexadecimal error code. To determine the corresponding error message run the following script:
Slui.exe 0x2a 0x ErrorCode
Use Diagnostic Tool
Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) simplifies Windows KMS Activation troubleshooting. This tool will try to activate Windows or display targeted solutions for known error codes.
Let us know if these MAK Activation Troubleshooting suggestions helped you. Also, if you have anything else that you often use, let us know in the comments.
Read: Troubleshoot Windows Activation Errors: List of error codes and fixes.
How do I troubleshoot Windows 11 activation key?
You can fix some Windows 11 Activation errors using the Activation troubleshooter, but we recommend you get the error code, click on the search icon, and enter to find the best troubleshooting guide for you. Then, you can follow that guide and resolve your issue.
