🔑 Windows 11 Activation Using KMS Client Keys (GVLKs)

This article details the legitimate process for activating Windows 11 using a Key Management Service (KMS) client key. This method is exclusively intended for organizations, educational institutions, and volume licensing customers with a valid KMS host server.

⚠️ Important Licensing Disclaimer

KMS Client Keys (GVLKs) are for Volume Licensing ONLY. These keys are designed to communicate with a company- or school-managed KMS host server. Using these keys on a personal machine without a valid volume license agreement, or pointing them to unauthorized servers, violates Microsoft's terms of service and is considered software piracy.

Activation via KMS is temporary and must be renewed by connecting to the KMS server every 180 days.

📋 Step 1: Identify and Install the Generic Volume License Key (GVLK)

The first step is to install the public GVLK key that corresponds to your specific Windows 11 edition.

Common GVLK Keys for Windows 11 Editions

Windows 11 Edition	GVLK / KMS Client Key
Windows 11 Pro	W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
Windows 11 Enterprise	NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43
Windows 11 Education	NW6C2-QMPVW-D7KKK-3GKT6-VCFB2

1. Open an **Elevated Command Prompt**: Press Win key, type cmd, right-click "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
2. Install the Key: Execute the command below, substituting the key for your edition:

slmgr /ipk W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX (Example for Windows 11 Pro)

A successful message will confirm the key was installed.

⚙️ Step 2: Configure the KMS Host Server Address

This step tells your Windows client where to find the server responsible for activation.

3. Specify Host: Run the following command, replacing <KMS_Server_Address> with the specific address (hostname or IP) provided by your organization's IT department.

slmgr /skms <KMS_Server_Address>

✔️ Step 3: Trigger the Activation

Finally, instruct the client to attempt activation with the designated server.

4. Activate: Run the activation command:

slmgr /ato

If successful, a confirmation window will appear, and Windows 11 will be activated for the next 180 days, requiring a check-in with the host server before expiration.

❓ How to Check Activation Status

To view your current activation status and expiration date, run this command in the elevated Command Prompt:

slmgr /dlv