Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT)

Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) was developed by Microsoft to support IT administrators. VAMT creates a safer, more efficient, and centralized IT environment for businesses. This article describes what VAMT is, the system requirements needed to use it, and how it can be installed.

What is the Volume Activation Management Tool?

VAMT is an application from Microsoft designed to assist IT administrators in automating and managing the activation process for volume licenses within organizations. VAMT provides a centralized way to manage software activation, enabling the seamless activation of Windows, Microsoft Office, and/or other Microsoft products. Additionally, VAMT offers insight into the activation status of various devices, making volume license management simpler. Furthermore, VAMT allows organizations to perform "proxy" management, which means IT administrators can activate devices on their behalf when these devices lack a direct internet connection.

Volume Activation Management Tool: Requirements

Several requirements must be met to use VAMT:

Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server (2016 or later)

Software: Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) with the Volume Activation Management Tool component

Network: Access to Microsoft’s activation servers or a local KMS host system for volume activation

Volume License Key: Access to MAK and/or KMS keys issued by Microsoft

In addition, VAMT uses an SQL Server database to store activation data. SQL Server Express can be used as a free option for this purpose.

Volume Activation Management Tool: Installation

VAMT can only be used after it has been installed on a device. Below are the steps required to install VAMT:

• Download and install the latest version of Windows ADK: This can be done via Microsoft's official website.
• Configure the SQL Server database: Establish a connection to an SQL Server database.
• Add volume license keys: MAK or KMS keys can be added via the "Add Product Keys" option. These keys will be verified and stored in the database by VAMT.
• Detect devices on the network: This is done through IP ranges, Active Directory, or manually entered lists.
• Activate devices: Select devices in VAMT and perform online activation or proxy activation for offline devices.

Volume Activation Management Tool: Features

Proxy Activation: Devices without direct internet access can still be activated using proxy activation.

Centralized Activation Management: IT administrators can manage activations for multiple devices from one central location, streamlining the activation process, especially for large organizations.

Automated Workflows: Tasks such as retrieving activation statuses, scanning devices, and performing activations can be automated.

Reporting and Monitoring: VAMT provides detailed reports on the activation status of devices, allowing administrators to identify which devices still require action and which have been successfully activated.

Security and Control: VAMT uses a secure database to store activation data, accessible only to authorized users.

Support for Multiple Product Types: In addition to Windows, VAMT also supports the activation of Microsoft Office products and other software with volume licenses.