The main differences between the old KMS endpoint (used in on-premises environments) and the new KMS endpoint provided by Azure for activating Windows VMs are summarized below:
1. KMS Endpoint Location
- Old KMS Endpoint (On-Premises):
- Endpoint: The KMS host server is set up and managed within your organization’s network. The DNS name and IP address are defined by your internal IT team.
- Custom DNS Name: You typically use a custom DNS name like
kms.yourdomain.comor directly configure the IP address of the KMS host server on each client. - Management: The organization is responsible for deploying, configuring, and maintaining the KMS server.
- New KMS Endpoint (Azure):
- Endpoint: Azure provides a globally accessible KMS endpoint,
kms.core.windows.net, that is automatically used by Windows VMs running in Azure. - Built-in DNS Name: The DNS name
kms.core.windows.netis pre-configured in Azure, so no custom DNS setup is required. - Management: Azure manages the KMS service entirely, removing the need for the organization to maintain its own KMS server.
- Endpoint: Azure provides a globally accessible KMS endpoint,
2. Activation Process
- Old KMS Endpoint (On-Premises):
- Manual Setup: You must manually configure clients to point to the internal KMS server either through DNS SRV records, GPO settings, or direct configuration.
- Activation: Clients send activation requests to the internal KMS server over the local network.
- New KMS Endpoint (Azure):
- Automatic Setup: Azure VMs are automatically configured to use the Azure KMS endpoint without requiring any additional setup. The VMs recognize the Azure environment and reach out to
kms.core.windows.netfor activation. - Activation: Activation requests are automatically sent to the Azure KMS service, simplifying the process and ensuring consistency across all VMs in Azure.
- Automatic Setup: Azure VMs are automatically configured to use the Azure KMS endpoint without requiring any additional setup. The VMs recognize the Azure environment and reach out to
3. Port Used
- Old KMS Endpoint (On-Premises):
- Port: KMS clients connect to the KMS host over TCP port 1688. This port must be open and accessible within your internal network.
- New KMS Endpoint (Azure):
- Port: The same TCP port 1688 is used for communication between Azure VMs and the Azure KMS service. However, this is managed by Azure, so no additional configuration is required on your part.
4. Responsibility and Maintenance
- Old KMS Endpoint (On-Premises):
- Responsibility: The organization is responsible for the upkeep, availability, and troubleshooting of the KMS server.
- Maintenance: Regular updates, security patches, and troubleshooting are necessary to keep the KMS server functional.
- New KMS Endpoint (Azure):
- Responsibility: Azure handles the entire KMS infrastructure, ensuring that the service is always available and up-to-date.
- Maintenance: No maintenance is required from your side, freeing up IT resources and reducing the complexity of license management.
Summary of Changes:
- KMS Location: From an on-premises, self-managed server to a cloud-based, Azure-managed service.
- Configuration: Shift from manual setup to automatic configuration.
- Management: Transition from organizational responsibility to Azure’s management, reducing overhead.
- Consistency: Azure provides a consistent and standardized activation process across all Azure VMs.
These changes simplify the activation process, reduce the need for internal management, and align with the modern cloud-based infrastructure of Azure.
