Anyone using MAK licensing for non-persistent devices? https://docs.citrix.com/en-us/citrix-virtual-apps-desktops/install-configure/machine-catalogs-create#multiple-activation-key-mak •

Offline Activation: If the Windows system is not able to connect to the internet to do the online activation, MCS gets a confirmation id and an installation id from the Microsoft server to get the Windows system activated. This way of activation is useful for non-persistent machine catalogs.

That's exactly what I want to achieve. Is my understanding correct, that I need to create the following key, even if it states "If you aren't using image preparation"? 1. If you aren’t using image preparation: a. Add the registry DWORD value

Manual

under

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform\Activation

. b. Set the value to

1

. 2. This method disables the option of online activation.

Wouldn't you then have to go though that activation process every boot.

I have previously, the machine activates as the article mentions once the reg entry and requirements were in place.

Far better to do KMS. I have had MAK blow up in the middle of nowhere for no reason.

Don’t you get a limited number of activations on mak aswell. Sure it used to be about 1000 per key, something like that. KMS is the preferred option.

ADBA for the win. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/volume-activation/active-directory-based-activation-overview

We'll switch to KMS and evaluate this: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/automatic-vm-activation?tabs=server2025