Tutorial / Cram Notes
Before implementing Windows subscription-based activation, it’s important to understand that it requires a user to have a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription, such as Microsoft 365 E3 or E5. When a user signs in to a device using their Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account for the first time, the system checks for a valid Microsoft 365 subscription that includes Windows Enterprise. If found, the Windows 10/11 Enterprise operating system activates automatically.
Prerequisites for Subscription-Based Activation
To implement subscription-based activation, there are several prerequisites:
- Devices must be running Windows 10 Pro, version 1703 or later, or Windows 11 Pro.
- Users must have a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes Windows Enterprise.
- Devices must be Azure AD joined or Hybrid Azure AD joined to the user’s primary organization.
Step-by-Step Guide to Implement Subscription-Based Activation
Step 1: Prepare the Environment
Ensure all devices are upgraded to Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, and meet the minimum version requirements. Verify that you have the required Microsoft 365 licensing in place for your users.
Step 2: Join Devices to Azure AD
For Azure AD Join, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school and connect the device to Azure AD.
For Hybrid Azure AD Join, you need to configure Azure AD Connect and ensure your on-premises Active Directory synchronizes with Azure AD.
Step 3: Assign Licenses to Users
Assign a Microsoft 365 license that includes Windows Enterprise to your users. This can be done from the Microsoft 365 admin center by navigating to Users > Active users, selecting the user, and assigning the license.
Step 4: Verify Activation
Have the user sign in with their Azure AD account on the device. To check if activation was successful, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. It should indicate that Windows is activated with a digital license tied to the user’s Microsoft 365 subscription.
Step 5: Manage Activation Status
Keep track of activation statuses using the Microsoft 365 admin center or other management tools like Microsoft Intune.
Troubleshooting Activation Issues
If a device fails to activate, ensure that:
- The user has a valid and assigned Microsoft 365 license that includes Windows Enterprise.
- The device is properly joined to Azure AD or Hybrid Azure AD.
- The user is signing in with the correct Azure AD account.
Benefits of Subscription-Based Activation
- Simplifies Activation: Eliminates the need for traditional product key activation.
- Scalability: Ideal for organizations where employees frequently change devices.
- Cost-Effective: Part of Microsoft 365 subscription without additional cost.
- Flexibility: Activation moves with the user, allowing them to use different devices.
Conclusion
Implementing Windows subscription-based activation provides a seamless activation process for organizations invested in Microsoft 365. By following the outlined steps and ensuring the prerequisites are met, IT admins can streamline the activation process, allowing users to easily transfer their active Windows Enterprise subscriptions across devices and ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Windows subscription-based activation does not require a device to be Azure AD-joined.
- False
Windows subscription-based activation requires devices to be either Azure AD-joined or Hybrid Azure AD-joined.
True or False: Subscription-based activation is only available for Windows 10 Pro and not for Windows 10 Enterprise.
- False
Subscription-based activation is available for Windows 10 Enterprise, enabling users with the appropriate license to automatically have their Windows 10 Pro upgraded to Enterprise.
Which of the following licenses allow for Windows subscription-based activation? (Choose all that apply)
- A) Microsoft 365 F1
- B) Microsoft 365 E3
- C) Microsoft 365 E5
- D) Windows 10 Home
Answer: B, C
Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 include Windows 10/11 Enterprise as part of the subscription, which enables subscription-based activation.
True or False: Subscription-based activation requires an internet connection for the initial activation process.
- True
An internet connection is required for the device to reach the Microsoft activation servers and complete the subscription-based activation process.
Which of the following components are required for a hybrid Azure AD-joined device to support subscription-based activation? (Choose all that apply)
- A) Device must be running Windows Server 2012 R2 or later
- B) Azure AD Connect
- C) A federated domain environment
- D) A KMS (Key Management Service) server
Answer: B
Azure AD Connect is required for synchronization between on-premises Active Directory and Azure Active Directory, which is necessary for hybrid Azure AD join—a prerequisite for subscription-based activation.
True or False: A KMS server is required for Windows subscription-based activation.
- False
A KMS server is not required for subscription-based activation, as this activation method uses the users’ licenses tied to their Azure AD account.
Subscription-based activation automatically upgrades which edition of Windows to Enterprise when a user signs in with a qualifying license?
- A) Windows 10/11 Home
- B) Windows 10/11 Pro
- C) Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC
- D) Windows 1 Pro
Answer: B
Subscription-based activation upgrades Windows 10/11 Pro to Windows 10/11 Enterprise when a user signs in with a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription license.
True or False: Volume licensing keys are needed for each device when using Windows subscription-based activation.
- False
Volume Licensing Keys are not needed for Windows subscription-based activation, as it uses digital entitlement based on the user’s subscription.
True or False: Subscription-based activations are permanent and do not expire if a user’s subscription ends.
- False
Subscription-based activations are tied to a valid subscription; if the subscription ends, the activation rights for Windows Enterprise also end and the device will eventually revert to Windows 10/11 Pro.
To complete Windows subscription-based activation, the devices need to connect to which of the following services?
- A) Microsoft Update
- B) Windows Store
- C) Microsoft Activation Services
- D) Azure Active Directory
Answer: C, D
For the activation to work, the device must be able to connect to Microsoft Activation Services via the internet and be registered with Azure Active Directory.
True or False: Multiple Activation Key (MAK) can be used with subscription-based activation for activating Windows.
- False
Multiple Activation Key (MAK) is not used with subscription-based activation, which is tied to user licenses in Azure AD rather than using a traditional volume license key like MAK.
For which scenario is Windows subscription-based activation particularly beneficial?
- A) Organizations using perpetual volume licensing
- B) Organizations with a fluctuating workforce that require flexible software licensing
- C) Organizations that do not use cloud services
- D) Organizations that only use on-premises Active Directory
Answer: B
Subscription-based activation offers a flexible licensing model that is well-suited to organizations with a fluctuating workforce, adapting to the changing number of users and their licensing needs.
Interview Questions
What is Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
Windows Subscription-Based Activation is a way of activating Windows 10 Enterprise or Education using a subscription-based model.
What are the benefits of Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
Windows Subscription-Based Activation provides greater flexibility and scalability for organizations that need to deploy Windows 10 across a large number of devices.
What licensing plans are available for Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
Licensing plans for Windows Subscription-Based Activation include the Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 plan.
What is an Azure AD tenant and why is it needed for Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
An Azure AD tenant is a cloud-based identity and access management service that allows organizations to manage user accounts and authentication. It is needed for Windows Subscription-Based Activation to connect to the on-premises Active Directory environment.
How can organizations set up an Azure AD tenant for Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
Organizations can set up an Azure AD tenant by following the steps outlined in the Microsoft technical documentation.
What are the steps to configure Windows 10 devices for Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
The steps to configure Windows 10 devices for Windows Subscription-Based Activation include signing in to the Azure AD tenant and activating the devices.
How can organizations monitor and manage their Windows Subscription-Based Activation subscriptions?
Organizations can monitor and manage their Windows Subscription-Based Activation subscriptions using the Azure portal.
What are some of the best practices for planning and implementing Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
Best practices for planning and implementing Windows Subscription-Based Activation include evaluating the need for SBA, choosing the appropriate licensing plan, setting up an Azure AD tenant, configuring Windows 10 devices, and monitoring and managing subscriptions.
What are the system requirements for Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
The system requirements for Windows Subscription-Based Activation include Windows 10 Enterprise or Education version 1709 or later, an Azure AD tenant, and an active subscription.
Can Windows Subscription-Based Activation be used with on-premises Active Directory?
Yes, Windows Subscription-Based Activation can be used with on-premises Active Directory by connecting the Azure AD tenant to the on-premises environment.
How does Windows Subscription-Based Activation compare to traditional licensing models?
Windows Subscription-Based Activation provides greater flexibility and scalability compared to traditional licensing models, which require perpetual licenses for each device.
What is the role of the Azure portal in Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
The Azure portal is used to monitor and manage Windows Subscription-Based Activation subscriptions.
How can IT administrators troubleshoot issues with Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
IT administrators can troubleshoot issues with Windows Subscription-Based Activation by reviewing error messages and logs, and contacting Microsoft support as needed.
What are some of the limitations of Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
Limitations of Windows Subscription-Based Activation include the requirement for an active subscription and an Azure AD tenant.
How can organizations ensure that they are using the appropriate number of licenses for Windows Subscription-Based Activation?
Organizations can ensure that they are using the appropriate number of licenses for Windows Subscription-Based Activation by monitoring their subscriptions and deactivating devices that are no longer in use.
Great post! Really clarified a lot about Windows subscription-based activation.
Can someone explain how the subscription-based activation affects existing on-prem AD environments?
Is there a way to automate the subscription activation through scripts?
Can someone share their experiences with deploying this in a large enterprise?
I think the documentation from Microsoft lacks clarity on troubleshooting steps.
Thanks for this detailed guide!
What are the main benefits of switching to subscription-based activation?
Great information, but could you also discuss the limitations of subscription-based activation?