In short: a volume licence (MAK key) is a single key that activates a set number of devices, for example 5, 10 or 100. Each activated PC uses one activation. For a small business it is easier to manage than dozens of individual keys: one invoice, one key to keep, and command-line activation that is easy to script.
MAK key or individual keys?
| Individual keys (OEM or Retail) | Volume licence (MAK) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of keys | One per PC | One for the whole batch |
| Invoicing | One line per licence | A single invoice |
| Activation | Entered PC by PC | Scriptable, batch deployment |
| Best for | 1 to 4 PCs | 5 devices or more |
The installed software is the same: only the licensing model changes. The full comparison of licence types is in our guide OEM, Retail or volume licence.
Activating Windows 11 Pro on each PC
On each PC running Windows 11 Pro, open Terminal (Admin) and type:
slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
slmgr /atoThe first command installs the MAK key, the second activates the PC with Microsoft. slmgr /dli then confirms the VOLUME_MAK channel. PCs running Windows 11 Home must first be upgraded to Pro: entering the Pro key in Settings > System > Activation starts the upgrade without reinstalling.
Activating Office 2024 Professional Plus
The volume version is installed with Microsoft's Office Deployment Tool and a configuration file that contains the key. On a PC where Office is already installed, the key is added from the command line, in the Office folder:
cscript ospp.vbs /inpkey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
cscript ospp.vbs /actThe full procedure, including the configuration file, is in our guide Install and activate Office 2024 Professional Plus.
Tracking remaining activations
Each successful activation counts down one unit. For a small fleet, a simple spreadsheet (PC, user, activation date) is enough. Beyond that, the free VAMT (Volume Activation Management Tool), provided by Microsoft with the Windows ADK, shows the number of remaining activations and activates several machines remotely.
Best practice
- Allow some headroom: a replaced PC or a new motherboard uses a new activation.
- Keep the key in-house: it is for your organisation, not for your customers or third parties.
- Keep the invoice: it is your proof of licence in the event of an audit.
- Windows 10: compatible PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for free; the others can use paid ESU until October 2028. See Windows 10 end of support.
Frequently asked questions
Are volume licences only for large companies?
No. They become worthwhile from 5 devices: professional firms, shops, non-profits, schools or IT providers equipping their customers one by one.
Do I need a server to use a MAK key?
No. Each PC activates directly with Microsoft over the internet. A server is only needed for KMS activation, which is meant for very large fleets.
Can I mix Windows and Office in the same order?
Yes, but they are two separate licences, each with its own key: one Windows 11 Pro key and one Office 2024 Professional Plus key, for the number of devices you need.
What happens when all activations have been used?
PCs that are already activated keep working normally. For an additional PC, you need a new licence.
Our business licences cover 5 to 100 devices for Windows 11 Pro and Office 2024 Professional Plus, with a single key and an invoice in your company's name.