---
title: Monitor activation (Windows 10)
ms.reviewer: nganguly
manager: aaroncz
ms.author: frankroj
description: Understand the most common methods to monitor the success of the activation process for a computer running Windows.
ms.prod: windows-client
author: frankroj
ms.localizationpriority: medium
ms.topic: article
ms.technology: itpro-fundamentals
ms.date: 11/07/2022
---

# Monitor activation

**Applies to:**

- Windows 10
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2008 R2

> [!TIP]
> Are you looking for information on retail activation?
>
> - [Activate Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/help/12440/)
> - [Product activation for Windows](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=618644)

You can monitor the success of the activation process for a computer running Windows in several ways. The most popular methods include:

- Using the Volume Licensing Service Center website to track use of MAK keys.

- Using the `Slmgr /dlv` command on a client computer or on the KMS host. For a full list of options, see [Slmgr.vbs options](/previous-versions//ff793433(v=technet.10)).

- Viewing the licensing status, which is exposed through Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI); therefore, it's available to non-Microsoft or custom tools that can access WMI. (Windows PowerShell can also access WMI information.)

- Most licensing actions and events are recorded in the Event log (ex: Application Log events 12288-12290).

- Microsoft System Center Operations Manager and the KMS Management Pack can provide insight and information to users of System Center Operations Manager.

- See [Troubleshooting activation error codes](/windows-server/get-started/activation-error-codes) for information about troubleshooting procedures for Multiple Activation Key (MAK) or the Key Management Service (KMS).

- The VAMT provides a single site from which to manage and monitor volume activations. This feature is explained in the next section.

## Related articles

[Volume Activation for Windows 10](volume-activation-windows-10.md)