This activation model allows users to activate their Windows 10 devices using a Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 subscription, as well as Microsoft 365 E3, E5, F3, A1, and A3, or A5 subscription. Here, the activation is linked to the user’s subscription, eliminating the need for traditional activation management.
Planning Windows Subscription-Based Activation
Planning is the first and most critical step in implementing Windows subscription-based activation. Here are some key points to consider:
- Licensing Needs: Define your organization’s licensing needs. This includes identifying the types of licenses required, the number of licenses, and possible redundancies or gaps.
- Deployment Strategy: Decide on a deployment plan. Consider factors such as the preferred deployment method (like manual, bulk, or hybrid), as well as various user and device considerations.
- Technical Requirements: Ensure that the technical requirements are met. This could include adequate network bandwidth, connection to the internet, and installation of the latest Windows updates.
Implementing Windows Subscription-Based Activation
The implementation process may primarily involve the steps below:
- Acquire Subscription: Acquire an eligible subscription from Microsoft 365, either the Enterprise E3 or E5 license.
- Assign License: Assign the license to the intended users from the Microsoft 365 admin center.
- Verify Activation Status: After the license assignment, log in to the device with the assigned user subscription to verify the activation status. Navigate to “Settings > Update & Security > Activation” and ensure it’s activated through the subscription.
Remember that subscriptions are user-based, so a single subscription can cover multiple devices for the same user, depending on the subscription terms.
Advantages of Windows Subscription-Based Activation
- Flexibility: One of its main benefits is its flexibility. Since it’s linked to a user’s subscription, it allows for easy activation of new devices and reassignment of licenses as needed.
- Efficiency: Subscription-based activation is more efficient, giving control over licensing from a central location and reducing manual work.
- Compliance: It simplifies license management and helps ensure compliance by automatically deactivating licenses for users who leave the organization or no longer require the software.
| Traditional Activation | Subscription Based Activation |
|---|---|
| Device-based activation | User-based activation |
| Manual management | Centralized management |
| Limited flexibility | High flexibility |
Mastering the planning and implementation of Windows subscription-based activation equips IT professionals better for managing activations effectively, in line with Microsoft’s recommendations. Be sure to use these insights to enhance your readiness for this critical aspect of the MS-101 Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security exam.
Practice Test
True or False: Windows subscription-based activation uses the Office 365 infrastructure to manage activations.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: This type of activation utilizes the Office 365 infrastructure, simplifying the management process by using existing Office 365 user IDs.
What is the primary requirement for using subscription-based activation for Windows 10 Enterprise?
- A. Office 365 Education subscription
- B. Office 365 E5 subscription
- C. Office 365 E3 or E5 subscription
- D. No subscription is required
Answer: C. Office 365 E3 or E5 subscription
Explanation: In order to harness the services of subscription-based activation, the user must have an Office 365 Enterprise E3 or E5 subscription.
True or False: Subscription-based activation requires every device to be connected to the organization’s network to complete activation.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: With the adoption of cloud-based services, devices do not need to be connected to the organization’s internal network. They just need an internet connection.
In the Windows subscription-based activation, which of the following are true?
- A. The requirements for subscription activation are different for Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise.
- B. Windows 10 Pro has a direct path to become Windows 10 Enterprise with subscription activation.
- C. Subscription activation only works for Windows 10 Enterprise.
Answer: B. Windows 10 Pro has a direct path to become Windows 10 Enterprise with subscription activation.
Explanation: Subscription-based activation provides a straight forward path for Windows 10 Pro to move to Windows 10 Enterprise, without any requirement for rebooting.
True or False: Users with a valid subscription license can activate their Windows 10 devices, regardless of their location.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: This subscription-based service allows users to activate their Windows 10 devices anywhere, provided they have a valid subscription license and internet access.
Which of the following conditions are valid for Subscription Activation of Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5 in shared PC mode?
- A. Devices must be Windows 10, version 1703 or later
- B. Users must have Windows E3 or E5 licenses associated with their user account
- C. Users must have administrative privileges on their machine
Answer: A. Devices must be Windows 10, version 1703 or later and B. Users must have Windows E3 or E5 licenses associated with their user account.
Explanation: The device being used must be running on Windows 10, version 1703 or later and the user account must be equipped with Windows E3 or E5 licenses for correct subscription activation. Users do not require administrative privileges.
True or False: Windows subscription-based activation is completely fault-proof and has no known issues.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: There are known issues that can occur during the subscription-based activation process including errors when your account is not recognized or if credentials expire.
Multiple select: Which of the following types of devices can be activated by subscription-based activation?
- A. Windows 10 Enterprise
- B. Windows 10 Pro
- C. Windows 1
- D. Windows 7
Answer: A. Windows 10 Enterprise and B. Windows 10 Pro.
Explanation: Subscription-based activation works for devices running either Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Pro.
Can chosen users be allowed to activate their subscription on multiple devices?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: A. Yes
Explanation: Subscription-based activation allows users to activate the service on more than one device, proving useful especially for users who use multiple devices.
True or False: Once Windows subscription-based activation is done once, it is valid until the device is in use.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Windows subscription-based activation should be reactivated every 30 days to update the license status. A grace period of up to 180 days is allowed.
Interview Questions
What is a Windows subscription-based activation?
A Windows subscription-based activation is a licensing method that binds a Windows machine to a user’s organizational accounts in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) or Active Directory to allow them to activate a subscription license.
Can Windows Enterprise E3 and E5 be deployed with subscription-based activation?
Yes, Windows 10 Enterprise E3 and E5 can be deployed with the use of subscription-based activation.
What type of windows version do we need for subscription-based activation?
Subscription-based activation requires Windows 10 version 1703 or later.
What type of license must an organization have to setup subscription-based activation?
An organization must have a Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 subscription through Microsoft CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) in order to set up subscription-based activation.
Can a hybrid Azure AD joined device use a subscription-based activation?
Yes, as of Windows 10, version 1803, hybrid Azure AD joined devices are also supported for subscription-based activation.
What is the main requirement for a device to use subscription-based activation?
The device must be joined to Azure AD or to your organization’s network connected with a Hybrid Azure AD joined device if you want to use subscription-based activation.
What will happen when a user with a subscription-based license logs into a Windows 10 Pro device?
When a user logs in with their organizational credentials into a Windows 10 Pro device, it will automatically step up to Windows 10 Enterprise and all the associated features will be enabled.
Are Windows 10 IoT Enterprise devices eligible for subscription-based activation?
No, Subscription-based activation is not applicable for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise devices.
What are some prerequisites for setting up subscription-based activation?
The prerequisites include having a subscription to a Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 license, and devices running Windows 10 version 1703 or later.
Can subscription-based activation be used if Windows 10 machines are not connected to the internet?
No, subscription-based activation requires that the Windows 10 machine stays connected to the internet for activation checks.
If the subscription license expires, what happens to the Windows 10 Enterprise activation?
If the subscription license expires, ends, or is transferred to another user, the Windows 10 Enterprise device will revert seamlessly to Windows 10 Pro edition after a grace period.
What is used to track the usage of Windows subscription-based activations?
Azure Active Directory is used to track the usage of the Windows subscription-based activations.
How can administrators check the activation status of Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 devices?
Administrators can check the activation status of Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 devices via the Microsoft 365 admin center or, locally, via the Settings > Update & Security > Activation screen on the device.
What steps does the user need to take to trigger the “step up” from Windows Pro to Windows Enterprise?
The user just needs to sign in with the Azure AD account assigned with the Windows 10 Enterprise license, the “step up” process would occur automatically.
Can the downgrade from Windows 10 Enterprise to Pro be automated once the subscription ends?
Yes, the downgrade process is automated. Once the subscription ends, after a grace period, the system automatically downgrades to Windows 10 Pro.
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