How to Activate Windows VM Using Massgrave

To use Massgrave (specifically the Microsoft Activation Scripts, or MAS) to activate a Windows virtual machine (VM), follow these steps. MAS is an open-source tool that provides various activation methods for Windows, such as HWID, KMS38, and Online KMS. Since you're activating a VM, the HWID method is often recommended as it provides a permanent digital license tied to the virtual hardware, but other methods like KMS38 or Online KMS can also work depending on your needs.

Step 1: Ensure Prerequisites

• Your Windows VM is installed and running (e.g., on VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V).
• You have internet access on the VM (required for most activation methods, though KMS38 can work offline).
• You're using a supported version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10 or 11; some methods also support Windows Server).

Step 2: Access the MAS Tool

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
   • On your Windows VM, right-click the Start menu.
   • Select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Terminal (Admin)" if using Windows 11. Do not use Command Prompt (CMD), as MAS requires PowerShell.
2. Run the MAS Script:
   • Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:

     irm https://get.activated.win | iex

   • This command downloads and executes the latest MAS script directly from the official source. "irm" stands for Invoke-RestMethod, and "iex" stands for Invoke-Expression.

Step 3: Choose an Activation Method

After running the command, a menu will appear in PowerShell with several options. For a VM, the best choices are typically:

• [1] HWID: This method generates a permanent digital license tied to the VM's hardware ID. It mimics Microsoft's official digital license process and is ideal for long-term use.
• [3] KMS38: This activates Windows until January 19, 2038, without requiring an internet connection after activation. It's a good offline option but not a true digital license.
• [4] Online KMS: This activates Windows for 180 days (renewable) by connecting to a public KMS server. It's simpler but requires periodic renewal.

To proceed:

1. Type the number corresponding to your chosen method (e.g., 1 for HWID) and press Enter.
2. Follow any on-screen prompts. For HWID, it will check your system and attempt activation automatically if internet is available.

Step 4: Verify Activation

• After the script completes, check the activation status:
  • In PowerShell, type slmgr /xpr and press Enter.
  • A pop-up will show whether Windows is activated (e.g., "Windows is activated with a digital license" for HWID).
• Alternatively, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation in the VM to confirm.

Notes for VMs

• HWID Recommendation: HWID is often the best choice for VMs because it binds the activation to the virtual hardware, which rarely changes unless you reconfigure the VM significantly (e.g., CPU or disk changes). It mimics a legitimate license and survives reinstalls if you use the same VM setup.
• VM Compatibility: MAS works with VMs on platforms like VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V. Posts on X and GitHub discussions (e.g., from March 2024) confirm HWID as a reliable method for VMware nodes.
• Legal Note: MAS uses unofficial methods to bypass Microsoft's activation. While it's widely used and open-source (you can inspect the code on GitHub), it's not a legal substitute for purchasing a genuine license. Use it at your own discretion, ideally for testing or educational purposes.

Troubleshooting

• Errors: If the script fails, read the PowerShell output for troubleshooting tips (often in blue text). Common issues include lack of internet (for HWID/Online KMS) or an unsupported Windows version.
• Alternative Method: If HWID doesn't work, try KMS38 or Online KMS by selecting options [3] or [4] in the menu.
• Manual Activation: For more control, visit massgrave.dev, download the scripts, and run them manually from the VM after extracting the ZIP file. Instructions are on the site.

That's it! Your Windows VM should now be activated.