There are two ways to activate Windows: Digital Activation and KMS Activation.
What is the difference between these two types of activation?
Digital activation
The digital activation right is permanent. No matter how many times you've reinstalled your system or reset your computer, it's always active. However, if you change the version, such as from the Home Edition to the Pro Edition, you will need to purchase a new (or***) key to activate. Also, if your computer undergoes a hardware upgrade, such as replacing the motherboard. Then it also needs to be reactivated.
Some people say that updating the BIOS or replacing the main hardware of the computer such as the CPU can also cause the activation to fail (this has not been tried for the time being, and I have not encountered the same situation). In other words, digital activation is suitable for those who have not changed their hardware for a long time, and of course, adding a hard disk will not cause the activation to fail.
Digital activation is also suitable for upgrading or downgrading between editions (Home, Pro). For example, Windows 10 Pro is upgraded to Windows 11 Professional, and Windows 10 Home is upgraded to Windows 11 Home. The version here refers to the professional version corresponding to the professional version.
KMS is activated
KMS activation is essentially a batch activation method, which is suitable for enterprises to activate Windows in batches, and one activation code can be used to authenticate multiple devices. This activation method has an expiration date, such as 90 days or 180 days, and needs to be reactivated after 180 days.
This activation method is more suitable for those who often change computer hardware, because one activation key can authorize multiple devices, even after replacing the hardware, using the same activation code for KMS activation can be used normally.
Is there any difference between digital activation and KMS activation for Windows?
The system is only slightly different in terms of activation methods, and ordinary users will not feel the difference in Windows services brought by the two activation methods in the process of using Windows normally.
How do I check if my computer is Digital Rights Activation or KMS Activation?
Click on the Windows starter, find [Windows PowerShell] and click it
In the Windows PowerShell window that appears, type slmgr /xpr and press enter to see if the computer is permanently or temporarily activated.
If you want to view more detailed information, enter [slmgr /dlv] enter in [Windows PowerShell], and the authorization information of the computer will appear
Summary:
KMS activation method is suitable for those who frequently change computer hardware or frequently change different versions of the system.
Digital Rights Activation is a one-and-done method of Windows activation, suitable for those who have used a computer for five to ten years.
There are many Windows editions, such as Home Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition, Education Edition, LTSC Enterprise Edition, IoT Edition, etc. There are versions that do not allow for digital rights activation.