Forum Discussion
"Activate Windows" Watermark has Appeared on Windows 10 Enterprise for Virtual Desktops SessionHost
After several months of using a SessionHost, the "Activate Windows" watermark has appeared on the desktop. The Activation selection in the Settings windows shows the following:
Windows is Activated using your organization's activation service.
I have followed the directions found in the https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/troubleshoot-activation-problems with no success. The VM was created using master image, with current Version info as Version 21H2 (OS Build 19044.1889)
Update @ 9/7/22:
Looking at the result of the SLMGR /xpr reveals that the Activation actually has taken place, but Windows for some reason does not get updated that it is. The proof is every time SLMGR /ato is done the expiration is reset to 180 days from the run date.
Using Procmon when doing a "Activation Troubleshooter" shows the following: [see screenshot]
So, perhaps that's why the troubleshooter decides it couldn't activate Windows. Further troubleshooting is in progress.
21 Replies
- We moved from 21H2 to 22H2 on our AVD servers, this resolved the issue.
Hi Mark,
I raised a call with Microsoft Support on the 28th September for the same issue. Following a troubleshooting session, the engineer advised that there is an ongoing investigation into this issue but currently no ETA on the fix.
Details are below from the engineer:
"I have found that your behavior matches with an ongoing investigation:
• Windows 10 AVD
• Platform image: Windows 10 Enterprise for Virtual Desktops-10.0.19044.2006
• Showing intermittent watermark: Activate Windows
• Slmgr shows that the VM is licensed with Partial product key: GVLK
• Issue seems to be happening with users with lower permissions, not been able to be detected with users that are part of the Local Admins group
At this moment, there is no ETA about providing results of the ongoing investigation nor a fix.
Once the fix is released, the same will be shipped as part of an update. This can be either a preview update or as well in a cumulative one after patch tuesday."Hope this helps,
Phil
- Hi,
I've been working with Microsoft, been playing with applying keys, enabling and disabling test signing. They keep feeding back to the AVD product group but doesn't look like they can find a solution to this issue. These users are pretty restricted so your thought on a permission issue somewhere could be correct.
Thanks.
KevinKevHalWe have the same issue with a Nerdio Scale set. We have observed this issue for 2 weeks now and the common theme is only for the 1st user of the AVD will have this watermark, for some of the AVD. The subsequent 4 users (as we have total of 5 users per AVD) do not have any water mark. We have checked and also have each user activated. I look forward to an update for this from MS.
- We got that on different customers from time to time so far. Is there any reaction from Microsoft regarding this?
- Hi,
We are having the exact same issue on our personal AVD Desktops.
The Windows 10 Activate Windows watermark is appearing randomly for users.
I logged on as admin on the same machine and in System Activation settings it showed that it was activated but the watermark remained. I did a slmgr /dlv and it shows that it was all activated.
I installed VAMT to see what the status was with all the other machines, all shows as activated corrected against Azure's KMS server.
Very puzzled by this and users keep reporting this water mark issue.
Licensing of the users all seemed to be OK.- I believe that I read its a known issue.. I would open a support case
- Not got very far with this and the watermark is still appearing on our Windows 10 AVD Personal desktops. Anything from the AVD Product group?
- I have the same problem and have a case open with MS, but no luck in resolving it yet.
- you can user "slmgr /dlv" to check KMS settings.. any FW or NSG in place?
tommykneetz See SLMGR /dlv response as shown below. There does not seem to be any missing info. As for the FW or NSG, the article I referenced directs you to check connectivity with the servers, and they all check OK.
- DNS and network routing is working? Internet outbound is on the azure site or do you use force tunneling?
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/troubleshoot-activation-problems
