Fusion

 View Only

  • 1.  Keeping WIndows activated

    Posted Apr 25, 2015 02:59 PM

    I know VMWare Tools manages and keeps track of activations, but how does Windows activation work in VM's across different physical Mac hardware/computers?

    Is it the same as activating on one PC, and tied to that machine ? or does it work differently being virtual hardware ?

    For example I have two Macs... Late 2013 Retina and (just purchased) new 2015 based Mac laptop.

    I do not have VMWare tools currently, but i could install it it it controls activation...  I do have the same windows 7 VM backed up

    If I install VMWare tools on the 2012 based Mac, copy the VM to the new Mac, would it stay activated, or not ?



  • 2.  RE: Keeping WIndows activated

    Posted Apr 25, 2015 04:03 PM

    This discussion explains what triggers activations when VM's are copied.



  • 3.  RE: Keeping WIndows activated

    Posted Apr 25, 2015 04:25 PM

    ... VMWare Tools manages and keeps track of activations ...

    It's only Microsoft/Windows which decides whether (re-)activation is required. Since VMware doens't simply emulate virtual hardware, but passed through parts of the physical hardware (e.g. the CPU), the guest OS will recognize a change, and depending on what changes, Windows may require re-activation.

    If I install VMWare tools on the 2012 based Mac ...

    You will install VMware Tools only in the guest OS, i.e. not on the host system.

    André