Hi,
You are able to disable the caching with the following command:
slmgr /ckhc (or cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ckhc)
To enable caching again use the command:
slmgr /skhc (or cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /skhc)
You can verify if caching is active with the command:
slmgr /dli (or cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /dli)
KMS host caching is different to statically configuring clients.
KMS host caching is intended to avoid excessive DNS queries, i.e. the client will cache the host name and only issue a query is that cached host is uncontactable.
A static configuration of the hostname, at the client, completely bypasses/disables the DNSlookup/discovery.
For your reference:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/vlactivation/activate-office-by-using-kms
Hope above information can help you.
As a seasoned IT professional with years of hands-on experience in system administration and network management, I can confidently attest to my expertise in the domain. Throughout my career, I've been involved in configuring and managing diverse computing environments, ranging from small businesses to large enterprise networks. My proficiency extends to various operating systems, with a particular focus on Windows environments.
Now, diving into the technical details of the provided information, the commands involving the Software Licensing Management Tool (slmgr.vbs) for Windows activation and Key Management Service (KMS) host caching are fundamental aspects of system administration, especially in enterprise setups.
The command slmgr /ckhc (or cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ckhc) is used to disable KMS host caching, a feature designed to optimize the activation process by reducing the frequency of DNS queries. This is particularly useful in scenarios where excessive DNS queries need to be avoided.
Conversely, to re-enable caching, the command is slmgr /skhc (or cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /skhc). This command allows the system to resume caching host names, improving activation efficiency.
The verification command slmgr /dli (or cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /dli) is crucial for checking the status of KMS host caching. It provides information on whether caching is active, giving administrators a quick way to confirm the system's configuration.
The article rightly emphasizes that KMS host caching differs from statically configuring clients. KMS host caching involves the client caching the host name to minimize DNS queries, while static configuration at the client bypasses the DNS lookup/discovery process entirely. This nuance is essential for administrators to understand as they make decisions about how to configure and manage their systems.
For those seeking a more in-depth understanding of KMS and Office activation, the provided reference link to Microsoft's official documentation is a valuable resource. It covers the activation of Microsoft Office using KMS, offering detailed insights and step-by-step guidance for administrators.
In conclusion, the commands and concepts presented in the provided information are integral components of Windows system administration, particularly in enterprise environments relying on KMS for activation. The nuances of KMS host caching versus static client configuration underscore the importance of proper configuration to optimize network performance and streamline activation processes.
