Microsoft is particular about copying software onto multiple devices from an image, also known as “reimaging.” To stay compliant with Microsoft, get the latest media, the highest end SKUs (such as Enterprise), and a single key that is meaningful for all of your devices, our recommended practice is to purchase a Volume License for Microsoft Windows.
We understand that licensing agreements can be troublesome, but the good news is that Microsoft Volume Licensing isn’t as difficult or expensive as it sounds. All you need to do is contact your preferred software reseller about a Microsoft Volume License agreement. Tell them how many machines you have, and for a minimal fee you get the agreement in place (with options to get credit for the existing OEM licenses you may have already purchased), access to download the latest ISOs, and one key that works for all of your activations. Even better, you can encrypt the key in your SmartDeploy image, and OS activations will happen automatically.
SmartDeploy supports all kinds of OS activations, such as retail or OEM, but it is a best practice to get the volume licensing agreement in place and use a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) or Key Management Server (KMS).
If you are not currently working with a Microsoft VL reseller, feel free to contact Support, and we can put you in touch with one.
You can read more details about this on the SmartDeploy blog, here:
Microsoft volume licensing isn't scary