VM from template not activated?

[stanj]

I have created a base Windows 2012 R2 VM and updated it with required patches and activated it with a site volume key.. 

I then removed it from the internet.

I converted the VM to a template and created a customization manager spec with the correct  license key.

When I deploy a new VM from the template and use the customization manager spec, the OS on the VM is not activated?

I have also tried without a customization manager spec and the VM OS is not activated

We need to deploy VMs activated (without accessing the internet)

How do I deploy the VMs from the template and have them power on and be activated?

[rcporto]

If you're using a MAK key, you will need access to the internet to be able to activate your Windows or use a MAK Proxy. Another option if using a KMS key, you will need to deploy a KMS server to automatically activate your Windows virtual machines.

Read more about KMS activation: Understanding KMS

Read more about MAK activation: Understanding MAK Activation

[stanj]

Thanks for the info.

I also have read some postings about steps to build a template like in the link below and also including using DefProf.

Are these additional steps required? 

I usually install the OS, add patch, add anti-virus, chrome, etc and then save the VM as a template.

https://notesfrommwhite.net/2014/07/20/how-to-build-a-windows-2012-r2-vmware-template/

[rcporto]

You're welcome and don't forget mark answer as helpful or correct and about the Default Profile, since we are talking about servers, I prefer let this clean without add any preference on users profiles and let the administrators make your own customizations.