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Windows Activation FAQ

Topic: Windows Activation FAQ
Audience: Faculty and Staff

What is Windows Activation?
Windows Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and that it has not been used on more computers than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. We are able to activate volume licensed Microsoft products locally through Microsoft's Key Management Server (KMS). Such products include:

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Office 2019
  • Office 2021

What is a KMS?
The Microsoft Key Management Server (KMS) is a part of the Microsoft Volume Activation 2.0 solution and is used to activate volume licensed Microsoft products locally on the University network. That means that Microsoft product licenses on University owned machines activate each time you connect to the University network.

How does a KMS work?
The Microsoft Key Management Server activates a client for a period of 180 days each time it is connected to the University network. Once a machine is activated it will attempt to communicate with the same KMS every 7 days to renew it's activation resetting its license counter back to 180 days. If the machine is unable to connect to the KMS it will keep trying to do so every 2 hours until it is successful.

If the machine hasn't been able to reestablish communication to the KMS after 180 days, the machine will become unlicensed and go to it's 30 day grace period and notify the user of this change. If the machine is not activated against the KMS after the 30 day grace period it will enter a reduced functionality mode until it is able to connect to it's KMS.

I have a new machine. How long do I have before I must activate it against the KMS?
You have a 30 day grace period to activate your new machine.

Can I activate my license through VPN?
Yes, if you connect to the VPN you will experience the same functionality as explained above.

What is a MAK?
The Multiple Activation Key is a one time activation of the product that requires communication with Microsoft's activation service. MAK activation keys are no longer offered, you must use KMS activation.

Do my Microsoft Office applications have to be open in order to activate?
No. The Microsoft Office suite will activae even if it is not opened.

Troubleshooting Windows Activation
If you are having trouble activating your version of Windows you may find this article helpful.

https://kb.oakland.edu/uts/TroubleshootingWindowsActivation

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