Windows Administrators

Tools & Information

Microsoft OS Activation

For CSU-owned computers, the preferred, and default, activation method is KMS. KMS works well for computers that will be connected to the campus network (either physically on campus or through VPN) at least once every 180 days. For those systems that will not be connected as such, MAK is more appropriate. MAK keys for the above operating systems may be obtained from the RAMtech Store.

KMS Activation of Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022

The above operating systems activate automatically with CSU’s KMS servers. No manual intervention is required, as long as the following are true:

  1. The computer is connected to the CSU network (either physically or via VPN)
  2. The media used to install the operating system was acquired from the CSU RAMtech Store.
  3. The computer is joined to one of the many campus Active Directory domains (check with your local IT support personnel to verify)

If #1 and #2 above are true, while #3 is not, follow the instructions below to manually activate these operating systems via the KMS method.

  1. Connect to the campus network – physically or via VPN
  2. As an administrator of the local system, open an Administrative command prompt (accessed by typing “cmd.exe” in the Start menu search box, then right-clicking the result that appears in the start menu, then selecting “Run as administrator”)
  3. At the command prompt, type the following command, pressing the “enter” key afterward.
    cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /skms ms-kms-1.colostate.edu
  4. Next, at the command prompt, type the following command, pressing the “enter” key afterward:
  5. cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ato

After issuing the above commands, the second command should show output similar to “Product activated successfully.” (actual output varies based on the operating system being activated).

KMS Troubleshooting Tips

  • KMS activation is sensitive to variances between the local computer’s time and the KMS server’s time. Please ensure that the time and date reported by the computer to be activated is accurate.
  • You must be an administrator of the computer you are activating. If you are not, you need to enlist the assistance of your local IT support personnel.
  • You must connect to CSU’s network, either physically or via VPN, at least once every 180 days to reactivate a KMS-activated system. Note, however, that once KMS activation has taken place initially, the reactivation should happen automatically with no need for the manual steps outlined above.
  • If you have trouble with activating Microsoft Office, please contact the Windows team by sending an e-mail to: windows@colostate.edu.