Most copies of Windows at Edschool are activated using a KMS server located On-Grounds.  This server provides a pool of thousands of Microsoft Windows activations that are available to University owned computers so that they can activate and verify that the copy of Windows installed is genuine.


Because the KMS server is On-Grounds, it is not reachable from outside the UVA network without a VPN connection.


Windows licenses activated with KMS have a grace period of 180 days before needing to be renewed.


Requirements for Off-Grounds Activation:

  1. Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client (usually already installed on Edschool owned computers)
  2. Personal Digital Certificate

Re-activating Windows 10:

  1. Connect to the UVA Anywhere VPN with the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. 
  2. Open the Start Menu and type "activation" and open "Activation Settings."
    1. Windows may have already activated, but if not click the "Activate" button.
  3. If successful a message at the top of the "Activation Settings" window as the example below shows will state:



Recommendations:


If your computer is mostly Off-Grounds, it is recommended that you establish a VPN connection using UVA Anywhere a few times a month so that Windows can renew its Windows KMS license.


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 434-924-7086 or [email protected]