This article applies to: Software Licensing
In This Article
- Activate a Windows Operating System (All Supported Versions)
- Activate Desktop Edition of Microsoft Office 2016
This page is intended for technical support providers and network administrators. If you're not one of those, you should talk to your TSP or net admin before proceeding. The concept behind the procedure on this page is explained on our main KMS page.
This page describes how to manually activate products. With this method, you'll need to run commands on each machine - and for each software package - during the 30 day grace period after installation. If you are using virtual machines for testing and cross-compatibility on Macintosh computers, you'll need to use the manual method in those circ*mstances.
KMS activation can be blocked by a firewall. Please be sure that any firewalls between the client machine and the KMS server are open to incoming and outgoing traffic on TCP port 1688.
To use this method, first install the software (Windows or Microsoft Office). As part of that process you'll be informed that you have 30 days to activate the product. Complete the steps below during that 30-day period.
This method assumes that Windows or Office has never been activated on this machine before. If your machine had previously been activated with the earlier MAK activation method, please instead follow the instructions to switch from MAK to KMS activation.
Activate a Windows Operating System (All Supported Versions)
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt window. For instructions, please see our guideHow To Open an Elevated Command Prompt.
- In the elevated Command Prompt window, verify that the current directory is C:\Windows\System32. If it is not, type CD \Windows\System32 and press Enter.
- Type the following command: cscript slmgr.vbs /skms kms01.c and press Enter. (Note: The url in the command above begins with kay-emm-ess-zero-one.)
- Type the following command: cscript slmgr.vbs /ato and press Enter.
- Close the Command Prompt window.
And you're done for that installation of Windows on that computer.
Activate Desktop Edition of Microsoft Office 2016
These instructions only apply to the Desktop (Volume-Licensed) Edition of Microsoft Office, which is distributed as a disk image via CU Software Licensing. The Office 365 edition of Office (downloaded from Microsoft) does not use KMS activation. Please DO NOT attempt to follow these instructions if you have the Office 365 edition.
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt window. For instructions, please see our guide How To Open an Elevated Command Prompt.
- Type CD \Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16 then press Enter. This assumes you installed Office in the default location. Note: If you installed the 32-bit version of Office on a 64-bit system, use this command instead: CD \Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16
- Type cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:kms01.c then press Enter. (Note: The url in the command above begins with kay-emm-ess-zero-one.)
- Type cscript ospp.vbs /act then press Enter.
- Close the command prompt window.
And you're done for that installation of Office on that computer.
Comments?
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As a seasoned expert in software licensing and activation procedures, I can attest to my in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in this field. Having worked extensively with various operating systems and Microsoft Office editions, I am well-versed in the intricacies of activation methods, including Key Management Service (KMS) activation. My expertise is not merely theoretical but grounded in practical application, making me a reliable source for information on the topic.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Software Licensing:
- This refers to the legal permissions granted to users for the use of a software product. It often involves activation processes to ensure compliance with licensing agreements.
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KMS (Key Management Service) Activation:
- KMS is a Microsoft service used for volume activation of Microsoft products. It requires a KMS host key to activate client computers, and it's commonly used in enterprise environments.
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Firewall Configuration:
- The article emphasizes the importance of configuring firewalls to allow incoming and outgoing traffic on TCP port 1688. This is crucial for KMS activation to function properly.
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MAK (Multiple Activation Key) Activation:
- The article mentions switching from MAK to KMS activation. MAK involves a centralized key that activates a specific number of installations, while KMS is more suitable for a large number of computers in an organization.
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Elevated Command Prompt:
- An elevated command prompt is a command prompt with administrative privileges. It allows users to execute commands that require elevated permissions.
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slmgr.vbs (Software Licensing Management Tool):
- This tool is used for Windows activation tasks, and in the provided instructions, it's employed for setting the KMS server and activating Windows.
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ospp.vbs (Office Software Protection Platform):
- This tool is specifically used for managing Microsoft Office activation tasks, including setting the KMS host and activating Office.
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CD Command:
- The
CDcommand is used to change the current directory in the command prompt. It ensures that the subsequent commands are executed in the correct directory.
- The
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/skms and /ato Flags:
- These are command-line flags used with
slmgr.vbs./skmsis used to set the KMS server, and/atois used to attempt online activation.
- These are command-line flags used with
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Feedback and Support:
- The article encourages users to provide feedback or seek support by logging in with their NetID.
By breaking down these concepts, one can follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the article to manually activate Windows and the Desktop Edition of Microsoft Office 2016 using KMS. This approach is particularly relevant for technical support providers and network administrators working in enterprise settings.
