Microsoft Windows and Office Software Activation

Columbia University uses KMS (Key Management Service) activation for Windows and Office products as per the license agreement between Columbia University and Microsoft. 


This activation service is limited to administrative Columbia owned devices only. Personally owned devices are not eligible to use this service. 

Related Information

Windows 10/11 Download for CU devices
Microsoft Downloads for Students
Configuring VPN for Windows 10/11
KMS Product Keys
KMS Generic Volume License Keys

Typically while connected to Columbia Secure Network or VPN, the activation process should occur automatically every two hours. In the event that you receive a pop-up message stating "Go to Settings to activate Windows" (or Office) similar to the image below, you will need to manually activate your Microsoft license following the steps outlined below.

Note: CUIT provides installation support for Microsoft Windows operating systems, however CUIT does not supply support after the installation. When installing, please submit a ticket to the CUIT Service Desk to ask questions or report an issue. You can also call the Service Desk at 212-854-1919.

Image of Windows desktop with red square around transparent pop-up in lower-right hand corner reading "Go to Settings to activate Windows"

How to activate Windows or Office

Be sure to use an account with local administrator privileges.

If you are using a CUIT-managed computer, use the MakeMeAdmin app to have temporary admin access.

Activation may not work if these are not accurate.

Activation requires a secure campus network connection, wired or wireless. If you are off-campus, you will need to connect to the VPN (VPN installation instructions).

If you are not on main campus or are having trouble activating, please connect to VPN and try again.

To begin, click on Start, and type cmd in the search box. Then, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Screenshot of Windows' menu search, with an arrow pointing to "cmd" typed into the search field. The Command Prompt app result is selected. A second arrow points to the "Run as Administrator" option on the right, located below the Command Prompt app.

A User Account Control window will appear.

For "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC?", choose Yes.

Image of a User Account Control window asking, "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC?" with Yes and No buttons.

For "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?", enter your username and password.

If you are using a CUIT-managed computer, enter your Columbia username (UNI) (do not include @columbia.edu) and Columbia password.

Image of User Account Control window asking "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" with User Name and Password fields.

Select the product to activate

Type the following commands and press enter after each:

slmgr.vbs /skms kms.cc.columbia.edu

slmgr.vbs /ato

The software is now activated.

Type the following commands and press enter after each:

slmgr.vbs /skms kms.cc.columbia.edu

slmgr.vbs /ato

The software is now activated.

Command Prompt window with the following commands entered after C:\Windows\system32>slmgr.vbs /skms kms.cc.columbia.edu slmgr.vbs /ato

Type the following commands and press enter after each:

cd "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16"

cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:kms.cc.columbia.edu

cscript ospp.vbs /act

The software is now activated.

Command Prompt window with commands entered: cd "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16" cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:kms.cc.columbia.edu cscript ospp.vbs /act
Image of Command Prompt window processing and activating Office

FAQ

Some common errors and their solutions are listed below:

Microsoft ended support for Office 2010 on October 13th, 2020. CUIT Only supports Microsoft Office versions that are currently supported by Microsoft. If you are using Office 2010, we recommend you upgrade to a supported version (Microsoft Office 2021 Recommended).