Windows Activation FAQ

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Windows Licensing Terms

Duke’s Microsoft agreement allows volume-licensed Windows installations on Duke-owned devices for university use. Personal retail versions of Windows are not available through Duke’s licensing program. For full terms, visit the Windows License Restrictions page.

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Windows for Students

Duke students may request one free upgrade license of Windows via the Duke Software site. This license is activated with a product key and remains valid after graduation. Students may not request multiple licenses.

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KMS and MAK Activation

KMS Activation

Duke-managed Windows installations use Key Management Service (KMS) for activation. Devices on the Duke network (or connected via VPN) should activate automatically.

• Activation is valid for 180 days.
• Systems auto-renew every 7 days while on the Duke network.
• Devices offline for 180+ days enter a grace period and then reduced functionality mode.

MAK Activation

For Duke-owned machines regularly used off-campus, request a MAK (Multiple Activation Key).

Email site@duke.edu to request a MAK key. Requests are reviewed by OIT case-by-case. MAK keys are not available for graduated or departing students.

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Manual Activation Steps

1. Ensure the computer is on the Duke network or connected via VPN.
2. Right-click Start and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
3. Run the following commands one at a time:

• slmgr /skms kms-srv-01.oit.duke.edu
• slmgr /ato

To confirm activation, run:

• slmgr /dlv

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Activating Off-Campus Using VPN

If you are off-campus, use Duke's VPN before activating Windows. Once connected, follow the manual activation steps above. VPN instructions can be found on the OIT VPN page.

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Home Use for Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff may install volume-licensed Windows on a home computer for work purposes only. Installation must be performed by your department IT staff or with their written permission. Duke does not provide personal retail Windows licenses for home use.

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Common Activation Errors

• Error 0xC004F035: BIOS missing ACPI_SLIC marker. Try updating BIOS from your manufacturer’s site.
• Error 0xC004F039: Client not connected to a Duke network or VPN. Connect and retry.
• Error 0xC004F06C / 0xC004F074: KMS host not found or time mismatch.
  → Sync system time and verify access to kms-srv-01.oit.duke.edu.
  See: Microsoft Learn: Error 0xC004F074
• Error 0x80070005: Permissions issue. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
  See: Microsoft Activation Troubleshooting Guide
• Error 0xC004C008: MAK key exceeded its limit or used on unsupported edition. Contact OIT.

More errors: Microsoft Activation Error Help

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Need help? Contact the OIT Service Desk at (919) 684-2200 or email site@duke.edu.