---
type: concept
title: KMS Activation
tags: [microsoft, licensing, activation, technical-guide]
related: [referat-beschaffung, universitatsrechenzentrum-urz, kms, microsoft-office]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_downloads_software.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_faq_software.md"]
---

# KMS Activation

**KMS (Key Management Server)** activation is the mechanism used by the Universität Greifswald to centrally manage and activate Microsoft software licenses. It is the process of validating software licenses for Windows and Office using the university's internal infrastructure.

## Implementation and Management
- **Scope:** This system is used for Microsoft operating systems and Microsoft Office products.
- **Prerequisite:** The software must have been procured through the [[referat-beschaffung]].
- **Management:** The KMS is managed by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]].

Users are directed to the [[referat-beschaffung]] documentation for specific activation instructions.

## Windows Activation Workflow
1. Connect to the university intranet (Wired, [[eduroam]], or [[openvpn]]).
2. Open Command Prompt (`cmd.exe`) as Administrator.
3. Set the KMS server:
   `cscript "C:\Windows\system32\slmgr.vbs" -skms kms.uni-greifswald.de`
4. Trigger activation:
   `cscript "C:\Windows\system32\slmgr.vbs" -ato`

## Microsoft Office Activation Workflow (2021/2024)
1. Connect to the university intranet.
2. Open an Office app (e.g., Word), close it, and reopen it to trigger automatic activation.
3. If automatic activation fails, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
   `cscript "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\ospp.vbs" /sethst:kms.uni-greifswald.de`
4. Trigger activation:
   `cscript "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\ospp.vbs" /act`

## Troubleshooting
If activation fails, a ticket should be submitted to the [[groupware]] system including:
- Connection method (Wired/WLAN/VPN).
- Current IP address or MAC address.
- Computer name.
- Any error messages from the command prompt.