Microsoft software that uses a KMS server for activation – Enterprise and Education versions of Windows, Windows Server, Office Suite (but not Office for Mac or Office 365) – will usually activate automatically after the installation if the device is connected to the ETH network (directly or through VPN). If the automatic activation does not work it can be done manually as described below.

Windows Client/Server OS Versions

Start the Command Prompt with “Right click – Run as administrator”.

Enter the following commands:

slmgr -ckms
(removes the KMS server entry)

slmgr -skms kms1.ethz.ch:1688
(specifies the KMS server entry)

slmgr -ato
(activates Windows)

slmgr -dlv
(display license information – it should be 180 days)

Microsoft Office Suite

Start the Command Prompt with “Right click – Run as administrator.

cd to the “Office16” directory (version number may vary):
Office 32-bit: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16
Office 64-bit: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16

Enter the following commands:

cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus
(view the status)

cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:kms1.ethz.ch
(set the kms server)

 

Note: MS Office 2021 uses a different activation server, please use

cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:kms2.ethz.ch

for Office 2021

 

cscript ospp.vbs /setprt:1688
(set kms port)

cscript ospp.vbs /act
(activate)

cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus
(display license information – it should be 180 days)

Restart Office and check the status under File –> Account.