Desktops and Laptops - Windows - Re-activating Windows at Home
University-owned computers have to "talk" to campus once every 180 days in order for Windows and Office to stay activated. If you miss the deadline, you can either bring your computer to campus or follow the steps below to re-activate Windows.
From time to time, users who have work laptops and desktops may find that Windows reports them to be "Not Genuine" or that they "Need to Activate." The computer must communicate on a semi-regular basis with the campus activation servers to avoid these messages.
To re-activate your Windows home computer
1. Connect your computer to the campus network with the campus VPN.
2. Open File Explorer.
3. Right-click on This PC and choose Properties.
4. In the Properties window, you will see the message that Windows needs to activate:
5. Click the Activate Windows now link and wait for the message that activation was successful.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your ACES IT Pro. You can find your department's IT contact information here: https://techsupport.aces.illinois.edu/departmental-it-offices