You must download the activation file from the Windows for UI Owned Computers offer in your WebStore order history to activate Windows with the University activation server.

To activate Windows:

1. Connect to the campus network. In order for activation to be successful, the computer must be connected to the campus network or VPN (with the TunnelAll setting for the Urbana campus) if connected to the campus WIFI or off campus.
2. Double-check that the time, AM/PM, date, and time zone are set correctly on the computer. This can cause issues if they are too far off from the server.
3. Right-click on the activate file saved to your computer and select "Run as administrator." If "Run as administrator" does not appear, select Open.

If you still cannot activate email webstore@illinois.edu with your external IP address, computer name, and approximate time you last tried to activate it. Note: Computers will attempt to reactivate about every 90 days. If your computer is disconnected from the campus network for long periods of time, you may need to repeat this procedure.