KeyManagementService (license management for Microsoft products)

The Key Management Service (KMS) is used to activate Microsoft products (e.g. Windows, Microsoft Office) that are licensed via campus contracts. It is primarily used for devices within the university network.

The KMS server can be used by all departments, faculties and institutes of the University of Kassel. The KMS activation of the IT Service Center can only be used in the internal data network of the University of Kassel or with a VPN connection.

The KMS is provided and managed by the IT Service Center.

The Key Management Service enables automated and network-internal activation of Microsoft products without the need for individual licenses or manual activation. A valid license via the university's Microsoft campus contract is required.

For devices outside the university network or in special cases (e.g. longer offline periods), MAK activation (Multiple Activation Key) may be required. The application is made via the software form.

• Network-based activation
  Microsoft software products are automatically activated via the university network.

• License-compliant use
  Activation takes place in accordance with the Microsoft campus license agreements.

• Central administration
  Activation is carried out centrally via servers of the IT Service Center, without administrative intervention on individual devices.

• A department equips new office PCs with Windows 11 and Office 2021. The devices are integrated into the university network and are automatically activated via the KMS.

• A workstation computer in a laboratory is reinstalled after a system update. Once set up in the network, Windows is activated via the KMS without the need to enter a product key.

• Connection to the university network (e.g. via LAN, WLAN "eduroam" or VPN)

• Pre-installation of a KMS-compatible Microsoft version

• Regular contact with the activation server (at least once every 180 days)

Registration is not required.

To use the KMS Server, any Windows license must already be installed. Otherwise Windows cannot be activated. To do this, the device must be made known to the KMS Server.

To activate your Microsoft software, please use the instructions under Activation of Office products & Windows.

No training courses are currently offered.

Activation via KMS only concerns technical license information of the installed Microsoft products. No personal data is stored or transmitted. The servers are located within the university infrastructure.

Use is only permitted within the scope of the Microsoft campus license. Activation is only permitted on official devices procured by the university.