How do I activate Slmgr on Windows 7?

Copies of Windows 7 that are connected to the EECS or CSE hard-line networks should connect to the University KMS server and activate automatically. However, in some situations, automatic activation will fail and Windows will need to be activated manually using the steps below.

Force Automatic Activation

If you receive a message indicating that Windows failed to activate, you can force it to retry by following these directions. Please note that Windows will not be able to activate without a working network connection (ensure that your LAN drivers are installed).

• Open the start menu and select Control Panel
• Click on the green System and Security link
• Click on the green System link
• In the window that opens, scroll down to the bottom and click the activation button.

If you are connected to the network and these steps fail to work correctly, you may need to manually activate. Please follow the steps below to do so.

Manual Activation Instructions

• Open the start menu, and search for 'cmd'.
• When the results appear, right click on 'cmd.exe' and select 'Run As Administrator'.
• Run the following commands to set the KMS server:

c:\windows\system32> cscript slmgr.vbs /skms mskms.umich.edu 
c:\windows\system32> cscript slmgr.vbs /ato

If the above steps fail, you may need to reset the Windows product key. To do so, follow these steps:

• Open the start menu, and search for 'cmd'.
• When the results appear, right click on 'cmd.exe' and select 'Run As Administrator'.
• Run the following command to set the product key:

c:\windows\system32> cscript slmgr.vbs /ipk 33PXH-7Y6KF-2VJC9-XBBR8-HVTHH

• Repeat the steps in the top section.

Notes

Please note that in order to stay activated, the computer must connect to the University network at least once every 210 days. If the machine is used primarily off campus, the VPN client can be used.

Reminder: Copies of Microsoft products obtained through DCO can only be used/installed on machines purchased and owned by the University of Michigan.

Disclaimer and Reminder of the Risks

The information provided on this site is for reference only. Please be cautious to activate Windows operating system. It is suggested to use the genuine Windows operating system and use the officially supported activation method. Damages and risks arising from the use or failure to use the information provided on this site, including but not limited to direct or indirect personal damage, loss of commercial profit, trade interruption, loss of commercial information or any other economic loss, this website does not take any responsibility.

Anyone that use pirated operating systems or unofficial means of cracking Windows system will violate intellectual property rights. Large organizations and enterprises using pirated software and operating systems will be fined up to hundreds of thousands of dollars and even face jail.

In order to combat piracy and protect intellectual property rights, Microsoft will work with the government, industry and consumers to jointly promote the harmfulness of pirated software and the importance of protecting intellectual property. We hereby call for everyone to support genuine software!

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Windows 7 must be activated in order to be used beyond 30 days. You can use the “rearm” console command to renew your activation grace period. It should be noted that the rearm command can only be used up to 3 times, extending your activation period to a maximum of 120 days.

Steps

1. 1

   Hit ⊞ Win and enter "Cmd" into the search bar. The Command Prompt program will appear in the search results.

2. 

   2

   Right click the Command Prompt listing and select "Run as Administrator". This will launch the command prompt application with administrator privileges.

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3. 3

   Enter "slmgr -rearm" into the command line and hit ↵ Enter. A script will run and after a few moments you will be prompted to restart your computer.

4. 4

   Restart your computer.

5. 5

   Check your activation status. Right-click on "Computer" and select "Properties". This opens the System Properties window. Your activation period should be reset to 30 days.

   • Don’t forget that this command can be used up to 3 times giving you a total of 120 days of potential activation time.

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Add New Question

• Question

  Can I again start an antivirus program after the installation of this software?

  Yes, you can start your antivirus software after the installation of this software.

• Question

  How do I activate Windows 7 without a key if it seems to only reset the 30-day period?

  This method will only allow you to do this a maximum of three times, for up to 90 days. After this, you'll have to either purchase a key or reinstall Windows.

• Question

  How do I fix Windows 7 if it's saying it's not genuine?

  Search on internet for Windows Loader, which will fix your problem in two clicks and one restart of your machine!

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• The rearm command is not a permanent solution, but it is a completely legal feature of Windows included by Microsoft.[1]

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• If the Windows 7 installer that you’ve bought needs to be activated using this method, you may be a victim of software piracy.

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• Windows loader may violate Microsoft’s Terms and Agreement.

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