How to Reactivate Windows and Office

Before you begin

A JCB Windows computer with the Cisco VPN client (AnyConnect) installed (see Related articles below).
Your Cornell NetID and password, with Duo set up on your device.

Open Cisco AnyConnect. If needed, enter cuvpn.cuvpn.cornell.edu and click Connect.
Set Group to Two-Step Login, Username to NetID@JCB-VPN (for example, kdf52@JCB-VPN), and Password to your NetID password.
In the DUO Passcode box, type push to get a Duo push notification (or phone to get a call), then click OK.
Approve the request in Duo. A message appears at the lower-right of your screen confirming you are connected.
Stay connected to the VPN for about an hour so Windows and Office reactivate automatically.
To check Windows, open File Explorer, right-click This PC, and select Properties. Under Windows activation, you will see whether Windows is activated.
To check Office, open any Office app (such as Excel or Outlook) and confirm you are not prompted to activate. If prompted, sign in with your Cornell email address and password.

Under This PC > Properties, Windows shows "Windows is activated," and your Office apps open without an activation prompt.

Before you report a problem, try these quick checks:

Still shows not activated: make sure you are connected to the VPN, stay connected for the full hour, then check again.
Office keeps prompting to activate: open an Office app and sign in with your Cornell email address and password.

Stay connected to the JCB VPN for about an hour. Reactivation happens automatically in the background, so it may not be instant.

Still need help? Contact the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Helpdesk at itrequests@business.cornell.edu or 607-255-6300.

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