Restore Windows Operating System License

Overview

If a university managed Windows computer is used off-campus for an extended period of time without contact with the NCSU network you may receive a message indicating that "Your Windows license will expire soon". It will then direct you to Windows Settings and display the Activation screen.

Resolution

1. You will need to connect to NCSU network. The best way to do so is to Connect with the NC State VPN.
2. Once connected to the VPN, you can Force a Windows Group Policy Update by running the command "gpupdate /force" in a command prompt. You can also stay connected to the VPN for 90 minutes and the issue will resolve itself when the Group Policy refreshes.  It does not always take the full 90 minutes.
   
   1. If you do not have Cisco AnyConnect on your device it can be downloaded from: https://oit.ncsu.edu/campus-it/campus-data-network/vpn/vpn-installation-instructions-for-windows/
   2. The VPN installer will check to see if you have Cisco AnyConnect preinstalled so we suggest running it to ensure you have the most up to date version. 
   3. If you are unable to install the VPN software, then your device will need to be brought to campus where we can re-establish your computer on the network and as install the VPN client.