Checking the License Status for Windows 8.1 and 10

Q: How can I check the new/current license status of my Windows 8.1 or 10 installation?

Answer

Any student that downloads and installs the Windows 8.1 or 10 software from MIT is entitled to keep and use this software after graduation from MIT. Once they graduate, they should receive an email with a link to download the vbe script, to change the license from a KMS (180 days) license to a perpetual license.

The user can run the script and check the status as follows:

1. Open an elevated command prompt:
   1. Windows 8 - Open the Charms bar and use Search to search for the Command prompt, or press Window key + X to open the classic menu list, to start the command (admin) prompt.
   2. Windows 10 - Right click on the start menu button and select "Command Prompt (Admin.)"
2. At the prompt, type: slmgr /dlv
3. The license information will be listed and the user can forward the output to us.
4. The license name will show as Windows Operating System - Windows(R)8, VOLUME_MAK channel, the MAK (Multiple Activation Key) part showing that this is the perpetual license.

Note - For machines using the KMS:

• Windows 8 - The KMS license name (180 days license, renewable with MIT KMS Server) will show as "Windows Operating System - Windows(R)8, VOLUME_KMSClient channel."
• Windows 10 - The KMS license name (180 days license, renewable with MIT KMS Server) will show as "Windows Operating System - Windows(R), VOLUME_KMSClient channel."
• License Status for both Windows 8 and 10 should say "Licensed"