Windows¶
Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 as virtual machines with automatic licensing.
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Windows 11
Desktop system for development, office applications and teaching.
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Windows Server 2025
Server system for Active Directory, IIS and backend services.
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Automatic license
The OS license is assigned automatically when the VM is created. Nothing to activate.
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RDP access
Connect via Remote Desktop from anywhere on the TUKE network or over VPN.
Windows 11 vs. Windows Server 2025¶
| Windows 11 | Windows Server 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Desktop work | Server services |
| Graphical interface | Full | Optional (Desktop Experience) |
| Typical use | Development, Office, testing | AD, IIS, databases, file services |
| Access | RDP | RDP, PowerShell Remoting |
What Windows is used for in TUKE Cloud¶
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Development
- Visual Studio, .NET
- PowerShell scripting
- Desktop application testing
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Server services
- Active Directory Domain Services
- IIS web server
- File and print services
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Teaching
- Windows administration labs
- Networking and security courses
- Certification preparation
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Research
- Enterprise environment simulation
- IT infrastructure testing
- Specialized Windows software
Licensing¶
- Operating system
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The Windows license is centrally managed by the university and assigned automatically when the VM is created. You enter no key and activate nothing.
- Other software
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Licenses for Microsoft Office, Visual Studio Enterprise, professional and specialized applications are your own responsibility. The Cloud team licenses only the operating system.
First steps after creating a VM¶
Connect via RDP¶
Use the DNS name and password from the last activation email.
| Client | Platform |
|---|---|
| Remote Desktop Connection | Windows |
| Microsoft Remote Desktop | macOS |
| Remmina / FreeRDP | Linux |
Change your password¶
Change the initial password from the email right away via Ctrl+Alt+End → Change a password.
Install updates¶
Run Windows Update and let the system finish.
Do not uninstall VMware Tools
VMware Tools provide drivers, networking and communication with the hypervisor. Removing them leads to immediate VM cancellation and irreversible data loss.
Frequently asked questions¶
Do I need to activate Windows?
No. The license is assigned automatically and managed centrally.
Can I install Microsoft Office?
Yes, but you must obtain the license yourself. TUKE staff and students have access to Microsoft 365.
RDP will not connect
Check that you are on the TUKE network or connected via VPN. Virtual machines are not reachable from the public internet.
I forgot the VM password
The VM password is not your TUKE ID password. Contact support: vcloud@helpdesk.tuke.sk