VLSC: WSA requirement for login
Starting September 3, 2021, Microsoft Volume License Service Center (VLSC) users will be prompted to create or use a Work or School Account (WSA) to login to the VLSC site. This change is part of Microsoft’s effort to improve the security and privacy of its users.
To gain access to the VLSC site, VLSC users who are not yet using a WSA to login in will be prompted to either create an account or use one provided by their organization. While they take action to migrate their accounts, users will have a limited number of attempts to sign in using their existing credentials—such as a Microsoft account (MSA), formerly known as a Live account, or unmanaged tenant accounts. After these attempts are exhausted, the only way to continue to access the site will be through a WSA.
Why the Change within VLSC?
The change is intended to improve the security and privacy of VLSC users. A WSA typically takes the form of username@orgname.com or username@orgname.onmicrosoft.com (where orgname is the employer’s domain name). This format helps customers and Microsoft alike in confirming that a user’s assigned permissions are accurately and securely affiliated with the licensed organization.
What Is a Work or School Account (WSA)?
A Work or School Account is an account that is owned and managed by an organization and is used to access Microsoft services, including the VLSC site. It is typically assigned to an employee or contractor by the organization’s administrator.
How to Convert Your VLSC User ID to a WSA
The process of converting your VLSC user ID to a WSA is quick and easy. To help make this transition easier, here are three scenarios for this conversion:
- Scenario 1: If you’re a first-time user of VLSC and don’t have a WSA, sign in as a “brand new user” or inherit permissions from an existing MSA.
- Scenario 2: If you have previously signed in to VLSC using an MSA, you can sign in with this existing MSA up to five times before you must use or create a WSA for continued access to the tool.
- Scenario 3: If you’re an existing Azure Active Directory (AAD) user, sign in with a WSA and follow the AAD sign-in experience. Internal admin takeover of the Azure Directory might be necessary in this scenario.
Benefits of a Work or School Account (WSA)
A Work or School Account provides several benefits for VLSC users:
- Increased security and privacy: A Work or School Account is owned and managed by an organization, which means that the organization can control access to the account and the data associated with it.
- Single sign-on: A Work or School Account allows users to access multiple Microsoft services with a single set of credentials.
- Simplified management: A Work or School Account is easier to manage than a Microsoft account (MSA) because it is owned and managed by an organization.
FAQs
What is the Microsoft Volume License Service Center (VLSC)?
The VLSC is an online tool for managing Microsoft Volume Licensing agreements and software downloads.
Why is Microsoft migrating VLSC users to Work or School Accounts (WSAs)?
Migrating to WSAs provides greater security and simplified user management for VLSC users.
What are the benefits of using a WSA for VLSC?
WSAs offer improved security, multi-factor authentication, and centralized user management.
How do I migrate my VLSC user account to a WSA?
VLSC users will be prompted to create or use a WSA to log in to the VLSC site. The process is quick and easy, and Microsoft provides three migration scenarios to help users make the transition.
What happens if I don’t convert my VLSC user ID to a Work or School Account?
After a limited number of attempts to sign in using your existing credentials, such as a Microsoft account (MSA), formerly known as a Live account, or unmanaged tenant accounts, the only way to continue to access the site will be through a WSA.
What happens to my existing VLSC account information when I convert to a Work or School Account?
Your existing VLSC account information will be migrated to your new Work or School Account.
Do I need to create a new Work or School Account if I already have an Office 365 account?
No. If you already have an Office 365 account, you can use that account to sign in to the VLSC site.
What if my organization doesn’t have a domain name?
If your organization doesn’t have a domain name, you can create a tenant domain name in Microsoft 365 admin center.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s move to migrate VLSC users to WSAs represents a significant step towards improving the security and user management of the VLSC tool. While some users may experience initial difficulties with the migration process, the benefits of using WSAs for VLSC far outweigh any potential challenges.
By simplifying user management and enhancing security, WSAs provide a more streamlined and secure experience for VLSC users, helping to ensure that licensed organizations have access to the software and services they need to operate effectively.
Links
To sign in into the Microsoft Volume License Service Center (VLSC), please visit: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/servicecenter/default.aspx
For more information and in-depth instructions on this, please refer to this resource document: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/enterprise-users/domains-admin-takeover.
If a user currently doesn’t have any purchased Online Services, it’s possible for them to sign up for a free WSA. In that case, please visit: https://signup.microsoft.com/Signup?offerid=8339cc50-d965-4ad5-bb94-749021a5ebf9&origin=azurequote&ali=1&Country=US&ru=https://admin.microsoft.com.
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Please contact us for more information and for help on your WSA migration.
