In this article, I tried to collect a list of the most common errors that may appear when trying to activate Windows 10. These include errors that occur when upgrading to Windows 10 from previous versions, and errors related to KMS activation, as well as errors that may occur on a freshly installed system. In addition to the error codes themselves and their descriptions, brief methods for correcting problems that prevent normal activation of the system will be given.
Each system activation error has a unique code, which, along with a description of the error, is displayed in the Activation of the control panel.
Advice . You can check if your system is activated like this.
Windows 10 does not activate after upgrading from Windows 7 SP1/8.1
If, after performing a free upgrade from Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, system activation fails, check in the Windows Store to see if there is a valid license for your device.
Go to Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Activation -> Store (Start -> Settings -> Update & security -> Activation -> Store). If there is no license, it is likely that the previous version of Windows was not licensed, or there has been a change in the hardware configuration of your computer and you will have to purchase a license.
How to check Windows 7 activation
In order to find out whether the OS is activated, go to the “Control Panel”
Next "System"
At the bottom of the window we read information about the license status
Activation error 0xC004F061
- The Software Licensing Service determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations. (Error code: 0xC004F061)
- The Software Licensing Service has detected that the specified product key can only be used for an upgrade, not a fresh installation. (Error 0xC004F061)
This error means that activating the system with this key is only possible when upgrading from Windows 8 / Windows 7 and is not suitable for a clean installation. Those. You will have to install the previous OS on your PC first. Or use a little trick:
- In the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE, change the values of the MediaBootInstall to 0 .
- Run the command: slmgr /rearm
- Reboot
- Enter the key again and try to activate the system
Troubleshooting common Windows activation problems
That's why, in these same lines, we'll talk about some of the most common mistakes in this regard and how we can solve them. All this will help us so that error messages do not appear on the screen again . Of course, we must clearly understand that if we try to activate the key of a pirated system, what we show you here will not solve anything.
We must also remember that, depending on the source of purchase, the key received may be false or invalid. Therefore, it is advisable to buy it from Microsoft or a reliable third party vendor.
Use the troubleshooter
But if the key is valid but we cannot use it for something, then we can say that Windows 10 has a large number of features that allow us to detect and fix errors . One of them that can help us in this case is known as problem solver. To get it, we only need to go to the Settings application and go to the Update & Security / Activation section. A window will then appear in which we can click the Troubleshoot link.
This is a link that will only appear when the system has problems with activation, otherwise it will not appear. This will take us to the wizard who will continue to correct the error that we have. If it does not detect a problem and is unable to activate the computer, Windows will give us the option to buy a key .
Use CMD to change the product key
On the other hand, if we assume that we upgraded the operating system from Windows 7 to Windows 10, we can find this glitch. And it may happen that when we try to activate the system we find a malfunction that does not leave us. To solve this error, we delete the Windows key we have. To do this, we must first open a Command Prompt window with administrator permission . Then we type the following commands:
slmgr.vbs/dlv
This will help us find out the activation ID to be able to delete it, so we indicate it in the appropriate field. Then, once we have the specified ID, we run the following command:
slmgr/upk ID de activation
We will now see a message confirming that we have deleted the password, so we only need to re-enter the new one. This should activate Windows successfully and without problems.
Activation error 0xC004FC03
- A networking problem has occurred while activating your copy of Windows. (Error code: 0xC004FC03)
- There was a problem with the network when activating this copy of Windows. (Error code: 0xC004FC03)
The computer is not connected to the Internet, or the connection to activation servers is blocked by Windows Firewall, another firewall, or a proxy. If you cannot solve the connection problem, you can activate Windows by phone (command: slui 4)
Activation error 0xC004C008
- The activation server reported that the product key has exceeded its unlock limit. (Error code: 0xC004C008)
- The activation server reported that the unlock limit for this product key has been exceeded. (Error code 0xC004C008)
The error occurs if this product key has already been used to activate the system on another computer, or on more computers than provided for in the license agreement (for example, if the number of activations with a MAK key is exceeded).
Activation error 0xC004C003
- This product key didn't work. (Error code: 0xC004C003)
- This product key does not work. (Error code: 0xC004C003)
Most likely, the specified product key is incorrect or invalid. An error may also appear when trying to activate a clean version of Windows 10 instead of upgrading from a previous version.
In some cases, when upgrading the system (this often happened during the mass transition to Windows 10 in 2015), this error appeared due to Microsoft activation servers being overloaded with requests. This may be indicated by the message “Windows cannot be activated. Please try again later." Take the advice and try activating later.
How to avoid errors when activating Windows 10?
Most common problems can be resolved before recording is activated. Here are some rules to minimize errors:
- Download clean Windows 10 from the official Microsoft website. Any third-party assembly is a risk. Since it is unknown what exactly does not work after the intervention of the repacker.
- Before activation, we disable the antivirus and all background applications through the firewall - the digital serial number uses the Internet to register the key. The connection often drops due to the slightest glitch.
You should not purchase a key from unknown retailers - it may be unavailable due to being tied to a specific card. board Activation in this case will not succeed under any circumstances.
Activation error 0xC004F034
- The license cannot be found or it is incorrect. (Error code: 0xC004F034)
- The Software Licensing Service reported that license could not be found or was invalid (Error code: 0xC004C003)
Error 0xC004C003 was especially relevant during the massive upgrade to Windows 10 and now it is quite rare. At that time, Microsoft servers simply did not have time to handle the influx of clients. Details at the link: Activation error 0xC004F034 after upgrading to Windows 10.
What can be considered a hardware change in a computer?
This area, despite its apparent simplicity and lack of any complexity, is a collection of ambiguous and contradictory statements that Microsoft
unable to fully explain. On the one hand, the corporation on the official website for supporting its products offers an explanation, the general meaning of which boils down to the statement that:
“If you make a major hardware change, such as replacing the system board, Windows will no longer be able to find a license that matches the device and you will need to reactivate the Windows operating system for it to work.”
(direct link to the statement on a third-party resource: https://support.microsoft.com/ru-ru/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change).
However, on the other hand, in documents obtained by Paul Thurrott, formerly a senior technology analyst at Windows IT Pro:
, it is reported that replacing the hard drive does not fall under
Microsoft's
"significant hardware changes" , and the system will be able to independently connect the digital license corresponding to the motherboard.
Activation error 0xC004C020
- The activation server reported that the Multiple Activation Key has exceeded its limit. (Error code: 0xC004C020)
- The activation server has determined that the specified multiple activation key has exceeded the limit. (Error code: 0xC004C020)
The error is due to the fact that the number of OS activations using a multiple activation key (MAK key) exceeded the number specified in the enterprise agreement with Microsoft. In this case, you must contact MSFT through partners to obtain a new key or extension of the agreement.
Activation error 0x8007232B
- DNS name does not exist. (Error code: 0x8007232B)
- The DNS name does not exist. (Error code 0x8007232B)
The error can occur when there is no connection to the network, or when using an incorrect/non-functioning DNS server.
In addition, in some cases, error 0x8007232B is associated with:
- an attempt to activate the corporate version of Windows with a key from the retail edition
- unavailability of the KMS server in the domain pointed to by the _vlmcs._tcp record
Activation error 0xC004F074
- The software licensing service reported that the computer could not be activated. No Key management service could be contacted (Error code: 0xC004F074)
- The Software Licensing Service reported that activation failed for this computer. Key Management Service (KMS) is not available. (Error code: 0xC004F074)
Error 0xC004F074 is associated with the inability to activate the OS on a corporate KMS server.
The reason may be the absence of the SRV record _VLMCS._tcp in DNS. This entry can be created manually, or you can force the KMS address on the client, for example:
slmgr /skms kms-server.winitpro.ru:1688
Also check if the time on the KMS server and client is different
Activation error 0xC004F014
Error 0xC004F038 is also associated with an activation problem on the KMS server and indicates that the network does not have the required number of systems for activation. In order for the KMS server to begin activating clients, the number of clients in its counter must exceed a strictly defined activation threshold.
Advice . This counter can be increased artificially.
To start activating clients, the KMS server must receive more than 25 activation requests from client versions of Windows, or more than 5 requests from Windows Server.
Also make sure that the correct key is specified for your OS version. This can be one of the public GVLK keys for activation on KMS (a complete list of links to all keys is in the FAQ article on KMS activation of Microsoft products), or the corresponding retail/MAK key.
We use the ShowKey Plus program
This is the simplest method and does not require working with the command line. There are many applications that show the key, but I like this software the most. What is its advantage? ShowKey Plus displays not only information about the installed system, but also the OEM key in UEFI (a universal template for standard software that replaced the BIOS and is stored in the chipset).
This is what the program's working window looks like:
The information you need is displayed opposite the “Installed Key”. And if ten was pre-installed on a laptop (or desktop PC), then data about this will be shown in the OEM Key field.
A very convenient feature is saving data to a file for later storage (what if it comes in handy?).
You can download the software here:
Download
Activation error 0x803F7001
- Activation failed because the device doesn't have a valid digital entitlement or product key (Error code: 0x803F7001)
- Activation failed, this device does not have a valid digital license or product key (Error code: 0x803F7001)
0x803f7001 is one of the fairly common Windows activation errors. The error usually occurs after upgrading to Windows 10 and is associated with one of the following problems
- There has been a change in the system hardware configuration. Try contacting a Microsoft call center operator and explaining the problem (command to get a phone number slui 4 ). You can also get the Microsoft phone in your country from the file %windir%System32\SPPUI\Phone.inf
- To activate Windows 10, use a key from Windows 7/8.1
- The activation key contains an error
- Problem connecting to activation servers (possibly temporary)
Reasons why Windows 10 cannot be activated
There are many options why the OS does not want to activate: from replacing the device on the computer to setting the date incorrectly. The problem is usually accompanied by an error - with a description and code.
Below we will describe several common errors and find out how to fix them.
Invalid device (0xC004F211)
The error is related to replacing a device on the computer. This applies primarily to digital license holders. It is tied to the computer as a whole, so when you replace a device (most often the motherboard), the operating system no longer sees the license.
Read more about the digital license in our short article.
If the computer was not linked to a digital license, but simply entered an activation key, the solution is simple - click “Change product key” in the parameters. Otherwise, if the PC was associated with a digital signature, you will have to purchase a new license.
Although the developers suggest adding a new device to the exception. This is possible in your Microsoft account settings.
The same actions must be taken when activation error 0xC004F213 is detected. The error description usually states that the system could not find the product key.
Version mismatch (0xC004F212)
The error occurs when you have selected the wrong version for activation. The digital license is tied to a specific OS version (the same as the activation key). If you bought Windows 10 Home, and then installed Professional and want to activate it, nothing will work.
The option is obvious - install the version for which the license was purchased. Also, don't forget about the Microsoft Troubleshooting and Support Tool. Possible errors when the wrong version is activated are 0xC004F210, 0xC004F034, 0xC004E016, 0xC004F210.
Error 0xC004F00F occurs in a specific case: a key intended for the corporate version of the OS is entered to activate the Home or Pro version. Other error options: 0x8007007B, 0x8007232B, 0xC004F038, 0xC004F074. The last four errors also occur in cases where there is no access to the working network.
Check out several articles that describe in detail the specifics of setting up work or home networks:
- how to create a home local network;
- how to change the computer name on the local network;
- I can't create a home group;
- Network discovery does not work;
- creating a network folder;
- network folders are not detected.
Activation key not found (0x803f7001)
The problem combines the malfunctions listed above. The error indicates that the OS did not find activation on Windows 10. This can happen if:
- equipment changed;
- the wrong version is installed;
- Windows installed for the first time;
- problem with preinstalled
In the first two cases, proceed as described in the previous sections. If you are installing the OS on your computer for the first time, simply enter the activation key in the settings. If you bought a computer (usually a laptop) with an operating system already installed, there may be a manufacturer’s error - he did not include an activation key in the PC.
The latter rarely happens, but if so, contact your computer manufacturer.
Activation key is invalid (0x800704Cf)
The error appears when an invalid activation key is entered. Check that the 25-digit key is entered correctly. Try entering it again and activating the OS. The error may also be caused by replacing the device on the computer. In this case, use the tips above. The same applies to errors 0xC004C003, 0xC004F034.
Problem with updates (0xC004C060, 0xC004F004, 0xC004B001, etc.)
This series of errors most often occurs when Windows 10 cannot be activated after updates. Errors 0xC004F005, 0x803FA067L, 0xC004F050, 0xC004C00F, etc. may also occur.
There are two options here: upgrading to “ten” from earlier versions of the OS (“seven” or “eight”) or updating Windows 10 directly to a newer build. Usually the activation process is automatic, but Microsoft's activation servers may be busy.
Try waiting for a while. Otherwise, contact Microsoft technical support.
For more information about problems when updating Windows 10, read a detailed article with an analysis of the main problems.
Problems with Internet connection or firewall (0xC004FC03)
The OS is activated automatically via the Internet. The error may occur when your computer has connection problems. Another possible option is incorrect firewall settings, when for some reason the firewall does not allow you to complete the activation of the “dozens”.
You need to make sure that there is an Internet connection. Your firewall should be configured correctly so that it does not block activation. In our detailed article you can read about how to configure Windows Firewall.
For the Home version, it is possible to activate the OS via your phone. In the search line (the search is called by the Win+S key combination), type SLUI 04 - and click to execute the command.
Next, follow the prompts to activate the operating system over the phone. This option is not available for the Enterprise and Education versions. On these versions of "tens" after executing the command you will see the following message.
Error 0x8007267C may also indicate a lack of Internet connection and possible blocking from a firewall.
Reactivation (0xC004E028)
You may have already submitted an activation request. This error may appear upon reactivation. It indicates that the operating system is already in the process of activation. Wait for it to finish.
The activation server is unavailable (0xC004C013, 0xD0000272, etc.)
One of these errors indicates that the activation server is unavailable. Wait a moment until the servers are free and try again. Other error options are 0xc004C012, 0xC004C014, 0xC0000272.
We also note error 0xC004C020, which is typical for corporate versions of Windows. It indicates that the license is being used on more devices than the terms allow.
Error 0x87e10bc6 also indicates a failure to connect to activation servers.
Invalid device (0x803FA071, 0xC004C008, 0xC004C770)
One of the three errors says the following: the activation key is already in use by another device. It is also possible that activation is installed on several devices, which is not provided for by the license terms.
Date and time (0x80072F8F)
Check the date and time on your computer. The error may indicate that the time and calendar parameters are incorrect. To change the date and time, go to settings (Win + I), then go to the “Time and language” section. Set automatic time updating. It will sync with Microsoft servers.
Sometimes the error occurs when there is a failure to connect to Microsoft activation services. Check your internet connection. In the Network and Internet settings, select Network Troubleshooter.
System file corruption (0xC004E003)
The reason for the error is problems with system files. Perhaps they were damaged after installing some third-party software. There are several possible solutions to the problem:
- check files for integrity;
- return to restore point;
- restore the system via BIOS.
Also read detailed instructions on how to create a restore point. Another option is to recover using a special recovery disk. But first you need to create it.
