Last updated on February 10th, 2024 at 01:14 am

Sometimes, it can be difficult to upgrade from a regular Windows OS version to a Pro one. It is necessary to have an activation key for Windows in order to function properly. In some cases, users may encounter Windows activation errors when their license files are corrupted for some reason. Whenever you encounter a Windows activation error code, you probably want to know how to fix it easily.

Here are some simple fixes we have compiled to fix different kinds of Windows activate errors. So, let’s check out the guide and find solutions for different Windows activation errors with different error codes on your Windows 10/11 PC. 

How To Fix Windows Activation Errors Appears On Your PC

So, here are some Windows Activation errors and their fixes that may bother you by appearing on your Windows 10/11 PC:

#1. Windows Activation Error Code 0xC004F211

It is the hardware of your device that is associated with your Windows license. You will end up getting different Windows activation errors if you make significant hardware changes, such as replacing your motherboard. You’ll require a new license if you replace the motherboard on a device that came preinstalled with Windows.

So, in case you want to purchase a new Windows license to fix the Windows activation error code 0xc004F211, perform these steps:

• Open the Start menu.
• After that, tap on the Settings.
• Now, hover over to the System tab.
• Thereafter, click on the Activation.
  
  
• Then, tap on Upgrade Your Edition of Windows.
• Finally, select Upgrade in The Microsoft app and hit the Open Store option.
  
  

Suppose you have a Windows 10/11 product key you used on your PC before any kind of hardware change; enter it by:

1. Open Start > Settings.
2. Then, tap on System.
3. After that, tap on Activation.
4. Then select the Change product key.
   
   

In addition, Microsoft provides an exception path after a hardware change for transferring Windows licenses. In order to take advantage of the exception path, you need to be logged into the same Microsoft account as the one you are using to make the hardware change. To access this exception path:

1. Initially, select Start  > Settings.
2. After that, tap on the System  > Troubleshoot.
3. Then, go to the Other Troubleshoot.

4. Now, hit the Run button located next to Windows Update.
   
   

#2. Windows activation Error Code 0xC004F212

You can choose which edition of Windows 11 to install when reinstalling Windows 11 using a digital license. It is possible that you will receive this error if you choose an edition other than the one you are licensed to use. Here are the steps you should follow if you think you have installed the wrong edition:

1. Initially, select Start  > Settings.
2. Thereafter, go to the System > Troubleshoot.
3. Then, go to the Other Troubleshoot.
   
   
4. Now, hit the Run button located next to Windows Update.
   
   
5. The troubleshooter will show you how to install an edition of Windows 11 that is not currently installed if it detects a valid Windows 11 digital license. By doing this, you will be able to resolve the Windows activation error code 0xC004F212.

#3. Windows Activation Error Code 0xC004F213

You must have a Windows 10/11 license if you have a Windows device. Windows may have difficulty finding a matching license if you replace your motherboard and end up getting the Windows error code 0xC004F213. 

You will need a new license if you have changed the motherboard and Windows was pre-installed on the device. To purchase a new Windows license:

• Open the Start menu.
• After that, tap on Settings.
• Now, hover over the System tab.
• Thereafter, click on Activation.
• Then, tap on Upgrade Your Edition of Windows.
• Finally, select Upgrade in The Microsoft app and hit the Open Store option.
  
  

If you already have a Windows 10/11 product key you used on your PC before the hardware change, enter it by:

1. Open Start > Settings.
2. Then, tap on System.
3. After that, tap on Activation.
4. Then select the Change product key.
   
   

#4. Windows Activation Error Code 0x800704cF

Your device doesn’t have a valid Windows license, so these types of Windows activation errors occur. However, to activate Windows, you need a valid product key. 

If you bought Windows, you should receive a confirmation email, receive your product key with the package your device came with, or find your product key on the (COA) Certificate of Authenticity. To activate Windows, use a valid product key:

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Activation.
2. Click the Change product key, and then type in the 25-character product code.

You can run the Windows Activation troubleshooter on the activation settings page if you’ve changed the hardware on your device, such as replacing the motherboard. Depending on your situation, you may need to reactivate Windows to fix the Windows error code 0x800704cF.

#5. Windows Activation Error “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” Warning

There is a possibility that these types of Windows activation errors will happen if you have a volume license client installed. Large organizations that deploy Windows 11 to thousands or hundreds of computers use Windows 11 Pro volume license clients.

It is usually your organization’s responsibility to activate the System, so you should contact your system administrator for assistance. It is first important to determine the type of license installed on your System.

1. Start the administrative Command Prompt.
2. Enter slmgr /dlv and press Enter.
3. Please note the Windows Script Host box in the Product Key Channel section:

• • OEM license is installed if the OEM method is mentioned in the dialog box.
  • It will say Retail if you have the retail license installed.
  • When you see GVLK, VOLUME_<method>, then you have volume licensing installed. Note that GVLK stands for Generic Volume License Key.
  • Users of retail licenses who experience this problem can run the Activation troubleshooter by selecting Start > Settings > System > Activation, then clicking Troubleshoot.
  • You cannot use a volume license (correct me if your System is part of an organization) if it reports you have one installed. For Windows 10/11, you must purchase a genuine license and activate your PC again to resolve the Windows activate error “your Windows License will expire soon” error message.
    
    

#6. Windows Activation Error Code 0x803f7001

The error code 0x803F7001 means that Windows could not be activated because there was no valid license to activate it. To activate Windows, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start > Settings.
2. Select System> Activation.
3. If your product key is valid, select Change product key and enter the 25-character key. Click Go to Microsoft Store, then follow the instructions to purchase a digital license for Windows if you don’t have a valid product key. 

#7. Windows Activation Error Code 0xC004C003

It is possible that you are seeing this error because you entered an invalid Windows 11 product key. Each product key is unique, allocated to a particular user, and able to be installed on a single device. Whenever a key is used (or attempted to be used) on more than one device, it will be marked as invalid. 

It is necessary for you to provide a unique Windows key for each device you wish to activate Windows with. So, it is best to contact the reseller if you bought a device from a reseller who promised the key would be valid. 

When you turn your device on for the first time after purchasing it with Windows 11 preinstalled, you will receive this activation error message. Contact the manufacturer of your device if you receive the Windows activation error code 0xC004C003. 

If your device does not work as described above, try these steps: 

1. Choose Start > Settings > System > then Troubleshoot.
2. Then, Other Troubleshoot > Windows Update > Run.
   
   
3. You may be able to activate Windows 11 by entering your Windows 25-character product key on paper. 
4. Ensure that Windows 11 licenses are required if your device has recently been repaired by a professional repair facility. 
5. If you have never activated your new device, contact the manufacturer. 

#8. Windows Activation Error Code 0xC004F034

If you entered a product key that was not valid or for a different Windows version, the Windows activate error code 0XC004F034 error might appear.

If your PC is running Windows 10/11, enter a valid product key matching the version and edition of the operating System you are using.

To activate Windows on a device connected to a Key Management Service (KMS) server, contact the support team at your organization.

#9. Windows Activation Error Code 0xC004F210

When you enter a product key for a different Windows edition than the one installed on your device, this error may appear. Also, suppose you installed a recent edition of Windows on your device, but your digital license is not compatible with the edition on your device. In that case, you might receive the Windows activate error code 0xC004F210.

Depending on your digital license, you may have to enter a valid product key or reinstall Windows 11 that matches the edition you have installed on your device.

#10. Windows Activation Errors 0xC004E016 or 0xC004F210

If the product key you entered matches a different Windows version or edition, you might see these Windows activation errors. When you activate Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Core with a product key for Windows 11 Enterprise, you won’t be able to activate Windows 11 Home.

If you want a new copy of Windows, you should enter a product key that matches the edition and version of Windows installed on your device.

#11. Windows Activation Error Code 0xC004FC03

If you are unable to access the internet or your firewall settings prevent Windows from activating online, you might see these kinds of Windows Activation errors.

You must ensure that your firewall does not prevent Windows from activating on your computer. If you are still experiencing the activation error code 0xC004FC03, try activating Windows by phone. 

You will be able to activate Windows by typing SLUI 04 in the taskbar’s search box, selecting it from the result list, and then following the instructions on the screen.

#12. Windows Activation Error Code 0xC004E028

The error code 0xC004E028 may appear if you try to activate a device that is already being activated. It should take a few minutes for your device to be activated after you’ve submitted your first request.

#13. Windows Activation Error Code 0x8007267C

When you are not online, or the activation server is temporarily unavailable, you may see this error. If your firewall is blocking Windows from activating, check to see if you are connected to the internet.

#14. Windows Activation Errors 0xC004C008, 0xC004C770, 0x803FA071

In some cases, Windows activation error codes 0xC004C008, oxC004C770, and 0x803FA071 occur if the product key has been used on more than one device or if it has already been used on another device. 

If you want to fix these Windows Activation errors, you need to purchase a product key for each device. From the Microsoft Store, you can buy Windows 11 if you’re running Windows 11:

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Activation.
2. Then, tap on Upgrade Your Edition of Windows.
3. Finally, select Upgrade in The Microsoft app and hit the Open Store option. 

#15. Windows Activation Error Code 0xC004C020

It occurs when the Microsoft Software License Terms allow the use of a volume license (a license purchased from Microsoft for multiple devices) on more devices than the volume license allows. 

It is possible that you need to use another product key to activate Windows on your device in order to resolve the Windows Activation error code 0xC004C020. If you would like more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your organization’s support department.

#16. Windows Activation Error Code 0x80072F8F

In some cases, Windows is unable to verify your product key if the device’s Date and Time are incorrect or if it has trouble connecting to the online Windows activation service, due to which it started showing Windows Activation errors such as 0x80072F8F. In order to verify the Time and Date, follow these steps:

1. Initially, select Start.
2. Then, go to Settings.
3. After that, tap on Time & language > Date & Time.
   
   

If you want to check your internet connection, follow these steps:

1. From the list of results, type network troubleshooter in the search box on the taskbar. Then, it will open a Network Connection Window.
   
   
2. Simply tap on Next.
3. Then, it will troubleshoot if there is any issue with the internet connection on your device.

To determine if restarting your device will fix the Windows Activation errors like the 0x80072F8F code, if the network troubleshooter revealed no issues, try it.

#17. Windows Activation Error Code 0x87e10bc6

It appears that there was an issue with our activation server or licensing service. Once you have waited a few minutes, you can try the following steps to recover your Windows 10/11 Pro license:

1. Firstly, go to Start > Settings.
2. Select System> Troubleshoot.
3. To run the Windows Update troubleshooter, select Troubleshoot.
4. Then, go to the Other Troubleshoot.
5. Now, hit the Run button located next to Windows Update.

When the troubleshooter has finished, select Go to Microsoft Store to open the Microsoft Store app. In the Microsoft Store app, select Try Again if there are any Windows activation errors. Your computer should display a message congratulating you on activating genuine Windows, followed by another message confirming Activation.

Also Read: 

1. Windows Server 2016 End of Life | Everything You Need To Know
2. How to Fix File History Doesn’t Recognize This Drive on Windows 11
3. How Do I Install Openssl Windows 10/ 11
4. How to Fix Microsoft Error Code AADSTS50020

#18. Windows Activation Error Code 0x80070652

There may be a problem with the updated components on the computer if they are missing or corrupted. In addition, the System may encounter this error if it receives poor network connectivity.

While downloading and installing Windows updates, you may receive Windows Activation errors such as 0x80070652. However, the Update Troubleshooter can help you resolve these problems. 

1. Initially, go to Start.
2. Then, tap on the Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
3. Now, locate and click on Other troubleshooters.
4. Next, under Most Frequent, select Windows Update > Run.

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So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the different Windows Activation errors on your Windows 10/11 PC. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. Moreover, I suggest you personally bookmark this page as this is going to be updated regularly once any new Windows activate error code appears. Also, if we missed something or you need any further help, comment below and let us know.