Here are some of the most common activation errors in Windows 10, and a few things you can try to fix the problems that are causing them. For additional help with the activation process, go to the product activation article.
| Activation error | What it means and how to fix it |
|---|---|
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Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free from Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update |
If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free and ended up in a non-activated state, try following these steps:
Notes
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This product key didn’t work. (Error code: 0xC004C003) |
There are a few reasons why you might see this error:
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License could not be found or was invalid. (Error code: 0xC004F034) The product key you entered didn’t work (Error code: 0xC004F050) |
You might see this error if you entered an invalid product key or a product key for a different version of Windows. For example, you can’t use a Windows 7 or Windows 8.1product key to activate Windows 10. |
|
Error installing product key (Error code: 0xC004E016) |
You might see this error if you entered a product key for a different version or edition of Windows. For example, a product key for the Enterprise edition of Windows 10 can’t be used to activate Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Core editions. |
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Genuine Validation detected tampered Windows binaries. (Error code: 0xC004C4AE) |
You might see this error if you used a third-party app to add a display language that isn’t currently supported by Windows. To fix the problem, you can restore your PC to an earlier point in time to undo the changes that were made to Windows. For more info, see Recovery options in Windows 10. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it’s possible that your copy of Windows isn’t valid and you’ll need to buy a new copy. |
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The Software Licensing Service determined that this specified product key can only be used for upgrading, not for clean installations. (Error code: 0xC004F061) |
You might see this error if a previous version of Windows wasn’t installed on your PC before you tried using a product key to upgrade to Windows 10. In order to upgrade, you need to have Windows 8 or Windows 7 already on your PC. For more info, see Why can’t I activate Windows 10? |
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A networking problem has occurred while activating your copy of Windows. (Error code: 0xC004FC03) |
You might see this error if you’re not connected to the Internet or your firewall settings are preventing Windows from completing the activation process online. Check to make sure you’re connected to the Internet and your firewall isn’t blocking Windows from activating. If you’re still having problems, you can try activating Windows by phone. |
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The activation server reported that the product key has exceeded its unlock limit. (Error code: 0xC004C008) |
You might see this error if the product key has already been used on another PC, or it’s being used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. To fix the problem, you’ll need to buy a product key for each one of your PCs to activate Windows on them. You can buy a new product key from the Windows Store or a participating retailer. To buy a product key from the Store:
If you don’t see the Go to Store button on the Activationpage, contact your organization’s support person. |
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The activation server reported that the Multiple Activation Key has exceeded its limit. (Error code: 0xC004C020) |
This error occurs when a Volume License (a license that has been bought from Microsoft by a business to install Windows on multiple PCs) has been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. To fix the problem, you might need to use a different product key to activate your PC. Contact your organization’s support person for more info. |
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DNS name does not exist. (Error code: 0x8007232B) The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. (Error code: 0x8007007B) |
You might see this error if you’re trying to activate your work PC but aren’t connected to your workplace’s network. If you’re connected to your work network and still see this error, you might need to change your network settings. Contact your organization’s support person for more info. If your organization doesn’t have a support person, you might need to enter your product key again. Follow these steps:
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A security error occurred. (Error code: 0x80072F8F) |
You might see this error if the PC’s date and time are incorrect or Windows is having trouble connecting to the online activation service and can’t verify your product key. To verify your PC’s date and time, follow these steps:
To check your Internet connection, follow these steps:
If the network troubleshooter didn’t find any problems with your network connection, try restarting your PC to see if that fixes the problem. |
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The Software Licensing Service reported that the license evaluation failed. (Error code: 0xC004E003) |
You might see this error after installing third-party software that changed system files. Windows activation needs certain system files to complete activation. You can try to restore your PC’s system files back to an earlier point in time. This will remove any software you installed after that point in time without affecting your personal files. For more info, see the section about restoring from a system restore point inRecovery options in Windows 10. |
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Unspecified error. (Error code: 0x80004005) |
If you see this error, go to Start
 , then select Settings >Update & security > Activation, and then select Activate Windows to try and manually activate Windows. If that doesn’t work, you might need to reset your PC. For more info, see Recovery options in Windows 10. |
You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.