- Apr 30, 2019 - See some of the most common activation error for Windows and what you can do to try to fix them. See Activate Windows 10 for general information about activation, including how to choose your activation.
- Activation error What it means and how to fix it Windows 10 isn't activated after. (Error code: 0xC004C003) There are a few reasons why you might see this.
Windows 10 error 0xc004c003 is a key activation error that occurs quite often for users who upgrade to Windows 10 from earlier versions. It seems to happen when there is an issue between the new upgraded install and the key used in activation. It is undoubtedly a frustrating error but one that can be overcome. Here’s how to fix Windows 10 error 0xc004c003.
There seems to be three main types of issue that cause you to see error 0xc004c003. An upgraded install that just won’t activate, an upgrade that uses a mismatched version of Windows 10 and a slow activation process. There are ways around all of them.
You will need a legitimate Windows OS key, Windows 10 upgrade media and a lot of patience!
Fix Windows 10 error 0xc004c003
It seems there isn’t one single fix for this error so we will cover the main three things that can address it.
If you have just upgraded to Windows 10 from a previously activated version of Windows, just be patient. The first time I upgraded to Windows 10, it took three days for Microsoft’s activation servers to get round to activating my copy.
1. Log into Windows with your Microsoft account and verify your identity.
2. Navigate to Settings, Update & Security, Activation.
3. Hit the Activate button once or twice an hour until it activates.
Or:
1. Perform a clean install using the same version of Windows 10 you are entitled to. If you’re upgrading from Windows 8 Home, make sure you’re upgrading to Windows 10 Home and the same for Pro.
2. DO NOT enter a code when prompted during installation. Skip and perform the steps above.
Or:
1. Re-install your previous version of Windows and make sure that activates.
2. Perform all Windows updates and upgrade via the upgrade prompt or upgrade media.
3. Again, don’t enter a code if you’re prompted. Wait until Windows 10 is installed. If the upgrade goes right, you shouldn’t need to enter a code.
Finally, if those three steps don’t work:
1. Navigate to Windows Start, All Apps.
2. Find Contact Support and open it.
3. Instigate a chat session with a support tech who should be able to help. They will likely need remote access to your computer to do it though.
More Windows 10 tips and tricks can be found here:
How to Perform a Repair Installation for Windows 10
How to stop wake timers in Windows 10
How to rebuild your icon cache in Windows 10
When you upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update from Windows 8.1 (or win 7 SP-1) registers your computers hardware, and qualifying OS with a Microsoft Product Activation Server. The device is then considered a Windows 10 device. Subsequently anytime you re-install (or clean install) the installation checks with those servers.
The error message code 0xC004C003 is a Activation error that says the server determined the keys to be invalid or keys are blocked. It often comes up when Windows 10 users try and activate their operating system after a clean install. It happens when the product key that you enters doesn’t work and therefore Windows couldn’t be activated. If you are among unlucky users who encounter this error, don’t worry because we have the fix.
Following are two methods that can help you fix activation error 0xC004C003 in Windows 10. It’s very easy to do. Let’s check out now!
Method 1:
Sometimes, resetting your computer can help you solve this issue. Here are the steps:
Note: This method doesn’t always work but it’s worth the try. Remember to take a backup for any of your important files before performing the following steps.
Step 1: Tap on the Start button and choose Settings
Step 2: Tap on Update and Security
Step 3: Head to Recovery that is located on the left pane
Step 4: Now you see the Reset this PC option. Click on Get Started.
Step 5: Wait until everything is over and see the error code 0xC004C003 Product key blocked in Windows 10 should be fixed.
Method 2:
There is another way for Windows 10 users to request manually for activation. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Head to the Command Prompt and run it as administrator
0xc004c003 Server 2016
| In Windows 10, you go to the Command Prompt and run it as administrator. |
Step 2: Type slmgr.vbs /ato and hit enter
Step 3: Wait for the Windows Script Host to activate the OS and show the activation status
Note: Some users report that it doesn’t work for the first time but after several attempts, their Windows installation was activated successfully.
That’s it! If you have another solution to this problem, please share it in the comments below.