The error code 0xc004c003 is an issue that users encounter when their system attempts to activate the OS using the OEM Activation Digital Product Key. Although this might seem as a serious issue, you should be able to fix it with one of our solutions.

What is the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004c003?

This error appears on Windows 11 when one is trying to activate the license of Windows because the operating system is faced with an error on the server. The cause cannot be singled out.  The error will appear in the following format: 

What causes the 0xC004C003 Windows 11 activation error? 

To access the registry hive and verify the product key one has to go through the licensing code component in Windows. The 0xc004c003 error code is triggered when the access is denied due to using incorrect access.  It is also worth noting that an unsuccessful key validation can cause this error. However, the reasons as to why the key validation was not successful vary.

How do I fix the error code 0xC004C003 on Windows 11?

1. Use Command Prompt to activate Windows 11

Sometimes, the Microsoft server fails to verify and activate your license because of server issues. However, you can still use the Command Prompt to activate your license.

2. Use a PC optimization utility

We can’t activate Windows on this device 0xc004f074 message is often caused by underlying issues with the system files or the registry. A utility like Restoro can safely remediate these within minutes. It uses a secure database of all up-to-date Windows system files to replace any corrupt or missing files on your machine. This application can repair and optimize your registry, fix DLL files, remove error messages and identify stability problems within your PC. To fix this error with Restoro, just open the application, start scanning your PC, and let the utility automatically fix any issues detected. Besides system-specific errors, Restoro is also able to assess your hardware and give you information about your CPU temperature, low memory issues, and more. ⇒ Get Restoro

3. Check the Windows version you are on

4. Get Microsoft to reactivate Windows

The first time you register a Windows 11 license, it automatically associates itself with the hardware on your device. This helps Microsoft ensure that the license is being used as per the terms indicated.  Therefore, users do not need to manually activate Windows on their operating system every time they make a clean install. SPONSORED However, if you have made changes to your device in terms of hardware (for instance, you got a new motherboard), Microsoft will not be able to verify the validity. As such, the 0xc004c003 error code appears.  To counter this issue, you can use the Digital Product Key or even run the troubleshooter to verify and activate Windows.  Use Microsoft’s resources especially if Windows 11 is not activated after clean install or after a hardware change. 

5. Switch to Windows 11 Home

If you used the Home edition license key to upgrade your device to Windows Pro from Windows 11 Home, this is the reason why the activation error code appears.  Therefore, you can either downgrade to the previous version you had installed or upgrade to the Pro version by buying it. 

6. Adjust the Registry to install Windows 10 Home

This is an advanced solution, but as long as you follow the instructions closely, it should help you if your Windows 11 is not activated after upgrade.

7. Switch to Windows 11 Home

That’s how you can reinstall Home Windows operating system, without necessarily losing important files or applications. The activation error is not present on devices that are currently running on the January 2021 security release or an earlier release.  If you are currently facing the activation issue, run the January 12, 2021 release or an earlier one to fix the problem.

How can I resolve activation error codes on Windows 11?

Microsoft does not allow users with inactivated Windows licenses to make use of some personalization and other functionalities on systems. Therefore, you need to verify your Windows 11 version and product key.  Alternatively, you may use the Command Prompt. Even more, verify the validity of your license and perform a downgrade to the correct edition of Windows 11 if it is necessary. You can take a look at our guide on how to restore reset Windows 11 to its factory settings for this. Moreover, feel free to make use of third-party repair applications that will help you deal with a wide range of Windows update difficulties, even if Windows 11 is not activated after upgrade. However, if the same issue persists, you should consider rolling back from Windows 11 as we wait for Microsoft to come up with a solution for these bugs and glitches.  Have you encountered the 0xc004c003 activation error code on Windows 11 and were you able to solve the issue using the methods we listed above? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

 

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