Windows 10: Assistance Required: Windows 11 Activation Error 0xC004C008

Hello,Overview of the Issue: I recently purchased a genuine license key for Windows 11 Pro and successfully used it while installing Windows 11 on my new device. The installation was done using a bootable USB drive created with the Media Creation Tool, following the instructions provided here. Initially, the key was successfully activated on my PC. However, about 30 minutes later, an error occurred during a driver update, which necessitated a reinstallation of Windows 11 using the same bootable USB. Post-reinstallation, I was faced with error 0xC004C008 stating, "The activation server determin

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Can't activate Windows 11 (Error code 0xC004C008)

I recently bought a new laptop and a Windows 11 Home licence, I entered the activation code and got the error 0xC004C008. I never used this code before, can you please help me?

 

Can't activate Windows 11 (Error code 0xC004C008)

Error code 0xC004C008 means SL_E_CHPA_MAXIMUM_UNLOCK_EXCEEDED

The activation server reported that the product key has exceeded its unlock limit.

Contact the retailer of the key.

Greetings

 

Error: 0xC004C008 when trying to activate Windows after hardware change

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are facing issues with activating Windows 10 on your PC after a hardware change, and I certainly appreciate your efforts in trying to resolve the issue by following certain troubleshooting steps.



The error 0xC004C008 means that the product key has already been used on a different PC. For more information refer the article

Get help with Windows activation errors



Since you have already tried using the Activation troubleshooter I would suggest you to try activating the copy of Windows using Phone Activation.

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open
   Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for Run.
   
2. In Run dialog box, type SLUI 04 and hit
   Enter.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   

However, it would be great if you can get in touch with our Technical Support team using the

Chat or
Call channel for further assistance with the issue as they have the right tools and access to assist you better with the query.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator