Windows 10: Windows 11 pro upgrade, activation issue.

I recently purchased a new laptop with windows 11 installed. I added new ram to it a few days after setting it up. Then shortly after that I upgraded to windows 11 pro. It installed, but now it's showing me that windows isn't activated and won't allow me to make simple settings changes.

:)

 

Windows 11 pro activation issue Error Code 0xC004C008

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

The error code 0xC004C008 in Windows 11 Pro typically indicates that the product key you're using has exceeded its usage limit. This can happen if the key is meant for a limited number of activations and has been used more times than allowed. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Confirm Your Product Key: First, ensure that the product key you are using is correct and meant for Windows 11 Pro. If you have multiple keys, it's easy to mix them up. Double-check the key and try entering it again.
   
2. Contact Microsoft Support: Since the error suggests that your key has exceeded its activation limit, the best course of action is to contact Microsoft Support directly. They can provide specific details about the usage limit of your key and help you with activation.
   
3. Purchase a New Key: If Microsoft confirms that your key has indeed exceeded its activation limit and cannot be reset, you will need to purchase a new Windows 11 Pro license.
   
4. Troubleshooting Steps:
   
   • Run Activation Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and then click on Troubleshoot. You've mentioned it shows an error (0x80070520), which usually indicates a different problem (often related to communication issues with Microsoft servers). Ensure your internet connection is stable and try running the troubleshooter again.
     
   • Check for Updates: Sometimes, pending updates can interfere with the activation process. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any pending updates. Install them and try activating again.
     
   • SFC and DISM Scan: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to repair Windows images and correct any issues that might be affecting activation.
     
     • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
       
     • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
       
     • After it completes, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
       
5. Consider Hardware Changes: If you've made significant hardware changes to your PC, Windows might consider it a new device, which can affect activation. The Activation Troubleshooter mentioned above can sometimes help with this, particularly if you're signed in with a Microsoft account that has a digital license linked to it.
   
6. Reinstall Windows 10 Pro and Upgrade: If all else fails and you previously had Windows 10 Pro activated on the same hardware, consider reinstalling Windows 10 Pro and using the free upgrade path to Windows 11 Pro, if available. This might circumvent the issue by validating your hardware through the previous activation.
   

Using a genuine and appropriately licensed version of Windows is crucial for receiving support and updates. If you continue to experience issues, purchasing a new license or contacting Microsoft Support are your best options.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Windows 11 Home to Pro upgrade

Want to upgrade 11 Home to 11 Pro. Tried download, but apparently files transferred were for 11 Enterprise. This will not activate; error is "invalid digital license or product key". This is on a new Surface. How to proceed?

Can withdraw/delete this. The suggestion to downgrade - listed below - with a 'fake' windows 10 key works.

 

Can't upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro

Hi Bill,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and will assist you in the best possible ways.

I suggest you to download and create an installation media for Windows 10 Pro form the link provided below:

Download Windows 10

After the installation media is created, suggest you to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro from the installation media. When the upgrade asks for product key, enter the product key purchased for Windows 10 Pro. If it does not accept, suggest you to skip the activation
step. After the Operating System is installed, suggest you to activate by phone by following the steps below:

• Press “Windows key + R” and type “slui 4” and press Enter.
• Select the Region from the list and click Next.
• Call the Toll-Free number provided on top and can activate via phone.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted on the status for further assistance.