Windows 10: Windows Activation Issue Win 11 Pro

Hi,We have managed devices purchased through our local supplier, and the OS was upgraded to Windows 11 Pro to meet the requirements of our Intune tenant. Following a Windows update, a Windows activation issue has emerged. These devices do not have product key stickers attached, so we are unable to trace the product keys.The supplier’s technician has already attempted remote troubleshooting but was unable to resolve the issue and recommended reaching out to the Microsoft team. I contacted Microsoft, but their advice was to purchase new licenses. However, given the high cost of Windows 11 Pro li

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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

 

MSDN Win 10 Pro Activation Issues

Here is a Microsoft paper on activation issues.

Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support

I suggest that you use the TechNet forums for this particular issue. This forum is consumer-oriented (Win 10 Home, Pro). TechNet is IT oriented (Win 10, Pro, Enterprise, MSDN, Server 2012-R2, etc.).

 

WIN 11 PRO RE-ACTIVATION

I have originally purchased a product key for, and installed /activated, WIN 10 PRO after creating an outlook email as requested. I was then asked to upgrade to WIN 11 PRO with the same product key (I assumed). I have been running WIN 11 PRO (Also Activated) with no problems until suddenly I couldn't use Personalization features as WIN 11 PRO shows NOT ACTIVATED. When I try to activate it does nothing and running the Activation Troubleshoot returns a message to check internet connection (which I'm connected) or contact an administrator. as it stands I cannot activate WIN 11 PRO nor enter the key again anywhere I can see possible and some solutions I found on the net indicate returning to WIN 10 PRO installation but having installed numerous APPS and processed data that would would be my very last option. any recommendations to try without having to reinstall everything ?