Windows activation error 0x803FA067: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What these 16 codes mean
This page covers 16 codes: 0xC004F050, 0xC004C060, 0xC004C004, 0xC004F004, 0xC004C007, 0xC004F005, 0xC004C00F, 0xC004C010, 0xC004C00E, 0xC004C4A4, 0xC004C4A5, 0xC004B001, 0xC004F010, 0xC004C4A2, 0x803FA067, 0xC004C001.
0xC004F050: The Software Protection Service reported that the product key is invalid
The Software Protection Service reported that the product key is invalid. (Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C060: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004C004: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004F004: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004C007: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004F005: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004C00F: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004C010: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004C00E: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004C4A4: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004C4A5: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004B001: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004F010: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry.
0xC004C4A2: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry. (Microsoft's row lists this code twice.)
0x803FA067: Activation error (product key or activation server)
Listed in Microsoft's activation help row of 16 codes with 0xC004F050 (key can't be used, servers busy after an upgrade, or not activated after a reinstall); the steps are on the 0xC004F050 entry. Microsoft's page prints it as 0x803FA067L.
0xC004C001: The activation server says the product key is invalid
The activation server determined the specified product key is invalid. (Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
Code facts
0xC004F050: The Software Protection Service reported that the product key is invalid
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004F050 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004F050 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221549136 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073418160 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C060: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C060 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C060 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221536864 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073430432 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C004: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C004 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C004 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221536772 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073430524 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004F004: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004F004 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004F004 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221549060 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073418236 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C007: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C007 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C007 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221536775 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073430521 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004F005: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004F005 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004F005 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221549061 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073418235 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C00F: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C00F |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C00F |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221536783 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073430513 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C010: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C010 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C010 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221536784 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073430512 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C00E: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C00E |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C00E |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221536782 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073430514 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C4A4: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C4A4 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C4A4 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221537956 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073429340 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C4A5: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C4A5 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C4A5 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221537957 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073429339 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004B001: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004B001 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004B001 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221532673 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073434623 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004F010: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004F010 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004F010 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221549072 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073418224 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0xC004C4A2: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C4A2 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C4A2 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221537954 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073429342 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
0x803FA067: Activation error (product key or activation server)
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x803FA067 |
|---|---|
| Type | HRESULT (Windows result code) |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x803FA067 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2151653479 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2143313817 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 63 FACILITY_WINDOWS_STORE |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Facility 63 (FACILITY_WINDOWS_STORE) is only in the SDK facility list; the MS-ERREF facility table does not list it. (HRESULT_FACILITY macro (winerror.h), [MS-ERREF]: HRESULT)
0xC004C001: The activation server says the product key is invalid
| Code as Windows shows it | 0xC004C001 |
|---|---|
| Type | Activation error code |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0xC004C001 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 3221536769 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -1073430527 |
| Group | Activation errors |
Read with care
- Not a standard HRESULT (R bit set without the N bit, MS-ERREF 2.1). Microsoft lists it as a Windows activation (Software Protection) code; do not split it into facility and error number. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes)
Code facts: Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up when Windows tries to activate or when the product key is checked.
Applies to
- 0xC004F050: Consumer activation page: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, per that page). The typo check comes from a Learn page written for technical support agents and IT professionals about volume activation (MAK/KMS), which applies to Windows Server.
- 0xC004C060: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C004: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004F004: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C007: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004F005: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C00F: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C010: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C00E: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C4A4: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C4A5: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004B001: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004F010: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C4A2: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0x803FA067: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
- 0xC004C001: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (activation help page has a tab for each)
Try these first
These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.
8 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0xC004F050 are not covered.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
From: Get help with Windows activation errors
Source: Get help with Windows activation errors (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
0xC004F050: One row on Microsoft's activation help page covers 16 codes, 0xC004F050 among them. Steps follow the page's Windows 11 tab.
Use a product key that works
The key you entered may not be usable for activation: try another product key, or purchase a new one.
Activation servers were busy after an upgrade
Coming from a Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 that was already activated, Windows 11 activates on its own - or give it some time and select Activate. If it keeps failing, contact customer support.
Not activated after reinstalling a free upgrade
A free-upgrade copy of Windows 11 normally activates on its own after a reinstall, as long as the hardware didn't change a lot (for example a new motherboard). If it still doesn't, contact customer support.
From: Windows 10 activation error 0xC004F050
Source: Windows 10 activation error 0xC004F050 (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
0xC004F050: Microsoft's page for this code on Windows 10 (support ended on October 14, 2025).
Enter another valid key
For 0xC004F050.
Windows 10 only.
If the product key can't be used, enter a different valid Windows 10 key or buy a new one.
Busy activation servers after an upgrade
For 0xC004F050.
Windows 10 only.
If you moved to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8.1, activation happens on its own; you can also select Activate and try again.
Free upgrade not activated after a reinstall
For 0xC004F050.
Windows 10 only.
Windows 10 normally activates on its own unless the hardware changed a lot (a new motherboard, for example). For more steps the page points to 'Get help with Windows activation errors'.
From: Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes
Source: Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
0xC004F050, 0xC004C001: Microsoft's volume activation (MAK/KMS) error page, written for technical support agents and IT professionals.
Check the key you typed (volume activation)
For 0xC004F050.
Written for IT administrators.
The cause can be a typo, or a Beta key used on a generally available version of the operating system. Make sure you're installing the correct KMS key on the corresponding version of Windows and that you've entered the correct characters and numbers. If you copy and paste the key, make sure the Clipboard didn't replace the hyphens with em-dashes.
Re-enter or verify the MAK
For 0xC004C001.
Written for IT administrators.
You can try reentering the MAK to make sure you entered the correct information. Otherwise, verify that the MAK you're using is valid by contacting the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers.
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
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| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |