7 Ways to Fix the Activation Error Code 0xC004F074 on Windows

Sometimes when you try to activate Windows, you get the dreaded 0xC004F074 error. So, what does it mean, and how do you fix it?

Just when you’re about to activate your Windows PC, the error code 0xC004F074 pops up. This prevents you from continuing with the activation process and forces you to use your PC with limited features.

While this can be a frustrating and confusing error message to handle, let’s take a look at how you can easily tackle this issue.

1. Run the Windows Update and Activation Troubleshooters

Whenever you encounter system issues, Windows troubleshooting tools can come in handy. In this case, we’ll take a look at how the Windows Update and Activation troubleshooters can help you fix this activation issue.

To get started, open the Windows Update troubleshooter by following these steps:

1. Navigate to Win Start Menu > PC Settings > Update & Security and then click Troubleshoot on the left-hand side pane.
2. Scroll down on the right-hand side pane, click the Windows Update option, and then click the Run the troubleshooter button. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the process.

When your finish, run the Activation troubleshooter by following these steps:

1. Navigate to Win Start Menu > PC Settings > Update & Security and then click Activation on the left-hand side pane.
2. Next, click the Troubleshoot option and follow the on-screen instruction to finalize the process.

2. Re-Install the Product Key Using the Software Licensing Management Tool

If you’re encountering this error while using an existing product key, try uninstalling and re-installing the product key via the Command Prompt. To do this, you’ll need to run a command using the Software Licensing Management Tool (slmgr).

To get started, here’s how you can uninstall and re-install the product key on your Windows device:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
2. Type CMD and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
3. Type the following command and then press Enter:

slmgr.vbs/dlv

Next, run the following command to uninstall the existing product key from your device:

slmgr.vbs /upk

When you finish, type the following command to re-install the product key:

slmgr.vbs /ipk <New_Product_Key>

Replace the New_Product_Key command with your actual product key and then press Enter to run the command. Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.

3. Buy a Genuine Copy of Windows or Try a Different Activation Method

The error code 0xC004f074 is most likely to pop up if you’re trying to activate a pirated version of Windows. So, the best way to avoid this issue is to buy a genuine copy of Windows.

If you’re encountering this issue on a genuine copy of Windows, then try using a different activation method. If you’ve been using a product key, try activating using a digital license instead. Alternatively, try transferring a digital license from one of your Windows devices.

4. Disable the Fast Startup Feature

The Fast Startup feature helps reboot your PC faster than normal. However, this feature might limit some of your PC's functionalities. For example, it could restrict you from accessing the BIOS/UEFI settings or even affect your Windows updates. So, this feature might even be the reason you’re encountering activation issues on your device.

To resolve this problem, you could consider disabling the Fast Startup feature by following these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
2. Type powercfg.cpl and click on OK to open the Power Options window.
3. Click the Choose what the power buttons do option on the left-hand side pane.
4. In the next window, click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
5. Uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) box under the Shutdown settings and then click the Save changes button.

When you finish, restart your PC to save these changes.

5. Repair Corrupted System Files Using SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files are likely some of the causes of this activation issue. In this case, you can use the built-in DISM and SFC tools to find and repair all the corrupted system files on your device.

To get started, run the DISM tool by following these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
2. Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Wait for the scan to complete. From there, type the following command and then press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC when the scan is complete.

Now you can run an SFC scan. To get started, open the Command Prompt as per the previous steps. From there, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

When the scan is complete, close the Command Prompt and restart your PC to save these changes.

6. Temporarily Disable Windows Defender Firewall

You’re likely to encounter the 0xc004f074 Activation error when your Firewall prevents Windows from licensing files over the Internet. In this case, you could consider temporarily disabling your Firewall and then turn it back on after activating Windows.

So, here’s how you can temporarily disable the Windows Defender Firewall:

1. Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar and select the Best match.
2. Click the View by drop-down menu and then select Large icons.
3. Scroll down and click Windows Defender Firewall.
4. In the next window, click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on and off.

Check the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall boxes on the Domain, Private, and Public network settings. From there, press OK to close the tab.

And if you're using a third-party antivirus program, you might also need to temporarily switch it off. But then be sure to switch it on again immediately after activating Windows.

7. Contact Microsoft Support

If things don’t work out, perhaps it’s time to contact Microsoft support. When you get in touch with them, you could request them to change or reset your product key. Otherwise, they’ll provide the best advice on how you can easily activate Windows.

In most cases, you might need to provide your PC specs. So, be sure to check and save your PC specs in case they’re needed in the process.

Activate Your Windows Device The Easy Way

Activating Windows shouldn’t be a hassle when you have the correct product key or digital license. If you come across the 0xC004F074 activation error, simply apply any of the methods we’ve provided. And if you still encounter activation issues, rest assured and know that there’s a workaround for that too.

About The Author