One of the earliest errors that you can face on Windows 10 after upgrading from Windows 7 or 8 is Activation Error Code 0xC004F074. This error doesn’t allow you to activate your version of Windows. If you’re facing this problem, it means that the Key Management Service (KMS) couldn’t be contacted properly during the activation process.
Key Management Service (KMS) is responsible for enabling activation of Windows Operating System and it activates products such as Microsoft Windows and Microsoft office, automatically.
When an original supported version is installed on your computer, the computer system discovers the Key Management Service server on the network and automatically activates the license. But when the Key Management Service is unavailable because of differences between the KMS client and KMS host, there’s a glitch and Activation Error Code 0xC004F074 occurs.
Whenever you try to upgrade your operating system or activating them, you can receive the following message:
Windows cannot reach your company’s activation service. Please connect to your corporate network. If you are connected and continue to see the error, you can contact your system administrator. You can also click on error detail to find the exact error information. Error code: 0xC004F074
You can also get a pop-up message that reads as:
Activation Error Code 0xC004F074 is also known to occur if you’ve downloaded an illegal/pirated version of the Windows Operating System.
How To Repair Windows 10 Activation Error Code 0xC004F074 ?
There are several ways you can fix Windows 10 Activation Error Code 0xC004F074 mentioned in this article. Follow the step-by-step instructions below. Work your way down and find the suitable one that works for you:
Uninstall and Reinstall KMS Key
This method will work only if you have an activation key or a KMSpico key. First, you have to uninstall the existing key and then apply for a new one. Follow these steps:
- Search your computer for Command Prompt.
- Right-click on it and Run as administrator.
- Type in slmgr.vbs /upk and press Enter to uninstall the existing key.
- Now the old key is removed.
- Type in slmgr.vbs /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx and press Enter. (Replace the x letters with your product key number)
- Again type slmgr.vbs –ato and press Enter.
- Reboot your device and see if the error is fixed.
Run SLUI Command
- Press Windows and R key at the same time to open the Run dialogue box.
- Type in SLUI 3 and press Enter.
- Type in your activation key.
- Click on the Activate button.
If that doesn’t solve the issue, you can try SLUI 4 command then :
- Press Windows and R key at the same time to open the Run dialogue box on your computer.
- Type in SLUI 4 and press Enter.
- Press Windows + S key together to open Settings.
- Scroll to Update & Security and click on Activation.
- If your PC is not activated, there’ll be an option to activate it by phone.
- Follow the onscreen instructions and activate your Windows by phone.
Update the Date & Time
The difference in Date and Time between KMS Host and client can trigger this error. Go to your Time and Date settings and make sure they’re updated.
You can also synchronize the time on the client by following the steps mentioned below:
- Search your computer for Command Prompt.
- Right-click on it and run as administrator.
- Type in w32tm /resync and press Enter.
Run SFC Scan
- Open a command prompt with Admin privileges.
- Now in the command prompt empty box, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- This process may take some time so please be patient.
- Once completed, reboot your computer and check if the issue is solved.