Windows 10 is the latest version of the OS from Microsoft. And it seems that it will stay on computers for a long time: some even say that all subsequent ones will only be its updates. The more relevant it becomes to activate Windows 10. Let's be honest, not everyone uses legal methods for this, such as buying in a store, when there are Windows activator 10 .

Below I will talk about various methods activation. And also about what to do if Windows 10 does not activate.

1. Why activate Windows 10

Why even fool yourself with some kind of activation? Old versions somehow worked without it. Indeed, in the “top ten” such a mode is also provided. But let's see what happens if you don't activate Windows 10 and try to continue working.

Light cosmetic changes like resetting the desktop background and a constantly looming notification about the need for activation can be called flowers. The lack of official support is also unlikely to be much of a nuisance. And here inability to properly customize personalization Already makes me fidget in my chair. But the most unpleasant thing is the constant automatic reboots after a few hours of work. And who knows what else Microsoft engineers will come up with? next updates. So it’s better to solve the activation issue as soon as possible.

To activate, the operating system requires the use of a digital license or a 25-digit key.

Digital license allows you to get activated Windows without entering a key at all. This method is relevant when upgrading for free from a licensed “seven” or “eight”, when purchasing a “ten” in Windows Store, as well as for Insider Preview test participants. In this case, the system is activated automatically after establishing a connection to the Internet and processing data on Microsoft servers.

If buy a key for Windows 10, then during installation this key will need to be entered when prompted by the system. Activation is performed automatically after connecting to the World Wide Web. Authentication is performed in the same way for a clean installation.

Attention! Manual key entry and activation is required only when installing a specific edition on the device for the first time. The Microsoft server will remember it and will activate the OS automatically in the future.

2.1. Activating Windows 10 by phone

If there is no connection to the Internet or the Microsoft servers are too busy and do not respond (this also happens), it will work Windows 10 activation by phone. I’ll say right away that searching for the corresponding item in the menu and settings takes longer than doing this:

• Click Win+R, type slui 4 and press Enter.
• A window will appear asking you to select your country, enter yours and click Next.
• All that remains is to call the number that the system will show and clearly follow the instructions from the answering machine. It’s better to immediately get ready to write down what will be said.
• Then enter the received code Windows activation 10 and click Activate Windows.

As you can see, nothing complicated.

2.2. How to buy a key for Windows 10

If you need a product key for Windows 10 license key Old versions of OS like XP will not work. You will need exactly the current 25-character code. Here are the ways to get it: along with a boxed OS (if you decide to go to the store to buy a disk), along with a digital copy of the OS (the same thing, but in the official online store, for example on the Microsoft website), or as part of an enterprise license or MSDN subscriptions.

The last of the legal options is a key on a device that is sold with a “ten” on board. If necessary, you will simply need to enter it when prompted by the system. To be honest, this is not the most cheap option– unless you really need a new Windows tablet or smartphone.

2.3. How to activate Windows 10 without a key

And now I will tell you how to activate Windows 10 if there is no key– that is, in the good old pirate manner. Please note that according to license agreement You are not supposed to do this, and by law too. So proceed at your own risk.

So, if you are looking for how to activate Windows 10 without a key and without purchasing a license with your hard-earned money, then you will need an activator. There are many of them online, but choose carefully. The fact is that scammers have adapted to disguise real viruses as them. If you try to use such an “activator”, you will only infect the system, you may lose your data, and in the worst case, you will recklessly enter your bank card details and lose all your savings from it.

3. Programs for activating Windows 10

Good program to activate Windows 10 will effectively bypass the protection mechanism and make the OS obedient, like a tame dog. A good program will not show you ads or slow down the system. A good program is first and foremost. Firstly, it is constantly updated and improved. Secondly, it really solves the question of how to activate Windows 10 for free and forever. Well, or until Microsoft learns to block it, and until it comes out a new version activator Thirdly, the creator of the Ratiborus program maintains a huge topic on the ru-board.com forum, where he answers questions and posts current versions of his work.

For Windows 10 KMS activator can be safely called the best remedy. Firstly, it has been in development for a very long time, so the author has a lot of experience. Secondly, it is simple for ordinary users. Thirdly, it works quickly.

Activating Windows 10, the most convenient, in my opinion, version of the program, copes effortlessly. Please note that it may require the .NET Framework to function properly (many computers already have it).

I will list its main features:

• Very simple program, does not require special knowledge to use;
• there is an advanced mode for those who need fine-tuning;
• free;
• checks activation (what if everything is already working for you, but you didn’t know);
• supports the entire line of systems from Vista to 10;
• supports server versions of OS;
• at the same time it can activate MS Office current versions;
• uses a whole set of means to bypass the activation mechanism, and by default chooses the optimal one.

It also comes with instructions in several languages, including Russian. It describes in detail the intricacies of working in different modes and other advanced information.

So, how to use it. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

1. First, of course, download and install. If you don’t want to install, download the portable version.

2. Run the program with administrator rights: right-click on the icon - select Run as Administrator.

3. The main window will open, in which there are two buttons - Activation and Information.

4. The information will show you the status of Windows and Office. If you want, make sure that activation is required.

5. Click Activation. The utility itself will select the optimal method and carry out activation. And then it will write the results in the output field just below the buttons. Make sure it says activation is complete.
Now let's set up automatic activation bypass - install our KMS service. This is a special service that replaces the corresponding security system from Microsoft, so that keys are checked on the local machine. In other words, your computer will think that it has checked the activation from Microsoft, although in fact this, of course, is not the case.

6. Go to the System tab.

7. Click the Install KMS-Service button. The text on the button will change to “Running”, then the utility will report a successful installation. Done, the system is activated and will now contact the service installed by the activator to check the status.

If you don't want to install an additional service, you can configure Windows Scheduler. Then he will independently fire a “control shot” (reactivate if necessary) after the specified number of days. To do this, on the System tab, in the Scheduler section, click the Create task button. The activator may warn that it will create a task in the program folder - agree with it.

Are you encountering error code 0xc004f074 when activating with a digital license or product key for Windows 10? Microsoft has released a fix to work around this issue, but it still persists during cumulative updates. For a large number of users, error 0xc004f074 also appears when activating via command line. This error occurs when licensing software cannot contact the KMS key management server (Key Management Server).

Let's look at workarounds for error 0xc004f074 when activating Windows 10

Let's look at several ways to fix the "0xc004f074 software licensing service" error. I would be grateful if you would post the original screenshot with the error in the comment.

1. Detect and fix system files

• Launch Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for cmd and right-clicking on “command prompt.”

• Enter the command sfc /scannow recovery damaged files in system.
• It will take some time, then restart your computer and try to activate the product again. If error 0xc004f074 still appears, then proceed further.

2. Activate the product key using the SLUI method

• Press a combination of buttons Win+R and enter SLUI 3.

• In the window that appears, enter your key Windows product and click "Next" to activate.
• Restart your laptop and check for error message 0xc004f074.

3. Run the command SLMGR.VBS

• Run the command prompt as administrator, see how to run it in the first solution above and enter the command below and press Enter. Instead of XXX-XXX write your product key

slmgr.vbs –ipk XXXXX-XXXXX–XXXXX–XXXXX–XXXXX

• In the same "CMD" window, enter another command and press Enter.

slmgr.vbs –ato

After entering two commands, restart your computer and make sure that Windows activation error 0xc004f074 disappears.

4. Disable Wibdows defender firewall

At incorrect setting Windows Defender may block licensed files. This way you can temporarily disable the firewall and try to activate Windows.

• Click on the windows defender icon in the system tray, near the clock, to open settings.
• Click the "Firewall and Network Security" line and on the right you will see networks.
• The picture (Fig. 1) shows that all three networks are turned on, we need to turn them off for a while.
• Click on the enabled network and turn it off using the slider, as in Figure 2.

If nothing helps you, then you should contact Microsoft support. You already know that the error is related to the product key. If anyone has found another workaround to fix error 0xc004f074 when activating Windows 10, I will be glad to add it, write in the comments.

Windows 10 users are provided with a free license provided they upgrade to the new system with a licensed copy of the previous version. However, in practice, after an update or a clean Windows installations 10 many people get an activation error: 0xc004c003. The system remains inactivated, which imposes some restrictions on its use.

Reasons for the error

Error code 0xc004c003 in Windows 10 appears for several reasons:

• activation server failure;
• updating from an unlicensed version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1;
• clean install without first updating and entering an activation key.
• replacing the computer motherboard after successful activation;
• selection of inappropriate Windows edition 10 (when updating from removable media).

Important! Before performing a clean installation with formatted partitions, be sure to upgrade to Windows 10 and make sure that the system is successfully activated. Only after this can you proceed directly to the “tens” installation with complete cleaning system partition Winchester.

Troubleshooting activation issues

We have figured out the reasons, now let’s see how to fix error code 0xc004c003 in Windows 10. Let us immediately note here that some cases cannot be corrected. In particular, if you upgraded to Windows 10 from an unlicensed copy of “seven” or “eight”, then to activate new system You will need to purchase Windows 10 on the Microsoft website or from official dealers. In other cases, you can fix the Windows 10 activation error 0xc004c003 on your own.

Let's consider the most common situation - you had a licensed copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, but when you upgraded to Windows 10 you did not receive free activation systems.

Wait a bit

The first month after the release of Windows 10, Microsoft servers could not cope with the load, so activation had to wait 2-3 days. Two months later, the excitement subsided, but sometimes there are reports of failures, so if after the update the system is not activated immediately, do not worry - just wait a day or two.

Rollback to a previous licensed Windows

Another way to fix an activation error is to reinstall the previous one. Windows version, and then upgrade again to Windows 10. This method also works:

• for those who, after successfully updating to Windows 10, installed a new one on their computer motherboard(because Windows license 10 is tied to it);
• for those who selected an inappropriate edition when updating from removable media. The table below will help you choose the right edition.
  

This method requires a lot of time, but you will most likely solve the problem with free receipt licenses.

If the system continues to remain inactivated, try registering it on the server using your phone.

Conclusion

If you strictly follow the recommended order of switching to Windows 10 (first update, then clean installation), then no problems with activation should arise. If the system turns out to be unregistered, then first try to register it by phone, and only then return the computer to the initial state and repeat the update procedure.

During activation of a system that was installed or upgraded to Windows 10, you may experience typical mistakes. The reasons for the failure of the activator are of a different nature, but the solution to eliminate them is quite simple. The main thing is that you need to know what the activation errors issued by the system in Windows 10 mean in order to be able to correct them correctly.

Each error has its own unique code of the same name, which is displayed along with a message in the window when the activation process is interrupted. Having decrypted it, you can independently remove the error that has arisen and continue the interrupted activation of the system. Below we will look at a list of errors by code and suggest methods for eliminating them.

0xc004f074 - Windows 10 activation error

Error code 0xc004f074 is quite specific and occurs when updating the OS, during startup and operation of the system or software, as well as at the time of activation of Windows 10. This failure may appear not only on Microsoft products of the test period, but also on activated ones.

The reasons for the error lie in:

• multi-version support of the KMS client and Host computer;
• in the difference between the system time when changing the time zone on the Host device and the KMS client.

To fix 0xc004f074 you need:

Check the time and correctness of the time zone and, if it does not match the actual one, perform synchronization. To do this you need:

If the error cannot be resolved, you can contact Microsoft support for help.

0x80072f8f - Windows 10 activation error

This error occurs due to various factors. The main reasons for this failure in Windows OS:

• incomplete installation or corrupted software download;
• file or program damage Windows files virus (malware);
• targeted malicious or accidental deletion of files by Windows update another program;
• Damage to the update registry due to software installation or removal.

Bug fix:

1. Restoring registry entries. Recommended before execution this process create backup copy by exporting part of the registry.
2. Full PC scan for malware.
3. Update device drivers on your computer.
4. Using cleanmgr you need to clean the system of temporary folders and files.

Error 0x8007007b when activating Windows 10

A syntax error with code 0x8007007b in the volume label, file name or folder appears due to incorrect configuration of network settings, an attempt to activate when the Internet is turned off, or when entering a key for a Microsoft product that does not correspond to it.

How to fix the problem:

Error 0x803f7001 when activating Windows 10

If the OS does not find an active license after upgrading to Windows 10, a message with error 0x803f7001 appears in the window.

• there was a failure when transferring information about the licensed copy to a remote server with a return to the source;
• entering incorrect values ​​in the activation line;
• trying to activate Windows 10 with a key from version 7 or 8;
• change in PC configuration due to replacement hard drive or motherboard.

To resolve this error, you need to check the license status:

To this error no longer appears, but the changes have taken effect, you need to restart the computer.

0xc004f050 - Windows 10 activation error

Error code 0xc004f050 only appears when you try to activate the OS during a clean installation.

Remedy:

1. If you have licensed Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you must first install and activate these versions, and then upgrade to Windows 10.
2. If you have a Windows 10 license key, you can install this version without paying attention to the valid activation offers. You can also run activation on an already installed operating system.

0x80041023 - Windows 10 activation error

This error indicates a mismatch between the OS and the entered key. The activation process may have failed due to:

• attempts to enter a new key manually;
• there was a software problem;
• unintentional launch of the key replacement utility.

Solution: installation and activation of previous licensed operating systems Windows systems 7 or 8, and then a subsequent update to version 10.

0xc004f014 - Windows 10 activation error

Error code 0xc004f014 appears when upgrading to Windows 10 Enterprise previous versions OS 7, 8 or 8.1.

The system can be activated on the main PC via the KMS client. You need to take the following steps:

After the selection procedure is completed, the error is eliminated.

0хc004f012 - Windows 10 activation error

This error indicates that the service is not running. . To fix the problem, you need to start the system:

1. "This PC" (right mouse button), then – choice in context menu "Control".
2. "Services and Applications"- paragraph "Services".
3. Need to find "Software Protection" and press the button "Run".

0x803f7001 - Windows 10 activation error

The most common error when activating the system is code 0x803f7001.

Causes of the error and its elimination:

1. Incorrect activation key entry. You need to carefully check that the numbers are entered correctly.
2. Inability to exchange data between the server and the user. In this situation, there may be a simple overload of the server and it cannot accept your information at this moment or there is no Internet connection on the computer. The solution is a network check and re-activation.
3. Partial or complete replacement hardware PC. You need to re-enter the license key. If the error persists, it is recommended that you contact Microsoft Customer Support for more information.

Error 0x8007232b when activating Windows 10

There are two reasons for the error code 0x8007232b:

Error 0xc004f210 when activating Windows 10

This failure often occurs when you specify an incorrect product key that differs from Windows release on your PC. This error can be corrected by correctly entering the 25-character key corresponding to the version of Windows installed on the computer.

Don’t panic if a window pops up on your monitor with a message and an error code - reinstall the OS or contact service center. After reading these instructions, you can independently solve the problem of failure when activating the system.