Windows 10: Can't activate Windows 11 on new motherboard. Error code 0xC004C008

I recently changed my motherboard and after booting up the computer it says that my Windows 11 Home is not active. I have changed motherboard previously and everything worked fine. But now it is not for some reason. Any help on how to activate is greatly appreciated!

:)

 

Can't activate Windows 11 (Error code 0xC004C008)

I recently bought a new laptop and a Windows 11 Home licence, I entered the activation code and got the error 0xC004C008. I never used this code before, can you please help me?

 

Can't activate Windows 11 (Error code 0xC004C008) on new motherboard

I built my own PC, so Windows was not pre-installed or anything like that, but it gives me the above error code in the Activation Troubleshooter. The specific text it uses is "We can't activate Windows on this device because the product key was already used on another device. If you think it wasn't used on another device, select Troubleshoot below. Error code: 0xC004C008". I think it's giving me the error because I started Windows 11 on an old motherboard just to make sure all my other hardware was running correctly before I bought the new motherboard. The confusing thing is, though, that after I entered the product key on the old motherboard, it said that it was incompatible/too old to run Windows 11, so why would that cause the new motherboard to be locked out?

Things I've tried so far:

Changing the product key. I only have one key, I just reused it, didn't work.

Pressing "I changed hardware on this device recently" after Troubleshooting in settings. Didn't work either, it tells me that "We can’t find any devices linked to your Microsoft account that can be used for reactivating the device you’re using right now. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account you linked to the Windows 10 digital license on this device or try again later". As far as I'm aware, I do not have a Windows 10 digital license on this or any other device of mine.

Any help appreciated!

 

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