I got an Activate Windows message on my HP Laptop after a recent Windows update. Error messae 0xC004F012 appears. How can I rectify this?

Hi Ernest

Option 1:

In Windows 10:

Press Windows key + X

Click Windows PowerShell (admin)

Enter the following command:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Hit Enter

The product key will be revealed, copy the product key then enter it

Click Start > Settings > Update & security> Activation > Change the product key then enter the new product key then click Next to Activate

If you are unable to activate Windows 10 after all the above and you are certain you have the correct edition installed, then please attempt chat support:

Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support

Use the following link to directly reach a live agent who can assist you:

https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/en-us/contact/menu/software/windows/setup/

Ernest - Did ProducKey find an OEM-BIOS key which is the only one that would apply? If so that means the PC has an embedded Windows 10 Product Key which should work - unless it's been converted to the Digital License default key which you said you also tried.

I think the issue is that he servers are overloaded, so you can try again later or contact Microsoft Support phone or chat options here: https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...

You could also take it back to Staples and ask for help at their Service desk which usually has competent techs who might be willing to help you. If ou wanted to call the Store manager first and explain to him the PC they sold you cannot activate, I'll bet he/she would see to it personally if your nice and they are on the ball.

Greg:

Thanks for your help and suggestions!  After running the troubleshooter, I got a message that it could not connect to the Activation server.  It returned error message 0xc0020036.

This laptop (HP from Staples) came with Windows 10 Home pre-installed.  I downloaded the nirsoft application to find the OEM BIOS.  I followed your instructions and was told that product key did not work after trying to update the product key.  I also tried your 2nd suggestion from the tenforums site and selected a Windows 10 Home product key.  I was told again that that product key did not work (error message:  0xc0020036).  Given your suggestion, I will try that one again tomorrow.

Again, thanks and I would welcome any other thoughts you might have.

Ernest

Hi Ernest. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Guardian Moderator here to help you.

See specific fixes working for that error here:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-activ...

What is the Activation Status and Edition showing at the top of the page at Settings > Update & Security > Activation?

Run the Activation Troubleshooter in the same location and report back its findings

If the laptop came with Windows 10 Home then it should have the Product Key embedded in the UEFI firmware chip on the motherboard. You can confirm this by downloading and running ProducKey from http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey-x64.zip and look for the OEM-BIOS key. You can even try copying and pasting the OEM-BIOS key it reports into Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key.

If that fails it may be because it's already converted to a Digital License which uses only the generic Product Key that Windows uses when you install without any Product Key here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/95922-gener.... I would restore that key and wait a day or so to check back because the error can also mean the activation servers are overloaded as Windows 10 approaches a billion users and MS cannot build server farms fast enough to keep up.

Or you can contact Microsoft Support phone or chat options here: https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to rate my post, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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