Windows 10 won't activate after update

Michaela 6 Reputation points
2021-01-22T21:31:12.01+00:00

Hi, after updating from windows 8.1 to 10, I keep getting a message telling me to activate windows 10.

I got the error code 0xC004F012. I tried the troubleshooter, it didn't do anything. I checked the services and and found that the software protection platform was not running. I tried to start it from the services menu and the cmd prompt but i got error code 5, access denied. I ran the DISM and sfc in the cmd prompt but it didn't find any issues. I checked the registry and no files were missing for sppsvc.exe and the start value was at 2. I tried refreshing the system and reinstalling windows but that didn't fix the problem either.

In the activation page the product ID and product key kept disappearing and reappearing after some of the times I restarted the computer, and wouldn't show the full codes.

Can anybody help, I've been trying my best to sort it out but nothing worked, I'm really at a loss here?

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
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3 answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-01-22T21:59:18.757+00:00

    Something else may be broken. If I do slmgr /dli the sppsvc service starts right up. Some other options here.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/recovery-options-in-windows-10-31ce2444-7de3-818c-d626-e3b5a3024da5

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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  2. Kapil Arya 8,456 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2021-01-23T05:16:57.953+00:00

    Hello,

    As you got error code 5, access denied while starting the service, check the permissions for same service in registry. Make sure users, administrators, SYSTEM have allowed permissions.

    Also, see if this fix helps you:

    https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-fix-windows-10-activation-error-0xc004f012

    Hope this helps!

    Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

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  3. Jenny Feng 14,246 Reputation points
    2021-01-25T02:26:55.923+00:00

    @Michaela
    Hi,
    You could enter the following product key:
    Language: BT79Q-G7N6G-PGBYW-4YWX6-6F4BT

    If that does not work:
    Press Windows key + X
    Click Command Prompt (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 phone activation:

    Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support

    Hope above information can help you.

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