Windows 11 Activation Issue – Error Code 0xC004F074 & 0xC004C060

Question

Windows 11 Activation Issue – Error Code 0xC004F074 & 0xC004C060

Abdullah Amer 0

I am experiencing a Windows 11 activation issue. A watermark stating “Windows activation is required” appears on the desktop.

The activation error codes displayed are 0xC004F074 and 0xC004C060.

When I attempt to change the product key via Settings > System > Activation, clicking Change product key does not open any prompt or dialog.

I have already attempted the following troubleshooting steps:

Restarted Software Protection and Windows License Manager services

Removed the existing product key using Command Prompt (Admin):

slmgr /upk

  slmgr /cpky
  
  Restarted the system
  
  Attempted to install and activate a new product key using:
  
     slmgr /ipk
     
        slmgr /ato

The issue persists after these steps. I would appreciate guidance on resolving this activation issue or verifying the correct license type for my device.

2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

DaveM121 838.5K Independent Advisor

1

What happened on your PC before Windows was no longer activated?

2

Where did you get your Windows licence was that pre-installed on the PC or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer?

Or is your Windows licence based on a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence?

3

Click your Start Button, type cmd then right click Command Prompt and choose 'Run as Administrator'

Run or paste this command and hit Enter:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Please post a screenshot of the resulting dialog

4

Download the free ShowKeyPlus app from the Microsoft Store.

On the that app, click 'Check Edition', then enter your product key into that app.

Please provide a screenshot of that app window and please hide your product key in the screenshot.

Abdullah Amer 0 Reputation points

2026-01-21T07:14:11.35+00:00

1:

The system was originally running Windows 10 and was later upgraded to Windows 11. The activation issue started after the upgrade.

2:

Windows was pre-installed on the PC (OEM license).

3:

4:

Your support is much appreciated,
DaveM121 838.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-21T07:19:22.6433333+00:00

Thank you for that information, your screenshots indicate there is a PC manufacturers OEM Windows licence stored on the motherboard, those other commands you ran are for a retail licence.

Open Command Prompt, then run this command and press Enter:

slmgr /rilc

Then, restart your PC and run the activation troubleshoot option, that should get the OEM licence re-activated.
Abdullah Amer 0 Reputation points

2026-01-21T07:26:09.49+00:00

I appreciate your assistance. Please note that the following message/error has appeared:
DaveM121 838.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-01-21T07:36:48.0433333+00:00

If that command did not succeed, I think your only options will be to either clean install Windows 11 using a bootable USB, and Windows should activate automatically form the OEM licence on the motherboard, or try to contact Microsoft Support directly to ask them if they can reactivate that licence for you.

Answer 2

Neil D 31,745 Volunteer Moderator

As it is Windows 11 try using the recovery option in settings.

Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using windows update and select Reinstall now.

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Windows 11 Activation Issue – Error Code 0xC004F074 & 0xC004C060

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