Windows 11 Pro Activation Issue After BIOS Update - Error Code: 0xC004C020

Question

Dear Microsoft Support Team,

I am writing to request assistance regarding a Windows activation issue that occurred immediately after a BIOS update on my computer.

Prior to the BIOS update, my Windows installation was activated and working perfectly. However, following the update, I started receiving an activation warning with the error code: 0xC004C020.

Here are the technical details of my system:

Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (Confirmed via winver)

Product Key Type: MAK (Multiple Activation Key) - identified via slmgr /dlv

Error Code: 0xC004C020

I have not made any hardware changes other than the BIOS firmware update. It appears the system is misinterpreting the BIOS update as a significant hardware change, causing the activation to fail.

Could you please guide me on how to reactivate my Windows 11 Pro license?

I look forward to your support.

Best regards,

Answer 1

A BIOS update may cause the activation servers to see your PC as a new PC, because some PC manufacturers BIOS updates change the hardware ID of components like the processor.

There is another problem, you indicate your Windows licence is indicated as a MAK licence, that is a volume licence used by large organizations, it is not a consumer licence, 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, and if so, do you have the product key?

Answer 2

To resolve the activation issue you're experiencing with error code 0xC004C020, which indicates that the Multiple Activation Key (MAK) has exceeded its limit, you can follow these steps:

1. Contact Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers: Since the error suggests that the MAK has reached its activation limit, you should reach out to Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers to request more activations. They can provide you with a new MAK if necessary.
2. Reenter the MAK: Ensure that you are entering the correct MAK. You can reenter it using the command prompt with the command slmgr.vbs /ipk <Your-MAK> to see if it resolves the issue.
3. Use the Activation Troubleshooter: If you have not already done so, you can try using the Windows Activation Troubleshooter. This tool can help identify and fix activation issues.
4. Activate by Phone: If online activation fails, you can also try activating Windows by phone. This method may allow you to bypass some of the issues related to the BIOS update.
5. Check for Hardware Changes: Although you mentioned that only the BIOS was updated, ensure that no other hardware changes were made that could affect activation.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft Support directly.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes