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Activate Windows, error code: 0xC004C008

Gerardo O 0 Reputation points
2026-06-17T01:33:32.6566667+00:00

I have the watermark even thought this a new pc that I bought.windows support

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
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  1. Alexandr S 105.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-17T02:21:25.6666667+00:00

    Hello, Gerardo O.

    This happens when the version of the installed OS does not match the version of the license linked to this PC. To solve the problem in this case, it is necessary to perform a clean installation of Windows Home edition from the installation media from under the BIOS, with the removal of the system partitions on the hard disk. Unfortunately, there is no other way to downgrade the editorial board from Professional to Home.

    1. Creating bootable media: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
    2. See the section "Clean install" in "Steps to reinstall Windows with media": https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

    After installing the "correct" edition, activation (since the "detected digital license" is mentioned) should take place automatically within 24 hours with the Internet turned on.

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