How to fix
Windows activation error 0xC004F012
on Windows

Hi, I upgraded to Windows 10 as a free upgrade. However, after a few days, I started receiving an error 0xC004F012, which claims that Windows can't be activated. So, what happened to the free upgrade? Are there any solutions for this?

There was some good news for users when Windows 10 was released - Microsoft accounted that anyone who already has a working Windows license can upgrade for free. While it was initially believed that the free upgrade is only available for a limited time, it later became clear that it is not the case at all, and users can still proceed with the process even now.

Since the support completely seized for Windows 7 in January 2020,[ref en-1] it is understandable why so many people would rush to upgrade. An unsupported operating system does not only lack the new features available in Windows 10 but also does not receive the security patches it desperately needs, meaning that the device is not protected from cyberattacks and software vulnerabilities.[ref en-2]

Unfortunately, not everybody could upgrade successfully. 0xC004F012 is an error that users may receive while trying to upgrade to Windows 10 or a few days after the installation. To some, the error did not generally impair the operation of the OS, but it would show up from time to time, reminding that there is a problem with the activation.

For others, the problem was much larger, as they said they also received a black screen with cursor or a Blue Screen of Death[ref en-3] error. In any case, it is important to fix 0xC004F012 in order to ensure that everything is working as intended.

Users who receive the error usually see the following message:

Windows can’t activate right now. Try activating again later. If that doesn’t work, contact support. Error code: 0xC004F012

In most cases, the error occurs due to a corrupt license repositories or due to changed hardware. Error code 0xC004F012 is not the only Windows activation error that can be encountered, other popular ones include 0xc0020036, 0xC004C003, and 0xC004F074.

If you experience problems that people mentioned (black/blue screens, errors, random reboots), the problem might be related to corrupted system files or other underlying issues. Therefore, before you proceed with the 0xC004F012 error fix solutions we provide below, you should perform a full system scan with a repair tool [d1]. Otherwise, proceed with the solutions below.

Method 1. Run Activation Troubleshooter

Before you proceed with next steps, you should try running the built-in troubleshooter that could help you fix activation errors automatically.

• Right-click on Start and select Settings
• Go to Update & Security section
• On the left side of the window, pick Activation

  

• Below the error message, you should find the option to Troubleshoot - click it

  

• Wait till the process is finished and the findings reported to you.

Method 2. Update drivers

Sometimes driver discrepancy can cause activation issues. Therefore, you should update your drivers for your Windows PC. While you can attempt to do that via the Device Manager, this will not usually be enough and will not change anything.

Instead, you should either visit your computer manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers from there. However, this step can be particularly difficult, especially if you are using a PC instead of a laptop. To solve this, we recommend you employ [rev id="DriverFix"] to download and install all the necessary, legitimate drivers for your automatically.

Method 3. Install all the available Windows updates

Botched Windows updates might be causing activation issues. Thus, make sure you installed everything that is available:

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter
• In the settings window, click Check for updates (right side)

  

• Wait till Windows downloads and installs all the updates
• Once done, reboot your PC.

Method 4. Try activating via Command Prompt

You can try to activate Windows 10 with a command line in Command Prompt. For that, you will have to enter your product key:

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt result and pick Run as administrator

  

• Paste the following command and press Enter to find out your product key:

  wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

• Next, paste slmgr.vbs.ipk <product key> into the window, and press Enter
• Finally, type slmgr.vbs/ato and press Enter
• Restart your PC.

Method 5. Check system files for corruption

• Open Command Prompt as administrator as explained above
• Type the following command and press Enter:

  sfc /scannow

  

• Wait till the process is finished and then type the following, pressing Enter after each command:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 6. Try activating via the phone

Get your product key ready and perform the following steps:

• Press Win + R and type Slui 4, press Enter
• In the new window, select your country and press Next

  

• Call the provided number and follow the provided instructions.