How to fix
Windows or Microsoft Office activation error 0xc004c060
on Windows

Hello, I have a valid license for MS Office I got from the official Microsoft website but every time I try to activate it I receive an error - 0xc004c060. Any help would be appreciated.

Many users have reported that they have been encountering an 0xc004c060 error under different circumstances, which are always related to activation[ref en-2] of Windows or Microsoft Office suite. The problem has been around for several years now and it seems like there is no universal solution for everyone, but we will try to provide as many suggestions as possible that should help you fix the 0xc004c060 error once and for all.

Activation errors are something relatively common and have been around for as long as online activation became a standard. While it is not always something that users prefer, it is something that they have to deal with nowadays. The issue, just like other Windows activation errors (0xc004f210, 0x803FABB8, or 0x8007267C) commonly has different reasons for them to occur. In this case, the description of the error looks as follows:

We're sorry, something went wrong and we can't do this for your right now. Please try again later (0xc004c060)

However, when trying later, the problem does not resolve itself - they simply can't activate their license successfully.[ref en-3] To make matters worse, the description of the error does not provide any insights that would help users find the culprit.

The error code itself means that the license you are trying to use is no longer valid. This does not sound right to many people though, as they have purchased an orifical license from legitimate sources. In case you are dealing with a pirated version of any of the software, there is no way to fix it apart from purchasing an official copy.

In any case, most people who encountered an error claimed that they have got the license from a trusted source, hence it can't be invalid. In most cases, the issue lies with the discrepancies related to the version of Windows. Before you proceed with our suggestions below, we recommend you try running a PC repair tool [d1] at first to ensure there are no corrupted sectors in Windows which could in some cases cause the issue.

Fix 1. Install all the updates

Before you proceed, make sure that all the available updates are installed on your device.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter
• Here, click the Check for Updates button
• Wait till all the available updates are installed (if any optional updates are there, install them too)

  

• Once done, restart your computer.

Fix 2. Run the troubleshooter

You might not have noticed but there should be a troubleshoot button where the error is shown to you. Some users said that running it helped them resolve the 0xc004c060 error automatically.

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings
• Go to the Update & Security section
• Here, select Activation from the left menu
• Bellow the error code, you should see Troubleshoot option - click it

  

• Use the offered steps to fix the problem.

Fix 3. Use Command Prompt to activate your key

You can use a set of commands to make your registration valid. For that, you need to use elevated Command Prompt:

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes
• Now paste the following commands, inserting the License key without using brackets that you have, and then press Enter after each:
  slmgr /ipk (License Key)
  slmgr /ato
  
• Restart your computer 

If you don't know your license, follow these steps:

Digital Licence

• In Command Prompt (Admin), copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
  slmgr /xpr
• Hit Enter.

Product key

• Right-click on Start and pick PowerShell (Admin)
• Here, copy and paste the following command, and press Enter:
  wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
• Press Enter.

  

Fix 4. Contact Microsoft support/ask for a refund

If you have tried the above methods without success, you should contact the appropriate seller you got the license from. If you have purchased a key from a third-party website, there is a chance that it was illegitimate and was shut down by Microsoft. The official purchase website recommends you avoid purchasing keys separately as they are often counterfeit:[ref en-1]

With the exception of Product Key Cards (PKC’s) distributed with COA’s, Microsoft does not distribute products keys as standalone products. If you see a listing on an auction site, online classified ad, or other online page advertising product keys for sale, it’s a good indication that the keys are likely stolen or counterfeit. If you were to purchase and use a stolen or counterfeit product key to activate Windows installed on your PC, the key may not work for activation, may already be in use on another PC, or it might be blocked from use later by Microsoft when the key is reported stolen. The best way to get everything you expect up front is to buy genuine Microsoft software preinstalled on a new PC or genuine Microsoft software from an authorized reseller.

That being said, if your MS Office or Windows license comes from a legitimate source, i.e., the official Microsoft website, you shouldn't be worried as the key would be activated to you remotely. The easiest way to do so is by using phone support, which you can find on the Global Customer Service support page.