7 Ways to Overcome Error Code 0xC004F074 on Windows

Sometimes when you try to activate Windows, you get the dreaded error code 0xC004F074. So, what does it mean, and how do you deal with it?

Just when you are about to activate your Windows PC, error code 0xC004F074 appears. This prevents you from continuing the activation process and forcing you to use a PC with limited features.

While this can be a confusing error message and a little difficult to deal with, let's see how to solve this error code 0xc004f074.

1. Run Windows Update and Activation Troubleshooters

Whenever you encounter system problems, Windows troubleshooting tools can come in handy. In this case, we'll see how Windows Update and Activation troubleshooters can help fix this activation problem. To do this, open the Windows Update troubleshooter by following these steps:

Run Windows Update and Activation Troubleshooters

1. Navigate to Win Start Menu > PC Settings > Update & Security then click Troubleshoot in the left pane.

2. Click Additional troubleshooters then scroll down on the right side panel, click the Windows Update option, then click the Run the troubleshooter button. Follow the on screen instructions to complete the process.

When finished, run the Activation troubleshooter by following these steps:

1. Navigate to Win Start Menu > PC Settings > Update & Security then click Activation in the left pane.

2. Next, click on the Troubleshoot option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

2. Reinstall Product Key Using Software Licensing Management Tool

If you experience error code 0xc004f074 when using an existing product key, try uninstalling and reinstalling the product key via Command Prompt. To do this, you must run the command using the Software Licensing Management Tool (slmgr). To do this, follow the instructions below:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.

2. Type CMD then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.

3. Type the command slmgr.vbs/dlv then press Enter.

4. Next, run the slmgr.vbs /upk command to delete the product key on your device.

5. When finished, type the command slmgr.vbs /ipk <New_Product_Key> to reinstall the product key.

6. Replace the Product_Key_Baru command with your actual product key and then press Enter to run the command. Wait for the process to finish and then restart the computer.

3. Buy a Genuine Copy of Windows Or Try Another Activation Method

Purchase a Genuine Windows Copy

Error code 0xC004f074 will most likely appear if you try to activate a pirated version of Windows. So, the best way to avoid this problem is to buy a genuine copy of Windows.

If you experience this problem on a genuine copy of Windows, try using a different activation method. If you have used a product key, try activating it using a digital license. Or, try transferring a digital license from one of your Windows devices.

4. Disable the Fast Startup Feature

The Fast Startup feature helps reboot the PC faster than usual. However, this feature may limit some of your PC's functions. For example, it may restrict you from accessing BIOS/UEFI settings or even affect Windows updates. So, this feature might even be the reason why you are having activation issues on Windows.

To solve this problem, you can consider disabling the Fast Startup feature by following these steps:

Disable Fast Startup Feature

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.

2. Type powercfg.cpl and click OK to open the Power Options window.

3. Click the Choose what the power buttons do option in the left pane.

4. In the next window, click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

5. Uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) box under Shutdown settings and then click the Save changes button.

6. When finished, restart the PC to save these changes.

5. Repair Corrupt System Files Using SFC And DISM

Corrupted system files are likely some of the causes for this activation problem. In this case, you can use the built-in DISM and SFC tools to find and repair all the corrupted system files on your device.

To get started, run the DISM tool by following these steps:

Repair Corrupt System Files Using SFC And DISM

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.

2. Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.

3. Type the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press Enter.

4. Wait for the scan to finish. Then type the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.

5. Restart your PC once the scan is complete.

Now you can run the SFC scan. To get started, open Command Prompt according to the previous step. From there, type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter. When the scan is complete, close Command Prompt and restart your PC to save these changes.

6. Temporarily Disable Windows Defender Firewall

You may encounter error code 0xc004f074 Activation when your Firewall is preventing Windows from licensing files over the Internet. In this case, you may consider temporarily disabling Windows Firewall and then turning it back on after activating Windows. Here's how to do it:

Temporarily Disable Windows Defender Firewall

1. Type Control Panel in Windows search bar and select the most suitable one.

2. Click the View by drop-down menu, then select Large icons.

3. Scroll down and click Windows Defender Firewall.

4. In the next window, click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on and off.

5. Check the box Turn off Windows Defender Firewall in Domain, Private, and Public network settings. From there, hit OK to close the tab.

And if you use a third-party antivirus program, you may also need to temporarily disable it. But then make sure to turn it back on immediately after activating Windows.

7. Contact Microsoft Support

Contact Microsoft Support

If all else doesn't work, it might be time to contact Microsoft support. When you contact them, you can ask them to change or reset the product key. If not, they will provide the best advice on how to activate Windows easily.

In most cases, you may need to provide PC specifications. So, make sure to check and save your PC specs if needed in the process.

Conclusion

So, those are some ways to deal with error code 0xc004f074. Activating Windows shouldn't be a hassle if you have the correct product key or digital license. If you find error code 0xC004F074, just apply one of the methods that the admin has provided above.