Error Code: 0xC004C003
Windows 11 Activation Issues After Upgrade from Windows 10
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(99.2, 94%, 19%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EKP%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Kevin Perron
10
Reputation points
After upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the system shows that Windows is not activated. The edition displayed is Windows 11 Enterprise, and attempts to activate result in an error. What steps can be taken to resolve this activation issue?
Windows for business | Windows 365 Enterprise
{count} votes
-
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(284.8, 27%, 37%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EDG%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Darrell Gorter 2,811 Reputation points2025-08-16T14:47:33.54+00:00 Hello,
What is the error code and/or message disaplyed?
Darrell
-
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(16, 83%, 11%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ERM%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ralph Munoz 0 Reputation points2025-08-17T16:44:01.3466667+00:00 Error code 0xC004c003
-
Darrell Gorter 2,811 Reputation points
2025-08-17T21:24:26.16+00:00 Hello,
What edition were you running when had Windows 10?
Was in Windows Enterprise?
Normally when you get error message 0xC004C003, there is an issue with the product key.
Do you have the product key used for Windows 10, if so try reinstalling it.
Froma CMD prompt run
SLMGR /IPK xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx.
Darrell
-
Deleted
This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
-
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(156.8, 14.000000000000002%, 25%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ERL%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Rosie Lara 0 Reputation points2025-08-26T18:07:57.3+00:00 I have the same situation above but my error code is 0x800700B. I am using a laptop and have the Microsoft 365 online which I have now downloaded to the laptop.
Sign in to comment
2 answers
Sort by: Most helpful
-
Kevin Perron 10 Reputation points
2025-08-16T16:07:08.0566667+00:00 -
Darrell Gorter 2,811 Reputation points
2025-08-17T21:24:58.0266667+00:00 Hello,
What edition were you running when had Windows 10?
Was in Windows Enterprise?
Normally when you get error message 0xC004C003, there is an issue with the product key.
Do you have the product key used for Windows 10, if so try reinstalling it.
Froma CMD prompt run
SLMGR /IPK xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx.
Darrell
-
Darrell Gorter 2,811 Reputation points
2025-08-20T14:49:27.61+00:00 Hello,
Let's try this.
Lets enter the generic Windows Professional product key:
VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
This gets us back to where we thought we should be to begin with.
Now let's try activating. If it fails, try restarting the computer and then try activating.
I think you will be pushed down the correct key once you are back to Windows Professional.
The upgrade should have gone to Windows Professional, since it went to Windows Enterprise, when it tries to push down the Windows Professional Prodcut key, it fails since the machine thinks it is running Windows Enterprise.
Please file product feedback on this issue as well, this should not be happening.
Thanks,
Darrell
-
Ralph Munoz 0 Reputation points
2025-08-26T19:54:15.41+00:00 the key you provided did activate the windows 11 Pro version 24H2 it no longer shows windows 11 enterprise. Thank you
Sign in to comment -
-
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(0, 61%, 10%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EHP%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Harry Phan 1,225 Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-08-19T07:53:35.2266667+00:00 Dear Kevin Perron,
Based on your reported that after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, your system now displays Windows 11 Enterprise, but it is not activated, and activation attempts result in an error.
This issue typically occurs when:
- The upgrade process inadvertently changed the edition to Enterprise, which requires Volume Licensing or Microsoft 365 subscription activation
- The original license (e.g., Windows 10 Pro or Home) does not support activation of the Enterprise edition
- The system lacks a valid digital entitlement or product key for Windows 11 Enterprise
To restore activation, please follow these steps:
- Verify Your Original License
Confirm whether your previous Windows 10 edition was Pro, Home, or Enterprise
If you had a retail or OEM license, it may not support Enterprise edition activation
- Check Activation Status
Go to Settings > System > Activation
Review the error code and message displayed (e.g., 0xC004F074 or 0xC004C003)
- Use a Valid Product Key or Revert to Supported Edition
- If you have a valid Enterprise key (via Volume Licensing or M365), enter it under Change product key
- If not, you may need to reinstall Windows 11 Pro using your original license: Open Command Prompt as administrator Run:
- powershell
slmgr /ipk <Your Windows 11 Pro Product Key>
- powershell
slmgr /ato ```
- Alternatively, use the Media Creation Tool to reinstall Windows 11 Pro
- Link Your Microsoft Account
If your previous license was linked to your Microsoft account, ensure you're signed in under Settings > Accounts > Your Info
If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated. Best regards,
Harry PhanDear Kevin Perron,
Based on your reported that after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, your system now displays Windows 11 Enterprise, but it is not activated, and activation attempts result in an error.
This issue typically occurs when:
- The upgrade process inadvertently changed the edition to Enterprise, which requires Volume Licensing or Microsoft 365 subscription activation
- The original license (e.g., Windows 10 Pro or Home) does not support activation of the Enterprise edition
- The system lacks a valid digital entitlement or product key for Windows 11 Enterprise
To restore activation, please follow these steps:
- Verify Your Original License
Confirm whether your previous Windows 10 edition was Pro, Home, or Enterprise
If you had a retail or OEM license, it may not support Enterprise edition activation
- Check Activation Status
Go to Settings > System > Activation
Review the error code and message displayed (e.g., 0xC004F074 or 0xC004C003)
- Use a Valid Product Key or Revert to Supported Edition
- If you have a valid Enterprise key (via Volume Licensing or M365), enter it under Change product key
- If not, you may need to reinstall Windows 11 Pro using your original license: Open Command Prompt as administrator Run:
- powershell
slmgr /ipk <Your Windows 11 Pro Product Key>
- powershell
slmgr /ato ```
- Alternatively, use the Media Creation Tool to reinstall Windows 11 Pro
- Link Your Microsoft Account
If your previous license was linked to your Microsoft account, ensure you're signed in under Settings > Accounts > Your Info
If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated. Best regards,
Harry Phan