top of page

Windows Update Error Codes 

 
 

This page is dedicated to explaining most if not all of the error codes that can appear when using Windows update, I recommend using Ctrl F to search for the specific error code that you have encountered, most codes the same for both Windows 10 and 11

This will be a basic 2-sided chart with no extensive guides, will include any downloadables and links if necessary

Error Code

Explained

"Your Windows License Will Expire Soon" warning

This may occur if you have a volume license client installed. Windows Pro volume license clients are used by large organizations that deploy Windows to hundreds or thousands of computers.

The product key used on this device didn't work with this edition of Windows. You might need to get in touch with the store or company you bought Windows from, enter a different product key, or go to the Store to buy genuine Windows.

​

Error code: 0xC004F212 

 

When you reinstall Windows using a digital license, you’re asked to choose which edition to install. If you choose an edition other than the one you’re licensed to use, you may receive this error. 

Windows reported that no product key was found on your device. 

​

Error code: 0xC004F213

 

A Windows license is associated with your device hardware. If you make significant hardware changes, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows won’t be able to find a matching license the next time you start your device. If Windows was preinstalled on the device and you have made a change such as replacing the motherboard, you'll need a new license.

Windows reported that no product key was found on your device. 

​

Error code: 0xC004F213

 

A Windows license is associated with your device hardware. If you make significant hardware changes, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows won’t be able to find a matching license the next time you start your device. If Windows was preinstalled on the device and you have made a change such as replacing the motherboard, you'll need a new license.

Error Codes:

  • 0x803f7001

  • 0x800704cF

This means that a valid Windows license couldn’t be found to activate Windows on your device.

Error Codes:

  • 0xC004FC03

  • 0x8007267C

You're either not connected to the internet or Windows firewall settings are preventing the system from completing the activation process online

These error codes are variants of the same issue, 

​

  • 0xC004C060

  • 0xC004C4A2

  • 0xC004C4A2

  • 0x803FA067L

  • 0xC004C001

  • 0xC004C004

  • 0xC004F004

  • 0xC004C007

 
 

  • 0xC004F005

  • 0xC004C00F

  • 0xC004C010

  • 0xC004C00E

  • 0xC004C4A4

  • 0xC004C4A5

  • 0xC004B001

  • 0xC004F010

  • 0xC004F050

These errors can mean one of three things:

 

  • You entered a product key that can't be used to activate Windows. Enter a different product key or buy a new product key.

  • You upgraded to Windows, but the activation servers were busy. If you upgraded from an activated copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, your copy of Windows will be automatically activated, or you can wait a while and then select Activate. 

  • You upgraded to Windows using the free upgrade offer, but Windows isn't activated after a reinstall. Your copy of Windows should automatically be activated as long as you didn't make any significant hardware changes to your device (such as replacing the motherboard)

Error Code: 0xC004C003

The Windows product key you entered isn’t valid. Product keys are unique—assigned to a specific user to install on a single device. If a key was used (or attempted to be used) on multiple devices, it’s marked as not valid. To activate Windows, you’ll need to provide a different Windows key unique to your device.   

Error Code: 0xC004F034

You might see this error if you entered an invalid product key or a product key for a different version of Windows.

Error Code: 0xC004F210

You might see this error for one of two reasons:

 

  • You entered a product key for a different edition of Windows than the edition installed on your device.

​

  • You previously upgraded to Windows, but the current edition of Windows installed on your device doesn't match the edition of your digital license.

Error Codes:

  • 0xC004E016

  • 0xC004F210

You entered a product key for a different version or edition of Windows

Error Code: 0xC004E028

You are trying to activate a device that is already in the process of activation

Error Codes:

  • 0xD0000272

  • 0xC0000272

  • 0xc004C012

  • 0xC004C013

  • 0xC004C014

The activation server is temporarily unavailable, your copy of Windows will automatically be activated when the service comes back online

Error Codes:

  • 0xC004C008

  • 0xC004C770

  • 0x803FA071

The product key has already been used on another device, or it's being used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow

Error Code: 0xC004F00F

You entered a product key for the Enterprise edition of Windows to activate Windows Home or Windows Pro

Error Code: 0xC004C020

When a Volume License (a license that was bought from Microsoft by an organization to install Windows on multiple devices) was used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow

Error Codes:

  • 0x8007232B

  • 0xC004F074

  • 0xC004F038

  • 0x8007007B

You're trying to activate your work device but aren't connected to your workplace's network

Error Code: 0x80072F8F

The date and time for the device is incorrect, or Windows has trouble connecting to the online activation service and can't verify your product key

Error Code: 0xC004E003

After installing third-party software that changed system files

Error Code: 0x80070652

The update components are missing or corrupted on the computer

More codes to be added as they are found

bottom of page