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Fix: Error 0xc004f200 on Windows 10 & 11 [Activation, Office]
The quickest way to fix this is to run the Activation troubleshooter
10 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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One of the most strange errors users ofMicrosoft Windowsreceive is the 0xc004f200 Windows, not a genuineerror.
I say strange because it pops up even when using a validWindows activation key. It is more interesting that Windows could have been showing it’s activated all along and working seamlessly, only to claim it lacks a genuine activation abruptly.
What follows are ongoing issues, including the operating system disabling some features. And again, the xc004f200 complications are not limited to Windows and will sometimes surface whentransferring Microsoft Officeto new PCs.
Well, don’t fret if this problem has confronted you, as we have prepared surefire solutions to this issue, as we did for theWindows 10 Activation Error Code 0xc004f211.
But before we discuss them, let’s see what triggers the 0xC004F200 (not genuine) warning.
What causes error 0xc004f200?
Most users have been encountering this issue after an update. For others, it’s when installing Office software on new PCs or after a hardware upgrade.
Now, the issue is not due to a software misconfiguration, but rather because of the nature of Microsoft’s licensing arrangements.
For instance, your MSDN key orTechNetProduct Keysmay become blocked if used in other machines since they are meant to be used by a single person.
But you may be able lucky and manage to use it for a while before the system senses. Your luck runs out with a system change, for example, afterreinstalling Windows.
Again, despite users being aware of the strict Microsoft licensing terms, some users still give awayproduct keysillegally or resell them on auction sites. Microsoft usually detects once such a key has been installed in a second machine and blacklists it, preventing further use.
So in short, theerroremanates from Microsoft thinking that your software is pirated and happens to even users who have installed genuine programs.
How do I fix error code 0xc004f200?
Here are our recommended ways to get rid of this challenge.
1. Change The Windows Product Key
You may get this fault if you reinstalledWindowsusing other media but the valid Recovery disks for your machine.
In such a case, you need to change theProduct Keyand install the one printed on your COA (certificate of authenticity) sticker.
Steps:
2. Uninstall latest Updates/Roll back changes
Uninstalling theWindowsUpdate which brought about theerroralso solves the problem in some cases. This is the update you lastly did prior to receiving a 0xC004F200 warning for the first time.
Steps:
Windows7/Vista
Windows 8/8.1
(For 8.1 just click the Start button then type “Control Panel”in the search box to perform a quick search )
Windows 10
3. Try the Activation Troubleshooter
2.SelectActivationin the left pane and clickTroubleshootjust below theActivate Windows Nowsection (Note that the Troubleshoot option is only available in inactivatedWindows).
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ClickYeswhen asked by the UAC.
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The troubleshooter will show that Windows can’t activate this device.
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Now, clickI changed hardware on this device recently.
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Next, sign in with the Microsoft account linked with your digital license.
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Select your device from the list of devices and click this is the device I’m using right now.
8.Finally, clickActivate.
That’s all. Yourerrorshould now be gone.
Users runningversion 1607of Windows 10 or later can get help from the Activation troubleshooter mostly if the 0xC004F200 related issues arise after a major hardware change (like upgrading RAM) or reinstalling Windows.
4. Do A Complete Reinstall
If everything else fails, you try to reformat and reinstall your edition ofWindows. You can use the manufacturer’s Recovery media -if available for that PC as well as a download of a Retail ISO/disk. You will then need to activateWindowsusing a legal license as described below.
5. Reactivate Windows
Maybe your computer lost its activation settings so try to undertake a freshWindowsactivation.
Windows7
You can also activate theWindows7 copy by phone:
Steps:
Windows 8.1
To activate Windows 8.1 by phone:
Windows 8
That should be it.
However, if theerrorpersists in Windows 8, you can execute these remedial steps to see if you might finally make progress:
This may successfully remove theerror.
Windows 10
You can reactivate yourWindows 10by entering your 23-digitproduct keyor a digital license.
6. Contact Support
Microsoft support is very helpful when faced with a plethora of technical issues so you can chat with them for assistance.
You can contact themhereto find the exact status of yourWindowsKey.
Error 0xc004f200 When Installing Office On Windows
Some users meet his problem when trying to install Microsoft Office. If you are in a similar scenario, you can still get your way out using the following fixes:
1. Use Microsoft’s Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool
One of the easiest ways is to use theGenuine Advantage Diagnostic troubleshooting tool. The tool automatically diagnoses and resolves commonWindowsand Office-related problems.
Here are the steps to run the diagnostics:
2. Re-install Office
Reinstalling the software may also be a solution regardless of your Office version.
Steps:
Restart the PC in Clean Boot mode. For starters, the “clean boot” usually startsWindowswith minimal drivers and startup programs.
This helps you determine whether it’s a background process that’s interfering with the office and triggering problems.
Here is how to enter a clean boot:
Now the computer will restart and run in clean boot.
How to Reset the PC To A Normal Boot
Remember to return your PC to starting normally after you’re done troubleshooting in clean boot.
Steps:
Windows 8, Windows 8.1, andWindows 10
Windows 7
That’s all for this method and this guide. If you are facing a similar issue inWindows activation error 0x80041023, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.
Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.
More about the topics:Activation Errors,windows 10 fix
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
