Код ошибки 0xc004f012 при активации windows 11

Ошибка 0xC004F012 может возникать всякий раз при активации Windows 10. Ошибка, как правило, появляется из-за поврежденного или и вовсе отсутствующего хранилища лицензии в системе.

Порой ошибка возникает при первой активации системы, порой — во время установки крупного обновления Windows, из-за которого сбивается статус активации.

В сегодняшней статье мы продемонстрируем вам, как можно избавиться от ошибки 0xC004F012 и активировать свою Windows 10.

Избавляемся от ошибки 0xC004F012 в Windows 10

Решением в данном случае является пересоздание файла tokens.dat. Сейчас мы этим и займемся.

Пересоздание файла tokens.dat

1. Пройдите в директорию C:\Windows\System32\SPP\Store\2.0;
2. переименуйте файл tokens.dat в tokens.old;
3. нажмите правой кнопкой мыши на Пуск и выберите «Командная строка (администратор)»;
4. пропишите следующие две команды:
   • net start sppsvc;
   • cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /rilc;
5. перезагрузите компьютер.

Если это не помогло вам избавиться от ошибки 0xC004F012, то мы также рекомендуем попробовать сменить ключ продукта.

Смена ключа продукта Windows 10

1. закройте все программы, работающие на вашем компьютере;
2. откройте командную строку, как было показано ранее;
3. пропишите команду slmgr.vbs.ipk <КЛЮЧ ПРОДУКТА> и нажмите Enter;
4. далее выполните команду slmgr.vbs/ato для активации системы.

Ваша Windows должна быть активирована, а ошибка 0xC004F012 — исчезнет.

Активация Windows 10 по телефону

Еще вы можете попробовать активацию своей ОС Windows 10 по мобильному телефону. Верно, вам потребуется прозвонить на один из телефонов компании Майкрософт.

1. Нажмите Windows+S и пропишите «Slui 4»;
2. выберите найденный результат, нажав на него левой кнопкой мыши;
3. выберите свою страну и нажмите «Далее»;
4. держите окошко открытым и позвоните по телефону Майкрософт для вашего региона (звонок должен быть бесплатен);
5. автоматическая система выдаст вам особый ID, который вам потребуется где-то записать;
6. впишите выданный ID в пустую строчку все еще открытого окошка и нажмите «Активировать».

Мы надеемся, что данный материал помог вам избавиться от ошибки 0xC004F012 в Windows 10.

Try these fixes for 0xc004f012 Windows Activation error

by Henderson Jayden Harper

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. He also enjoys… read more

Updated on October 4, 2023

Windows Activation verifies that the copy of Windows is genuine and still adheres to the Microsoft Software License Terms. However, users complain about encountering 0xc004f012 Windows activation error in the process.

Another error users report is the Windows Activation Error 0xc004f063, mainly on Windows 7 & 10.

What causes the 0xc004f012 Windows Activation error?

The 0xc004f012 Windows activation error can appear on your computer for many reasons. First, it indicates something wrong with your product key or any other issues with the Windows activation process.

Furthermore, some common factors that are likely to be responsible for the activation error include:

• Missing or corrupt Licensing repository – When the licensing repository is corrupted or missing, it can impede the activation process. For example, it causes the Windows activation to crash because the repository hosting its license is compromised.
• Corrupt system files – Corrupted system files can affect the Windows activation process. Corrupt files on the PC from third-party programs, update processes, etc., can alter the activation, resulting in activation error 0xc004f012 in Windows 11.
• Hardware replacements – Replacing major hardware like the motherboard can be a problem with Windows activation, resulting in the error 0xc004f012. It indicates that the hardware is new to Windows, and it requires licensing to activate it. So, you’re likely to run into a Windows activation error due to a hardware change.
• Issues with the Activation token – It’ll be impossible to pull through with an activation process without the time being intact. So, issues with the activation key or expired token can cause errors during Windows activation.

These factors may vary in different PCs. Nevertheless, we’ll take you through some general fixes to help get your Windows activated.

How can I fix the 0xc004f012 Windows activation error?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting, try the following:

• Fix network congestion on your PC.
• Disable third-party apps that may interfere.
• Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the error persists.

If the error 0xc004f012 in Windows 11 persists, proceed with the solutions below.

1. Run an SFC and DISM scans

1. Left-click the Start button, type the command prompt, and click Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc / scannow
4. Copy and paste the commands below and press Enter: dism.exe/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth
5. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

An SFC and DISM scan will detect and repair corrupt system files and clean up your disk space, fixing your PC’s health.

Check our article about what to do if nothing happens when you select run as administrator on Windows 11.

Moreover, you have more reliable software that repairs your PC by scanning the system and replacing corrupted files that generate the 0xc004f012 Windows activation error.

⇒ Get Fortect

2. Reset the Windows activation components

1. Right-click the Start button, then click on Terminal (admin).
2. Copy and paste the commands below and press Enter after each: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc  net stop bits   ren C:\Windows\System32\SPP\Store\2.0\tokens.dat tokens.old  ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old  
3. Then, type the following and press Enter:  net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc  net start bits  netsh winsock reset
4. Restart your PC and try the Windows activation process to see if the error persists.

Restarting the Windows activation components will fix any issues preventing them from functioning correctly.

Read more about this topic

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3. Run Windows Activation Troubleshooter

1. Press Window + I to open the Settings app.
2. Select the Update & Security option.
3. Click on the Activation button, then click on the Troubleshoot link on the right pane of the screen.

Running the Windows Activation troubleshooter will find and repair issues with the Windows activation process. Likewise, it fixes hardware issues.

4. Replace and generate a new product key

1. Left-click the Start button, type command prompt, and click Run as administrator.
2. Type the following and press Enter to replace the product key: slmgr -ipk <your current product key>
3. Wait till you see a Windows Host Script prompt informing you that the product key has been activated successfully, then close the Command Prompt.
4. Restart your PC.

After some hours, try the Activation process again with the new generic code.

Read our guide if the Windows server change product key does not work on your PC.

In conclusion, you can read about what to do if Windows 11 won’t activate after reinstalling your PC. Also, you can check for solutions if Windows cannot find the Microsoft license software terms on your PC.

If you have more questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

When activating Windows 10 or 11, you might face different challenges making the process fail. Windows Activation Error 0xC004F012 is such a problem several users complain about. If you are getting the same error then this post will provide working solutions. Using a legitimate product key is a must condition for the process but in this case, the server can not acknowledge it and generate the code.

0xC004F012 activation error commonly occurs because of hardware replacement, wrong version of Windows 10 or 11 installed corrupted system files, and logging in with a local account. Furthermore, invalid product key is the most found reason for the same so before proceeding with the steps make sure that your license is genuine. You will come across a message – “We can’t activate Windows on this device because you don’t have a valid digital license or product key. If you do have a valid license or key, select Troubleshoot below. Error code: 0xC004F012” when the fault occurs.

Here is how to fix Activation Error 0xC004F012 in Windows 10 or 11 –

Way-1: Use Troubleshooter

The default Fixit tool known as Windows troubleshooter is a recommended and working utility when error 0xC004F012 appears. Running this using only a few clicks will detect the root cause of the activation problem and solve or suggest you follow some steps. If you have a valid product key then the troubleshooter will simply fix it in most cases and when illegitimate it shows the error code again. Follow the steps –

For Windows 10 –

1. Press – Winkey+I.
2. Once the Settings app opens, select – Update & security.
3. Click on – Activation.
4. Go to the right pane and select – Troubleshoot.

1. The Troubleshooter will start detecting the problem and display what is wrong with the activation.
2. In case, the error is fixed then it’s good else see the recommendations and follow them accordingly.

For Windows 11 –

1. Click on Start.
2. Select – Settings.
3. Once the app loads, click on – Activation.
4. Next, select – Troubleshoot.

Way-2: Approach OEM or Retailer to fix error code 0xC004F012

Some people say that this problem appears on the pre-installed PCs or Laptops purchased from an OEM or retailer. What happens that sellers use to activate the operating system with the default product key which starts displaying Windows is not activated message after a restart or when internet is connected. However, you might come across the error code 0xC004F012 on the Activation settings but this may also appear after running the troubleshooter. If you see this error the first thing you need to do is to contact the original equipment manufacturer aka OEM or retailer. You can also approach him through the shop from where you have bought the device.

Way-3: Make sure the correct edition is installed

Each copy of Windows 10 or 11 has a distinctive product key to activate the operating system which you receive through mail or on the sticker of the packet in which the USB is placed. On multiple occasions, Windows is so damaged that you require to install a fresh copy. If you are installing through ISO file then there is a chance of an incorrect version being installed that does not recognize the existing product key. Therefore, check the edition and in case it is wrong install the correct version.

1. Press Windows key.
2. Type – cmd.
3. Choose – Run as administrator.
4. When User account control appears, click on – Yes.
5. Now, type – slmgr.vbs /dlv.
6. Press ‘Enter’.

1. Windows Script Host prompts up.
2. See what is the Name: of the Windows and make sure it is correct.
3. In case, the edition is incorrect then you will have to install the correct version.

You can also check the edition by going through the post – How to Open Winver in Windows 11 or 10.

Way-4: Run System files checker aka SFC /scannow

Corruption in System Files is another reason to generate the Windows activation error 0xC004F012 in Windows 11 and 10. To get rid of this problem a built-in masterly command-line tool System File Checker is pretty capable. When it repairs the corruption the Server starts recognizing product key you have entered. Follow the method –

1. Open Command prompt as administrator as following the method in Way-4.
2. Type – SFC /Scannow.

1. Hit Enter.
2. Once the scanning task begins it will consume almost  5-10 minutes in normal conditions.
3. Once the process gets over, restart your PC.
4. See if the error persists or it is fixed now.

Way-5: Try activating using Command prompt

This activation error might come to end when you try to activate through a cmd command. When a question is about activation command prompt may help you as a guide till the end aka until the error is solved. This tool will disclose the error code and cause that may trigger this glitch helpful to find the exact solution to activation error 0xC004F012. Go ahead with the steps –

1. Press Windows + S.
2. Type – cmd.
3. Hit – Ctrl+ Shift + Enter.
4. On User account control dialog, click Yes.
5. If having a license key type vbs /upk.
6. Now, press – Enter.
7. The existing product key will be removed using the command.
8. Next, type – slmgr /ipk productkey. (Replace product key with the digits of the key)
9. Hit – Enter.
10. Windows will be activated now.
11. In case, product key isn’t available type – vbs /ato.
12. Press – Enter.
13. The command will activate the key from the Microsoft server but when it fails to do so force the same using KMS.
14. Normally the key should work and Windows 10 or 11 will be activated but in case it does not happen then you will see an error code on Windows Script Host pop up. Use the code to fix the problem. This will help you in this condition – All-in-One Fix: Windows 10 Activation Problems 2022.

Way-6: Reactivate after hardware replacement

Oftentimes the 0xC004F012 during activation happens to appear after hardware replacement, for example, motherboard change. Location of license key is motherboard therefore when you change it Windows fails to detect the key and triggers the error. If you want to save code you need to link the license with your Microsoft account before the replacement. In this case, the account will start showing an exceptional link in order to reactivate the copy of Windows 10 or 11. However, if you didn’t link the key then follow –

Windows 10 –

1. Open Windows Settings (Windows+I).
2. Select – Accounts.
3. On the next Settings page make sure that you are logged in with an administrator account. If it is a local account then signin using the administrator account.
4. Next, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and Troubleshoot the activation.
5. In case of owning a product key click – Change Product Key.

1. Finally, enter the key.

Windows 11 –

1. Right-click on Start.
2. Select – Settings.
3. Click on – Accounts.
4. Select – Your info.
5. Within Accounts settings, you might notice – Sign in with a local account instead.
6. If not showing, then click on the link there to log in using the administrator account.
7. Still, the error exists then it means you need to troubleshoot with the help of Way-5.

Follow – 3 Proven Ways to Activate Windows 10.

Methods list:
Way-1: Use Troubleshooter
Way-2: Approach OEM or Retailer
Way-3: Make sure the correct edition is installed
Way-4: Run System files checker aka SFC /scannow
Way-5: Try activating using Command prompt
Way-6: Reactivate after hardware replacement

That’s all!!

Repair any Windows problems such as Blue/Black Screen, DLL, Exe, application, Regisrty error and quickly recover system from issues using Reimage.

The error code 0xC004F012 pops up when the users try to activate their Windows. The error code is accompanied by the statement, ‘We can’t activate windows on this device because you don’t have a valid digital license or product key.’

This error is typically caused due to a missing or corrupt licensing repository and sometimes can also pop up after major upgrades, which makes Windows lose its activation status. Below, we have discussed several troubleshooting methods that you can try to resolve this issue. Proceed with the one that fits your situation the best.

1. Run System Scans

The first thing that we suggest you do is to rule out any corruption issues in the system that might be causing the problem. For this, we will be using the SFC and DISM tools. 

Microsoft developed both these utilities to scan the system for errors. SFC works by scanning the protected system and replacing the corrupt ones with healthier ones. On the other hand, the DISM tool is responsible for repairing a corrupt system image.

Follow, How to Run SFC Scan.

After that, you can follow, How to Run a DISM Repair in Windows.

Head over to this guide to run a system scan. In case that does not fix the issue, you can proceed with the next troubleshooting methods in this guide.

2. Rebuild Tokens

Rebuilding the Activation Token files or Token.dat files can also fix the issue at hand, as they might be corrupted or faulty.

Here is how you can try doing that as well:

1. Launch File Explorer and navigate to the following location:
   

   C:\Windows\System32\SPP\Store\2.0 directory

2. Locate the tokens.dat file and right-click on it.
   
3. Choose Rename from the context menu.
   
4. Rename the file to tokens.old.
   
5. Once done, press the Win + R keys together to open Run.
6. Type cmd in Run and click Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with administrative rights.
   
7. Alternatively, you can also type cmd in Windows search and click Open.
8. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
   
9. Type the following command in the Command Prompt window and hit Enter to execute it:
   

   net start sppsvc

   

10. Now, execute this command:
    

    cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /rilc

    

11. Restart your device twice. 
12. Upon reboot, press the Win + I keys together to open the Settings app.
13. Choose System > Activation.
    
14. Expand the Activation state option and click on Troubleshoot. Wait for the activation troubleshooter to scan the system for issues and fix them.

Hopefully, the activation error will be resolved once this is done.

3. Restart the Software Protection Service

System services and other similar components are vital in helping your system function as it is supposed to. 

For your system to finish the activation process successfully, the Software Protection service must be running properly. If it is acting up, you are likely to face the issue. Fortunately, the fix is easy; in most cases, restarting the service should fix the problem.

Here is how you can do that:

1. Press the Win + R keys together to open Run.
2. Type services.msc in Run to hit Enter.
   
3. In the Services window, locate the Software Protection service and right-click.
4. Choose Properties from the context menu.
   
5. Click on the Stop button in the Properties dialog.
   
6. Wait for a few seconds and hit Start again.
   
7. Expand the dropdown for Startup type and choose Automatic.
   
8. Click Apply > OK to save the changes.
   

Once done, check if the issue is resolved.

4. Use Command Prompt to Activate

Alternatively, you can also use the Command Prompt to activate Windows 11 as well.

Here is how you can try that as well:

1. Type cmd in Windows search and click on Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes in the User Account Prompt.
3. Type the following command in cmd and hit Enter to execute it. Replace ‘Product key’ with your original key:
   

   slmgr.vbs.ipk <product key>

   

4. Now, execute this command:
   

   slmgr.vbs/ato

   

5. Once done, check if the issue is resolved.

5. Use Your Phone to Activate

You can also call Microsoft to activate your Windows. 

Follow these steps to proceed:

1. Press the Win + R keys together to open Run.
2. Type Slui 4 in Run and click Enter.
   
3. Expand the dropdown for Select your country or region and choose your country.
   
4. Click Next.
   
5. Now, call the toll-free number for your country and note down the confirmation ID you are given.
6. Then, click on Enter confirmation ID.
   
7. Type this ID in the dialog on your screen and click Activate Windows.
   

6. Clean Install Windows

If none of the methods have worked for you and you are still encountering the problem, then we suggest you move forward with a clean install. 

When you clean install an operating system, you erase the entire hard drive and then install the operating system again. In a clean install, an operating system is put on a brand-new computer, and an old operating system is replaced or upgraded.

Head over to this guide to proceed with a clean install. Hopefully, it will resolve the issue for you.