Windows is Activated, But Keeps Requesting Activation

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When Windows 10 is enabled but still requires activation, it can be due to several reasons. Here’s a guide on how to address this issue:

Checking Activation Status

Verify the current activation status of your Windows 10 system by accessing the activation settings:

1. Navigate to Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
2. Choose Update & Security.
3. Select the Activation tab on the left sidebar.
4. Review the activation status displayed under the Activation menu. If it shows “Windows is activated” but still asks for activation, there’s a system discrepancy.

Using the Activation Troubleshooter

The Activation Troubleshooter can help resolve common activation issues:

1. Access the troubleshooter by following the same steps to reach the Activation tab in the Update & Security settings.
2. Click on Troubleshoot to start the troubleshooting process.
3. The troubleshooter is effective in scenarios like:
   • Previously activated with a digital license but now showing a different Windows 10 edition.
   • Recent significant hardware changes like a motherboard replacement.

Re-entering or Changing the Product Key

Sometimes, activation issues can be resolved by re-entering or changing the product key:

1. To re-enter or change your product key:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
   • Select Change product key or Enter key.
   • Input the 25-character product key and follow the prompts to complete the activation process.
2. If you encounter any error messages during this process, refer to the specific error code for further troubleshooting steps.

Rebuilding the Tokens.dat File

Corruption in the Tokens.dat file can lead to activation issues. Rebuilding this file may resolve such problems:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
2. Execute the following commands:
   • Type net stop sppsvc and press Enter to stop the Software Protection Platform service.
   • Then, navigate to the Windows activation file directory using cd C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareProtectionPlatform.
   • Rename the Tokens.dat file with the command ren tokens.dat tokens.old.
3. Restart the Software Protection Platform service by typing net start sppsvc and hitting Enter.
4. Finally, reactivate Windows via the Activation settings.

Change Activation Method

Switching the activation method can sometimes resolve issues:

1. Consider changing from a local account to a Microsoft account, which can help link your Windows license to your Microsoft account, potentially resolving activation discrepancies.
2. To switch to a Microsoft account:
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
   • Select “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead” and follow the prompts.
3. After switching, try activating your copy of Windows again through the Activation settings.

Phone Activation

If other methods fail, activating Windows 10 by phone is an alternative:

1. Navigate to the Activation settings as previously described.
2. Select “Activate by Phone”.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions, which will include calling a listed phone number and providing information about your Windows installation.
4. The automated phone system will guide you through the activation process.
5. If the automated process is unsuccessful, you may be connected to a Microsoft support representative for further assistance.

Error Codes and Solutions

Specific error codes can indicate particular activation issues. Here’s how to address some common ones:

• 0xC004F212: Appears if there’s a mismatch in the Windows edition installed versus the edition your digital license is for. Use the troubleshooter to correct this.
• 0xC004F213: Indicates a missing product key, often due to significant hardware changes. You might need a new license or re-enter an existing product key.
• 0x803f7001: Suggests that no valid Windows license was found. Activation requires entering a valid product key or purchasing a digital license.
• 0x800704cF: Implies no valid Windows license for your device. Activate Windows using a valid product key.

For each error code, navigate to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Activation”, and follow the appropriate steps based on the specific error code encountered.

 

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