If you already have Windows 11 installed, you are recommended to activate your copy of Windows 11 now. Your activated Windows 11 not only unleashes the true potential of the Windows 11 operating system, but also will not constantly display the message reminder to activate your Windows 11.
But recently some users reported that when they try to activate Windows 11, they always get Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074. This bug prevents users from activating Windows 11 and forces them to use the operating system with limited functionality. When KMS is unavailable, users encounter activation error code 0xc004f074. Don’t worry, this article lists 7 scenarios that can help you resolve Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.
Why does Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074 occur?
When users try to activate the Windows 11 KMS (Key Management Service) client, they receive an error message “The Key Management Server (KMS) is unavailable”.
Similar to other error codes, not only Windows 10 will receive error code 0xc004f074, users of Windows 11 will also receive activation error 0xc004f074.
This may be due to a mismatch between the KMS client and the KMS host server. Therefore, to resolve activation error 0xc004f074, the KMS client needs to be updated to match the KMS host server version.
In addition to this, Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074 can also be caused by the following other reasons:
There is a time difference between the KMS client and the KMS host.
Update the system.
Windows 11 was not activated with a genuine serial number.
The key is already used in another copy of Windows 11.
Corrupted Windows 11 system files.
Windows Firewall or Windows Defender is interfering with the activation process.
After knowing what causes Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074, let’s how to fix Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.
How to fix Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074?
Use a software license management tool
Open the start menu.
Type command prompt and run it as administrator.
Type slmgr.vbs/dlv and press Enter.
Execute the command slmgr.vbs /upk to uninstall the existing product key.
Execute the command slmgr.vbs /ipk to reinstall the product key.
Note: The in the last step is the actual product key for your copy of Windows 11.
Restart your PC and see if this resolves Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.
Use the software Restoro
Restoro can fix multiple errors on your PC, such as blue screen of death errors, Windows update errors, etc. It can even repair damaged DLL files, detect frequently crashing applications, remove spyware and malware from your PC, clean up damaged or defective files, and more.
Download Restoro.
Start the application.
The application will start automatically scanning your PC for errors.
After the scan is complete, the scan report will appear on the screen.
To fix the detected problem, click the Start Repair button.
Do not interrupt the fixation process.
Restart your PC. See if Restoro successfully fixes Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.
Repair Windows system files
Open the start menu.
Search for command prompt and run it as administrator.
Type sfc /scanow and press Enter.
Your computer will begin a scan, attempting to resolve the problem as it scans.
Restart your computer.
Open the command prompt again.
Type the command chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter.
Then enter the command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
Next, you will receive a message that the operation completed successfully.
Close the window and restart your PC.
Using SLUI 04 Commands
Press Win+R to open the run command.
Execute command SLUI 04.
Click OK.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Open the start menu.
Search for troubleshooter for other issues and open it.
Click Run button next to Windows update.
Troubleshooter will detect the problem automatically.
Apply the recommended fixes.
Restart your computer.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, you may encounter Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074 due to a recently installed cumulative update.
If your copy of Windows 11 is not activated, you can follow the steps below to open the Windows activation troubleshooter.
Press the Win+I button to turn on the system.
Click Activate.
Select Troubleshoot.
Disable Windows Firewall and Windows Security
Open the control panel.
Select Windows Defender Firewall.
Turn Windows Defender Firewall off.
Check the box next to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall in Domain and public network settings.
Press OK to close the tab.
Turn off fast startup
Open the Run dialog by pressing the Win+R buttons.
Type the command powercfg.cpl and press Enter.
Click to select the function of the power button from the left.
Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
Click Save Changes and restart your PC.
Should I activate my copy of Windows 11?
If Windows 11 is not activated, then Microsoft will restrict some uses of Windows 11, mainly in the following points:
You won’t be able to use dark mode.
Your PC will not be able to use security updates.
You cannot adjust or modify personalization settings.
You will not be able to set wallpaper, change lock screen, etc.
The taskbar cannot be customized.
An “Activate Windows” watermark will appear on your desktop.
You will receive continuous notifications to activate Windows 11.
Therefore, in order to enjoy a better Windows 11 experience, it is highly recommended that you activate your copy of the Windows operating system.
