0xc004f074 on Windows 11: How to Fix This Activation Error

Activating your copy of Windows 11 is the main thing to do after you have installed the latest operating system on your PC.

Not only does it unlock the true potential of the Windows 11 OS, but it will get rid of the annoying message that says “Activate your Windows 11.”

However, for several users, the smooth process of activation is being hurdled by the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.

This error notably prevents the user from activating Windows 11 and forces them to use the OS with limited features.

The Windows 11 activation error code 0xc004f074 is related to the Key Management Service. When the KMS becomes unavailable, you will run into this problem.

Well, that is where this guide comes into the picture. Here, we have listed some of the best solutions, that can help you resolve the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.

What are the reasons for the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074?

Reportedly, when users try to activate the Windows 11 KMS (Key Management Service) client, they are treated with an error message “The Key Management Server (KMS) is unavailable.”

Similar to other error codes, this error code doesn’t just appear for Windows 11 users. It is a pretty common error for Windows 10 OS users as well.

It can be because of a mismatch between the KMS client and the KMS host server. So, for this error to vanish, the KMS client needs to be updated to match the KMS host server version.

Moreover, Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074 could also appear for multiple other reasons. Some of these are mentioned below:

• Because of a time difference between the KMS client and KMS host machine.
• It can occur after the installation of a cumulative update.
• Not using a genuine serial key to activate Windows 11.
• The product key is already used in another copy of Windows 11.
• Corrupt Windows 11 system files.
• It could be because the Windows Firewall or Windows Defender is interfering with the activation process.

Now that you have understood the reasons that could trigger Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074 on your PC, let us take a look at the remedies for it.

How can I fix Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074?

1. Use the Software Licensing Management Tool

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
3. Type the below command and press Enter.slmgr.vbs/dlv
4. Execute the below command to uninstall the existing product key.slmgr.vbs /upk
5. Type the below command to re-install product key and press Enter.slmgr.vbs /ipk <New_product_key>

In the last command, you need to replace the <New_product_key> with the actual product key of your Windows 11 copy.

Once the command executes, reboot your PC and see if this fixes the issue or not.

2. Use specialized software

Another feasible method to solve this Windows activation error is with a dedicated repair tool. You can thus fix system errors, including the annoying Blue-Screen of Death error, Windows update errors, etc.

These tools can also fix damaged DLL files, detect apps that are crashing frequently, remove privacy threats and malware from your PC, and much more.

3. Repair Windows system files

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
3. Type the below command and press Enter.sfc /scanow
4. You PC will start scanning and in the process, will try to fix the issue as well.
5. Reboot your PC.
6. Open command prompt again.
7. Type in the below command and hit Enter: chkdsk C: /f /r /x
8. After process completion, enter the below command and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
9. You will see “The operation completed successfully” message.
10. Close the window and reboot your PC.

Read more about this topic

• How to Email Windows Share to Gmail
• How to Calibrate HDR in Windows 11

4. Use SLUI 04 command

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command.
2. Execute the below command. SLUI 04
3. Click OK.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.

5. Run Windows update troubleshooter

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for Troubleshoot other problems and open it.
3. Hit the Run button next to Windows update.
4. The troubleshooter will begin detecting the problem.
5. Apply the recommended fixes.
6. Restart your PC.

As mentioned above, there is a chance that because of a recently installed cumulative update, you are experiencing the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.

Alternatively, if your copy of Windows 11 isn’t activated, then you can follow the steps below to open the Windows Activation troubleshooter.

1. Press Win + I buttons to open System.
2. Click on Activation.
3. Select Troubleshoot.

6. Disable Windows Firewall and Windows Security

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Select Windows Defender Firewall.
3. From the left-side select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on and off.
4. Check the box next to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall on the Domain and Public network settings.
5. Press OK to close the tab.

7. Turn off Fast Startup

1. Press Win + R buttons to open the Run dialogue.
2. Type the below command and hit Enter. powercfg.cpl
3. Click on Choose what the power button does from the left side.
4. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
5. Uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
6. Hit Save changes and restart your PC.

What if I don’t activate my copy of Windows 11?

Well, there are a few caveats if you do not activate the Windows 11 operating system. Below are some of the limitations:

• You won’t be able to apply Dark Mode.
• Security updates won’t be available for your PC.
• You cannot tweak or modify personalization settings.
• You won’t be able to set wallpapers, change lockscreen, etc.
• The taskbar cannot be customized.
• There will be an “Activate Windows” watermark visible on your desktop.
• You will receive a persistent notification to activate Windows 11.

The above list is good enough to make you understand that you should activate your copy of Windows OS to enjoy the latest and greatest from Microsoft.

We hope that this guide helped you fix the Windows 11 activation error code 0xc004f074. Do let us know in the comments below which solution did the job for you. You can also let us know if there are any other solutions to fix this problem.