Windows Activation Fails With Error 0x80041008 After November Updates, Microsoft Confirms

Microsoft has confirmed that the November 2026 Patch Tuesday updates are causing Windows activation and licensing failures on certain Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server devices.

According to Microsoft’s service alert WI1549486, affected systems may encounter error 0x80041008 (Invalid parameter — SWbemObjectEx) when administrators attempt to activate Windows or manage licensing configurations.

The issue primarily affects organizations that rely on automated activation processes and the Software Licensing Management Tool (SLMGR).

Windows activation and KMS commands fail with error 0x80041008

Microsoft says the problem affects certain SLMGR commands that administrators use to configure Key Management Service (KMS) activation and install Windows product keys.

The affected commands include:

• slmgr.vbs /skms-domain <domain> – Configures KMS domain discovery.
• slmgr.vbs /ipk <key> – Installs a Windows product key.

Running these commands after installing the November updates may trigger error 0x80041008, preventing administrators from completing activation or licensing operations.

The issue affects Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2, Windows 11 version 23H2, and Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025.

The issue could disrupt enterprise deployment processes, particularly in environments where administrators use scripts to activate multiple devices or configure KMS settings.

Already activated Windows devices remain unaffected

Microsoft confirmed that devices with an existing valid activation will remain activated despite the problem.

KMS-activated devices generally retain their activation status for up to 180 days following a successful activation. As a result, organizations with previously activated systems should not experience immediate licensing interruptions.

Devices that already have the correct KMS client key and configuration also remain unaffected if they do not need to execute the problematic SLMGR commands.

However, administrators setting up new devices, installing product keys, or changing KMS configurations may encounter activation failures until Microsoft addresses the issue.

Microsoft is working on a fix

Microsoft says it is investigating the activation failures and expects to release a fix in the coming days. The company has not provided an exact release date.

Organizations experiencing immediate activation problems can contact Microsoft Support for business to obtain assistance and potential mitigation options.

The November updates have also introduced other problems. Windows 11 KB5132061 breaks some Windhawk mods, although users can apply a temporary workaround.

Microsoft has also acknowledged KB5132061 installation failures and started rolling out an automatic fix for affected devices.

Additionally, the company warned that KB5132061 could break older PowerShell scripts, potentially affecting organizations that still rely on legacy automation.

Microsoft has not indicated that the activation failures affect all Windows devices receiving the November security updates.

Via BleepingComputer