Instructions to fix error code 0xc004f074 on Windows 10

Windows 10 Activation Error Code 0xc004f074 error can occur after installing or upgrading to Windows 10. This error indicates that the activation process cannot be completed, and the computer cannot work correctly in the Windows 10 environment. The cause is usually when the computer cannot contact the Key Management Service (KMS) during the Windows 10 activation process. Besides, error code 0xc004f074 can also occur if the user downloads a pirated version of Windows. Below, TipsMake will guide you how to fix Error Code 0xc004f074.

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How to fix error code 0xc004f074 on Windows 10

Uninstall and install KMS Key using CMD Prompt

This way to fix error code 0xc004f074 is only effective if you already have the activation key or KMS Key. First, remove the current key and then use a new key. Specifically, run the following 4 commands in cmd:

1. Find current information and record current activation details. You can also remember this information for later use:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

2. Uninstall the current KMS Key

slmgr.vbs /upk

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3. Install new KMS Key

slmgr.vbs /ipk 

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4. Activate the key online

slmgr.vbs /ato

Activate Windows using your phone

1. Press the Windows + R combination and enter ms-settings to open the device's settings.
2. Select Update & Security then click Activation .
3. If your PC is not activated, you will receive the Activate by phone option .
4. Then, start opening the Product Activation Wizard .
5. Next, open the charms menu and click Settings .
6. Go to Change PC Settings then select Activate Windows .
7. Click on one of the options such as Activate , Activate by phone or Contact customer support .
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to activate Windows using your phone.

Check the date and time settings

Another cause of error code 0xc004f074 is due to incorrect date and time settings on the device. The fix is ​​simple, just go to Windows Settings , select Time & Language and make sure the date and time are set correctly.

Turn DNS host off and on again

Not updating DNS is also a cause of error code: 0xc004f074, then try turning DNS off and on again. We can publish the Slmgr.vbs script or do it manually by following these steps:

1. Open cmd with admin rights and enter Regedit .
2. Create a New DWORD Value named DisableDnsPublishing and set the value to 1 . After that, DNS publishing will be disabled.
3. To reopen, set the value of Key to 0 .

Run DISM and System File Checker

Another way to fix error 0xc004f074 is to run DISM. Specifically, open cmd with admin rights and execute the following command:

sfc /scannow

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The above command will run System File Checker.

Now, run the command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

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DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Run the Update and Activation Troubleshooter program

The best way to fix activation-related errors like error code 0xc004f074 is to use Update and Activation Troubleshooter , which can fix problems automatically.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshooter > Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.

Contact Microsoft support

If none of this works, try contacting Microsoft support and request to change the activation key. If you fail to enter the key many times, you will be blocked from Microsoft's server. At that time, you must reset the key according to the instructions from Microsoft support.

Epilogue

TipsMake has just shared ways to fix error code 0xc004f074, hope this article helps you solve this problem quickly and effectively, wish you success!

Jessica Tanner

Update 10 October 2023