Recently, several users reported that activation error 0xc004f200 appears on their screens when trying to activate Windows, causing the operating system to be considered non-genuine. The strange thing is that this error appears even if users are using a valid activation key.
In this guide, we will explain in detail the appropriate steps to resolve the error.
Table of Contents:
What causes activation error code 0xc004f200?
Serious activation problem: It turns out that in most cases, a license mismatch may be responsible for this particular error code.
The recent installation of a faulty update: If you recently installed a cumulative update containing security patch KB4480970, it is possible that one of the patches caused an “unreal error”.
Damaged system file: In some cases, this error may be due to a corrupted system file that affects the operating system’s ability to verify the integrity of the license key.
License key mismatch: If none of the fixes you can do yourself are effective in your case, you should contact a Microsoft support representative and ask them about the status of your license key.
How can I fix activation error code 0xc004f200?

Perform Windows activation troubleshooting
- Press Win + I.
- Press Update and security, then select Activation.
- Go to the right pane, then click Troubleshoot.
- If a pop-up window appears asking you to allow access to User Account Control, click Yes.
- Wait a few minutes until the problems (if any) are automatically detected and fixed.
- Then restart your computer.
Changing the product key
- Open Windows Settings (Win + I).
- Follow the steps below – Update and Security > Activation.
- Switch to the right pane and click Change Product Key.
- Enter your real product key, consisting of 25 digits. Be sure to check for typos in the number.
- Click Next to have the validity of your entered code verified by Microsoft servers.
- The company verifies the authenticity of the number entered and if it passes the necessary checks, your device will be activated.
Remove the current update
- Open Windows Settings (Win + I).
- Click Update and security, then select Windows Update.
- Switch to the right pane, find and click View update history.
- On the next screen, click Uninstall Updates.
- You will be redirected to the Control Panel.
- Locate the recently installed updates on your computer and right-click on them.
- Select Uninstall from the context menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to fix error 0xc004f200?
- Change the Windows product key.
- Uninstall the latest updates and undo the changes.
- Try the activation troubleshooter.
- Perform a complete reinstallation.
- Activate Windows.
- Contact support.
How do I solve a Windows activation problem?
Select Start -> Settings -> Update and Security -> Activation, and then select Troubleshoot to perform activation troubleshooting.
How do I uninstall Windows Update?
- Open Settings.
- Select Update and security.
- Click on "View Update History."
- Click on "Remove Updates."
- Select the update you want to remove.
- Determine the KB number of the update you want to remove.
How do I activate fake Windows 10?
With Windows 10, you can now pay to upgrade a "non-genuine" copy of Windows to a licensed version. Open the Settings app and go to Update and Security -> Activation. You will see a "Go to Store" button that will take you to the Windows Store if Windows is not licensed.