Activation & Licensing

Question

Activation & Licensing

Paul G 0

Hi, I’m asking about activating a Windows Server 2019 Datacenter installation. I have a valid MAK key, but the online activation failed. I need to complete activation. I tried calling but I guess there's so much call volume and calls were getting dropped. his is a clean install on a single machine, and this is the only system using this license.

I have the current Installation ID ready in blocks

2 answers

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Answer 1

Product: Windows Server 2019 Datacenter (Volume MAK)

Issue: Activation error 0xC004F050

Details: I performed a clean install of Windows Server 2019 Datacenter and applied a valid MAK key. Online activation failed with error 0xC004F050. I attempted phone activation, but the automated system rejected my Installation ID and the rep redirected me to help.microsoft.com. I have the current Installation ID available in blocks and need a valid Confirmation ID to complete offline activation. Please escalate to the Windows Server activation/licensing team.

Answer 2

Ian-T 6,385 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Paul G,

Based on your description, I understand that you are experiencing activation difficulties with a clean installation of Windows Server 2019 Datacenter using a valid MAK key.

From my research, Error 0xC004F050 typically indicates that the Software Licensing Service has identified an issue with the product key. This can occur for several reasons: the MAK key may have exhausted its available activation count, there might be a mismatch between the product edition and the key type, the key could have been entered incorrectly, or, in rare cases, the key may have been flagged in Microsoft's licensing system. Since you mentioned this is a Volume MAK key, the most common cause is that the activation limit for this particular key has been reached.

However, I regret to inform you that, as a forum moderator, I am unable to assist with matters related to activation keys due to limited access to specialized tools and in compliance with Microsoft’s data protection policies. Therefore, in this case, I recommend that you raise a support ticket directly with Microsoft via the Admin Center or through the following link: https://support.serviceshub.microsoft.com/supportforbusiness

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Hope you will solve your problem soon. For any further concern, let me know in the comment section

Kal-D 3,460 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-30T15:33:49.3566667+00:00

Hi Paul G,

Just writing to see how things are going with this issue.

Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?

Any update would be appreciated.
Ian-T 6,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-11-03T07:06:48.2+00:00

Hi Paul G,

If you still have further concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Warm thanks
Paul G 0 Reputation points

2025-11-03T13:59:28.98+00:00

Yes, I'm still having the issue. Basically, I'm just using an old Dell Optiplex 760 for a server in our apartment office. I had Windows Server 2019 installed on a Sata drive and was trying to improve performance a little by installing on a ssd I have sitting around. The drives just like 250gb. I was using copilot to help and got the ssd activated from bare metal back up from the sata drive which is 1tb. So now I have a golden copy on the 1tb drive detached as a backup, and am using another 1tb drive in the machine. I want to do a clean install on the ssd same machine, but it won't activate. I can't find the info in my email from where I purchased the license it had a link to download the iso. Honestly, I only paid like 30 bucks. I'm just using it to learn kind of like a lab maybe set up a vpn connection. Copilot said I need to create a ticket, but I can't seem to from the link the first response given. I have the key. I think I deleted the id from copilot chat history. I'm trying to do like Rufus usb with evaluation Windows Server 2019 Datacenter and insert the key but I guess it wont activate because the server sees a change in the hardware(the ssd drive. I'd like to activate an ssd as the c drive and use the 1tb drive as a d drive or back up if possible. If not I understand. I didnt backup the ssd when I had it working and it had a lot of data from the 1tb drive that I wanted to clean up that why I re imaged the ssd to do a clean install from usb. It would still be the same machine just different drive. Also I would like to try a virtualbox version on my Alienware r13 main rig because its newer and has better hardware but don't think I can because that would be a second machine. So I only have the Windows Server 2019 being used on 1 machine currently, the optiplex 760.

Best Regards,
Ian-T 6,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-11-05T14:25:46.29+00:00

Hi Paul G,

Thank you for your detailed response.

Please allow me a bit more time to further review and consider whether I can provide you with the most suitable solution.

Thank you for your patience.
Paul G 0 Reputation points

2025-11-06T02:49:23.1766667+00:00

Sure, I do have the id if needed.
Paul G 0 Reputation points

2025-11-06T04:13:00.99+00:00

I accidentally deleted the email from the web site I purchased the license from, but I could check my bank statement.

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Activation & Licensing

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