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Windows 10 Pro digital license problem with reactivation 0x803FA067

Alexander Khrgian 0 Reputation points
2025-12-03T15:22:52.6233333+00:00

Windows 10 Pro digital license problem with reactivation. I've deleted desktop from my microsoft account. Deleted digital license via cmd slmgr /upi and slmgr/cpky

0x803FA067 reactivation problem

And cant activate on the new one. Troubleshooting also doesnt work. Servers are nor responding.

Аннотация 2025-12-03 161347

Windows for business | Windows 365 Business
Answer accepted by question author
  1. VPHAN 9,355 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T16:05:43.11+00:00

    Alexander Khrgian, it's clear to me now from the screenshot and error code 0xC004F014 on the old machine. It confirms exactly what has happened: the old machine is not "freeing up" the license; it is simply stripped of its credentials.

    In the Windows licensing architecture, a license being "not activated" on one machine does not automatically make it "transferable" to another. Transferability is defined by the License Channel (OEM/GGK vs. Retail), not by its current activation status. Your GGK license is legally and cryptographically bound to the Unique Hardware ID (UHID) of the old motherboard. By running slmgr /upk on the old machine, you didn't "detach" the license rights to make them portable; you simply deleted the local key from the registry, leaving the old OS in an unlicensed state (hence error 0xC004F014, which translates to "Product key not available").

    The error on your new computer (0xC004E016) indicates that the Software Licensing Service sees the key format but rejects it for the installed OS edition or channel. This is the system's way of enforcing the OEM restriction. Because the key is a Windows 8.1 Pro GGK (OEM) key, the activation servers recognize it is being input into a Windows 10 environment on a different hardware hash than where it originated. The server rejects the handshake immediately because the "Down-Level" rights (using an 8.1 key for 10) for OEM keys are only valid on the original hardware.

    You saod the old computer now also says "Invalid Product Key." This is likely because the digital entitlement was deleted from your MS Account cloud dashboard. However, since the hardware hasn't changed on the old PC, you can likely restore its activation by running slmgr /ipk <YOUR-25-DIGIT-KEY> on the old machine. It should re-associate with the hardware hash.

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  1. VPHAN 9,355 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T13:08:31.1233333+00:00

    Given that you don't have access to another activated Windows 10 Pro computer, we must adjust the plan. I think step 1 is now your primary and most promising path. Let's focus on it correctly

    1: Perform the In-Place Repair Upgrade (Do This First)

    Complete the Media Creation Tool process you started. Choose "Upgrade this PC now" and "Keep personal files and apps".

    Note: During the later stages of the installation, when it prompts you to sign in or create an account, ensure you are connected to the internet and sign in with the Microsoft account you believe holds the digital license. This step is crucial as it can re-establish the hardware-to-account link on Microsoft's servers.

    After the upgrade is complete and you're at the desktop, go directly to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Check the status.

    2: Post-Upgrade Activation Attempt

    If it's still not activated after the repair upgrade:

    Open Administrator PowerShell and run the following commands exactly:

    net stop sppsvc

    Rename-Item "C:\Windows\System32\spp\store\2.0" "C:\Windows\System32\spp\store\2.0.old" -Force

    net start sppsvc

    slmgr /rearm

    slmgr /ato

    Restart your computer.

    Go back to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and click "Troubleshoot". The "I changed hardware on this device recently" option should now be present. Select it and follow the prompts.

    Regarding Your iMac (Late 2013) and Windows 11:

    You are correct. A Late 2013 iMac lacks the TPM 2.0 and modern CPU required for Windows 11. Your path is to stay with Windows 10 Pro, which is fully supported for security updates until October 14, 2025. Activation support is separate from OS support; Microsoft will still help with activation issues for Windows 10.

    If All Else Fails: Direct Microsoft Support for Activation

    The statement that "they don't support Windows 10 anymore" is not accurate for activation issues. You need to contact the Microsoft Activation Support line. (leave me a message in case you need it and I'll instruct in more details).

    Please proceed with Step 1 and report back the result.

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  2. Alexander Khrgian 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-04T13:59:12.48+00:00

    I really apriciate your help and advices. ensure you are connected to the internet and sign in with the Microsoft account you believe holds the digital license. my windows digital license was activated when i was using local user on windows. but later i've changed local user to microsoft account. i believe the license was connected to it?

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  3. VPHAN 9,355 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T14:23:08.1066667+00:00

    Well this is important!!! If your Windows 10 digital license was originally activated while signed in with a local user account, then the license is primarily tied to your device's hardware hash in Microsoft's activation servers, not to your Microsoft account. When you later switched to using a Microsoft account, the license did not automatically transfer to become an account-linked digital license.

    FYI, the license exists in two forms:

    Hardware-based entitlement: Stored on Microsoft's servers, linked to a unique fingerprint of your PC's motherboard, CPU, and other key components.

     Account-linked digital license: Created when you either (a) purchase a digital copy of Windows from the Microsoft Store while signed into a Microsoft account, or (b) successfully use the "I changed hardware" troubleshooter while signed into a Microsoft account to move a hardware-based license to your account.

    Your current situation is that you have a hardware-based entitlement (from the initial activation), but the activation servers are having trouble recognizing your current hardware, likely due to the changes you made. The repair upgrade (Step 1) is still the best course of action because it will refresh the system and during the setup, signing in with your Microsoft account can help create that crucial link.

  4. Alexander Khrgian 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-04T14:38:10.6333333+00:00

    * Account-linked digital license: Created when you either (a) purchase a digital copy of Windows from the Microsoft Store while signed into a Microsoft account, or (b) successfully use the "I changed hardware" troubleshooter while signed into a Microsoft account to move a hardware-based license to your account.* Is it anyway to know where is my digital license connected to? Is there any way to connect it fromj my old computer to my microsoft account? If its not really connected yet...

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