How to use the Activation Troubleshooter in Windows
Aug 03, 2025 am 09:01 AMTo fix Windows activation issues, open Settings, go to System > Activation, and click "Troubleshoot" to launch the Activation Troubleshooter, which automatically detects and resolves common problems by checking license status, internet connection, and system time. 2. Follow on-screen steps that may prompt you to sign in with a Microsoft account, enter a new product key, or select "I changed hardware" if major components were replaced, allowing reactivation based on digital license linkage. 3. For common errors like "We can’t activate Windows" or codes 0xC004F074/0x80070005, ensure internet access, correct date/time, sign in with the purchase account, or run the troubleshooter as administrator. 4. Ensure your Windows edition matches the license, consider using a Microsoft account, and remember the tool only works with genuine Windows; if it fails, manually enter a key or contact Microsoft Support, as the troubleshooter is the fastest solution for most activation problems.
If Windows isn't activated or you're seeing an activation error, the built-in Activation Troubleshooter can help identify and fix common issues automatically. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Activation Troubleshooter
- Press Windows I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Activation (on Windows 11, it might be under System > About > Activation).
- In the right panel, look for the "Troubleshoot" button under the activation status section.
- Click it to launch the Activation Troubleshooter.
Note: If you're using Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot.
2. Follow the On-Screen Steps
Once the troubleshooter opens, it will:

- Automatically detect your activation issue.
- Check if your Windows license is linked to your Microsoft account (if signed in).
- Verify internet connection and system time settings (incorrect time can cause activation failures).
- Attempt to reactivate Windows online.
Depending on the problem, you’ll see different options:
- Sign in with a Microsoft account – If your license is tied to a Microsoft account, signing in may resolve the issue.
- Change product key – If you have a new key (e.g., after buying a license), you can enter it here.
- I changed hardware on this device recently – Choose this if you upgraded major components (like motherboard), which can invalidate activation. It helps link your digital license to your new hardware.
3. Common Scenarios and Fixes
Here are some typical outcomes and what to do:

"We can’t activate Windows on this device"
→ Run the troubleshooter, ensure you’re connected to the internet, and check date/time settings."Windows is not activated" even after buying a license
→ Use the troubleshooter to sign in with the Microsoft account used to purchase the license.After replacing hardware
→ Select "I changed hardware" in the troubleshooter. It will attempt to activate using a digital license tied to your Microsoft account.Error 0xC004F074 or 0x80070005
→ These often mean licensing service issues. Running the troubleshooter as an admin (right-click troubleshooter shortcut > Run as administrator) may help.
4. Additional Tips
- Make sure your Windows version matches the license (e.g., Home vs. Pro).
- If using a local account, consider switching to a Microsoft account to simplify activation.
- The troubleshooter only works for genuine Windows copies – it won’t bypass licensing requirements.
The Activation Troubleshooter handles most common activation problems without needing command-line tools. If it fails, you may need to manually enter a product key or contact Microsoft Support.
Basically, it’s the fastest way to diagnose and fix activation issues—just run it from Settings and follow the prompts.
The above is the detailed content of How to use the Activation Troubleshooter in Windows. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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