[FIX] Windows Activation Error 0XC004F213 on Windows 10

Some Windows users are currently seeing an activation notification saying that their Windows 10 operating system is not activated. In most cases, affected users either have a valid product key or they were using a preinstalled copy of Windows 10.

As it turns out, there are several different causes that are known to cause this particular error code. Here’s a shortlist of potential culprits:

• The preinstalled key is missing – There are certain actions you can undergo that might make a Windows 10 version using a preinstalled key to ‘forget’ it. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the problem by running a command in PowerShell that will reveal it to you, then you can use it to activate your OS once again.
• Recently replaced motherboard – If you have recently replaced your motherboard, chances are you’ll see this error code once the licensing system realizes that you’re using a different ID. If you were connected with a Microsoft account prior to replacing the motherboard, the Activation Troubleshooter should allow fixing the problem. However, if you don’t have the means to re-install your old motherboard, your only option is to purchase a new license key.
• Different license key inconsistency – If none of the scenarios explained above fit your current situation, you should open a support chat with a Microsoft Agent and ask them for support. But keep in mind that you need a genuine Windows copy and you need to prove ownership of your license key.

Method 1: Finding out the Preinstalled Product key (if applicable)

If you’re encountering the 0XC004F213 error code on a PC with a preinstalled Windows 10 version, the fix is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to open up an elevated PowerShell prompt and input a command that will allow you to view the preinstalled product key that was allocated to your computer.

Once you manage to reveal your preinstalled product key, you can access the Activation tab once again and reactivate your OS once again. Several affected users have confirmed this particular fix for being the only thing that allowed them to fix the 0XC004F213 error code.

Here’s a quick guide on enforcing this particular fix:

1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type ‘powershell’ and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open up an elevated Powershell command. When prompted by the UAC (User Account Control), click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
2. Once you’re inside the elevated Powershell terminal, type the following command and press Enter to view your preinstalled product key:

   wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

3. After the preinstalled product key is revealed, note it down or copy it to your clipboard. After you do this, you can safely close the PowerShell window.
4. Press Windows key + R to open up another Run box. This time, type ‘ms-settings:activation‘ inside the text box and press Enter to open up the Activation tab of the Settings menu.
5. Inside the Activation tab, click on Change Product Key, then type or paste the preinstalled key that you previously fetched at step 2.
6. That’s it. If the preinstalled key is valid, your Windows 10 copy should now be activated and the 0XC004F213 error code should no longer occur.

If the problem is still occurring or this scenario was not applicable to your current scenario, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 2: Running the Activation Troubleshooter

If you’re not using a preinstall license key, this problem is most likely caused by a licensing inconsistency. Fortunately, this type of behavior can typically be corrected.

The most common reason why this error code will occur is a major hardware change like replacing your motherboard. In this case, the licensing verification system will treat your PC as new hardware, requiring a new license.

Fortunately, Microsoft offers a solution for this issue if you had previously connected a Microsoft account – this is referred to as an Exception path. In this case, you can easily correct the issue by running the Activation Troubleshooter.

This built-in tool contains a selection of repair strategies that are known to be effective in situations of this kind. We’ve managed to indemnify several users’ reports claiming that they managed to fix the issue by running the Activation Troubleshooter and applying the recommended fix.

If you haven’t tried using this utility yet, follow the instructions below to open and deploy the Activation Troubleshooter in order to fix the 0XC004F213 error code:

1. Open up a Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R. Next, type ‘ms-settings:activation’ and press Enter to open up the Activation tab of the Settings screen.
2. Once you’re finally inside the Activation tab, move over to the right-hand pane, then scroll down to the Activate Windows menu and click on Troubleshoot.
3. Wait until the initial scan of the Activation Troubleshooter is finished to see if a viable repair strategy is discovered.
4. If the utility manages to find a problem with your product key that it can correct automatically, go ahead and press on Apply this fix, then follow the on-screen prompts to apply the recommended fix.
5. Once the process is complete, reboot your computer and see if the issue is fixed at the next computer startup.

If the same 0XC004F213 error code is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 3: Purchasing a new License Key

In the unfortunate case where you didn’t have a Microsoft account connected prior to replacing the motherboard, you will not be able to use the Activation Troubleshooter to fix the 0XC004F213 error.

In this particular scenario, you really have 2 ways forward:

• Replace the new motherboard with the old one – Then, connect your Microsoft account prior to making the switch back to the new component. Of course, this is not an option if your old motherboard is busted or you already sold it.
• Buy a new Windows license that’s compatible with your Windows 10 version – I know this is not ideal, but it’s really your only option if you don’t have access to your old motherboard.You can purchase the license key from the Microsoft Store or you can probably get it cheaper from web directories like G2A or Allkeyshop.Once you obtain a new key, press Windows key + R to open up a Run command, then type ‘ms-settings:activation’ and press Enter to reach the Activation menu. From there, click on Activate and insert your newly brought product key to get rid of the 0XC004F213error.

  If the same problem is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 4: Contacting a Microsoft Agent

If none of the methods above have worked for you, your last chance at getting some kind of a resolution for this particular issue is to get in contact with a Microsoft live agent. Under certain circumstances, they can facilitate remote activation for the affected PC.

There are multiple ways to get in contact with a Microsoft Live Agent, but the simplest route is to open the Contact page, click on Get Help and wait for an agent to arrive in the chat and assist you.

But keep in mind that this will only work as long as your Windows 10 copy is genuine and you have a valid license that you can prove ownership to.