Having issue with Activating Windows server 2022 license, after formatting and reinstalling the windows.

Shristina Joshi 0 Reputation points
2024-08-08T11:18:18.8333333+00:00

Hello,

I previously used this license to activate Windows on my server. However, after formatting the server and reinstalling Windows, I am unable to reactivate the license. Despite using the same license key, the activation process fails. 

I would appreciate your help in resolving this issue. 

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other

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  1. Ajay Tripathi 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-25T07:40:20.17+00:00

    Hi am having an issue during same license activation on same machine after formatting but is not re-activating and says" we cannot activate windows on this device because you dont have a valid digital license"WhatsApp Image 2026-08-25 at 12.40.20 PM.jpeg. As i have media license purchased from Microsoft Vendor and for the first time it gets activated successfully and running fine until the system is formatted and need to reactivate. Please help on this issue.

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  2. Jacen Wang 1,000 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2024-08-11T17:36:57.77+00:00

    Hello，

    Error code 0xC004C020: The activation server reported that the Multiple Activation Key has exceeded its limit

    Contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers to request more activations to increase limit.

    Reference: Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes - Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

    Best regards

    Jacen

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  3. Darrell Gorter 2,991 Reputation points
    2024-08-09T13:47:19.08+00:00

    Hello,

    Based on the error message, windows seems to think that the hardware has changed since the the last installation.

    You would have to use phone activation to get around this.

    Open an Elevated CMD prompt. Run SLUI 4 and following the steps to use Phone activation.

    Thanks

    Darrell

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