Windows 10 suddenly deactivated

Sumit 44,226 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2018-11-08T11:09:46+00:00

Hi,

There is an ongoing issue about Windows 10 suddenly shown as deactivated. The affected users need not to do anything as it is a known issue. Here is what was told by Microsoft Chat support:

Microsoft has just released an Emerging issue announcement about current activation issue related to Pro edition recently. This happens in Japan, Korea, American and many other countries.I am very sorry to inform you that there is a temporary issue with Microsoft's activation server at the moment and some customers might experience this issue where Windows is displayed as not activated.

Our engineers are working tirelessly to resolve this issue and it is expected to be corrected within one to two business days

Thanks to Vijay_Verma and Danielfor the information.

Thanks to PaulSey..., a Microsoft employee in this thread which has explanation about this in more detail:

We are aware of reports that some customers’ Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise machines are not recognizing their licenses as activated. Users may receive the following notification: “Error: you are running Windows 10 Pro, but you have valid digital license for Windows 10 Home," or one of the following error codes 0X803F8001, 0xC004C003.

We are actively working to resolve this within 24 hours. You can still use your PC; however, the watermark will appear until activation is restored. Thank you for your patience.

We will update this post with additional information as needed and once activations are restored.

Edit 1: Users report that Windows activation troubleshooter might say You have a Windows 10 Home license but you are running Windows 10 Pro. You are advised to ignore that message and wait for the fix.


Edit 2: Update as of morning 11/9/2018 Morning EST.

Any affected customer can continue to use Windows 10 Pro as usual, and the watermark will disappear within 24 hours as activation is automatically restored.

To manually resolve the issue:  Select the Start button, select Settings > Update & security > Activation, and then select Troubleshoot to run the Activation Troubleshooter.  (If the device is already activated, the Troubleshoot option will not appear.)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2018-11-08T21:50:17+00:00

We are aware of reports that some customers’ Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise machines are not recognizing their licenses as activated. Users may receive the following notification: “Error: you are running Windows 10 Pro, but you have valid digital license for Windows 10 Home," or one of the following error codes 0X803F8001, 0xC004C003.

We are actively working to resolve this within 24 hours. You can still use your PC; however, the watermark will appear until activation is restored. Thank you for your patience.

We will update this post with additional information as needed and once activations are restored.

Paul...

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-11-08T19:07:46+00:00

    (...) there is a temporary issue with Microsoft's activation server at the moment (...)

    But I wasn't activating or doing anything related. This laptop was activated 2 years ago!

    Or does this mean Windows 10 is constantly checking and re-checking the validity of my activation with your servers? I hate that kind of behavior. What will happen when I will be working on a ship without internet access for 6 weeks starting early next year?

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-11-08T18:38:27+00:00

    Same issue as everyone else. I originally got my computer without windows and purchased 8.1 Home Retail Version from a legitimate retailer PBTech.co.nz  Some Time later I needed the Pro version so I purchased a digital student license of that when I was studying MCSA. When the 10 Upgrade came along a few years ago I upgraded both on the same machine to try and.. guarantee that the 8.1 licences would be eligible for 10 in the future.

    Haven't changed anyone hardware in months So that can't be the issue.

    I do not appreciate being INSTANTLY locked out of Windows features/functionality because of Microsoft's screw-up.

    Ideally if Windows can't contact the activation servers it should allow for a bit lee-way to give Microsoft time to fix it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-11-08T17:14:34+00:00

    I think this truly supports Microsoft needs to take a strong look at this Activation System and build some safeguards into licensing system were this does not occur again!

    When they changed to this new system, awhile back;  I ended up losing several Office programs were I had to repurchase since I could not get Microsoft's help in fixing their licensing.

    Customer service has really gone down hill to nonexistent and it is a real shame!

    I remember when if there was a problem you could call them and get help; Now -Lots of Luck reaching anyone other than some bot.

    The bottom line MS has cut so many corners to prevent Piracy and reduce manpower that they are now hurting their Paying Customers All to make more money.

    My 2c

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-11-08T16:08:43+00:00

    Please provide link to official source of Microsoft "Emerging Issue" announcement.

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