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

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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
    2018-11-08T12:04:12+00:00

    i have the same issue,Windows 8.1 pro free upgrade to Win 10 and now asking to activate but Home edition.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-11-10T03:32:54+00:00

    My activation is tied to the very account I'm logged in right now, that's what I see on the activation screen. I can't reboot and won't be for a while, I'll try it when I'm able.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-11-08T17:34:42+00:00

    When I discovered this morning that my Windows 10 Pro was no longer activated, I did not know that Microsoft had a problem with their servers. So I tried a few things re-activating which (obviously) did not work and then I call the Hotline for help. Nearly one hour until I finally had someone on the line and when I wanted to explain my problem, he interrupted me and started with his pre-defined speech also telling that my license was blocked and that I have to buy a new one or to contact the seller of my previous license. Ironic, but the seller of my Windows Pro license was Microsoft itself and therefore I call them. Unfortunately, the very arrogant person from the hotline hang up on me, before I could tell him that I bought this license directly from Microsoft. I was so chocked about this behavior but thought that I just ran into someone who just did not like his job and so I called again. Guess what, exactly same happened again. I was interrupted and being told to buy a new license or contact the seller and the call ended.

    @MICROSOFT: with all due respect but such a behavior just scares the hell out of me. How do you want me to have still confidence in buying products from you, when you cut me off one morning (no matter whether with purpose or by a technical problem) and telling me buy a new one without hearing what I have to say? I just cannot describe how disappointed I am.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-11-08T12:53:36+00:00

    Same issue.

    This is an outrage. Sincerely, this has me ready to remove Windows from every machine I administer and switch them to Linux. It is inexcusable that a good customer like me, one who has supported Windows and purchased legitimately every license used, should have this message displayed on the screen of the computer I use for presentations.

    Worse still, I call for support and cannot reach a human being, let alone a simple message confirming the problem is with Microsoft, not me.

    I am ready to stop using Microsoft products and services full stop. I will do so if this message does not disappear on its own today. THIS IS YOUR WARNING AND NOTICE. LITIGATION MAY FOLLOW.

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