Problem when re-activate

Dhinar Dhinar 0 Reputation points
2026-09-04T04:38:24.3966667+00:00

Our computer was having issues, winload.efi trouble, so we try to re-install windows and format all data on the SSD, but still cannot working, so I had to replace the SSD. After I replaced it and re-activated LTSC 2024, I got an error message saying “MAK activation limit.” What's the solution?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | Other | Other
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  1. Kai-H 26,135 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-04T09:18:26.17+00:00

    Hi, Dhinar Dhinar

    Replacing only the SSD normally does not change the computer’s motherboard identity, but a clean installation may fail if the wrong Windows edition, installation media, or activation method was used.

    Besides the solutions provided by the Q&A Assist, here are some suggestions you can try:

    First, confirm that the installed edition exactly matches the license, for example, Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024, not Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, Evaluation, Pro, or regular Enterprise. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:

    slmgr /dlv

    Check the Name, Description, and Product Key Channel. If they do not match your organization’s license, reinstall using the correct LTSC 2024 media from the Volume Licensing section of the Microsoft 365 admin center.

    If this computer belongs to an organization, ask the IT administrator whether the company uses KMS or Active Directory-based activation. These methods use a generic volume license key and activate through the organization’s network instead of consuming another MAK activation. KMS is a supported volume activation method for Windows.

    The license administrator can also check Billing > Your products > Volume licensing > View downloads and keys to confirm that the correct key and product edition are being used.

    Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-04T04:38:40.5133333+00:00

    MAK activation limit means the Multiple Activation Key has reached its allowed activation count. Replacing the SSD and reinstalling Windows can count as another activation.

    What to do:

    1. Verify the exact activation error code.
      • Open an elevated Command Prompt.
      • Run: 
             slmgr.vbs /ato
      • If it returns a hexadecimal error, run: 
             slui.exe 0x2a 0x<ErrorCode>
    2. If the error is 0xC004C020, the MAK has exceeded its limit.
      • The supported resolution is to request more activations.
      • Contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers to increase the MAK activation limit.
    3. If the error is 0xC004C003 or 0xC004F051, the key is blocked.
      • A new MAK is required.
      • Install the new key and activate Windows again.
    4. Re-enter the MAK carefully before escalating.
      • A mistyped key can also cause activation failures.
    5. If both internet and telephone activation fail,
      • Contact a local Microsoft Activation Center.
      • Have the Volume License agreement information and proof of purchase available.

    For this scenario, the primary fix is to contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers and request additional MAK activations, or obtain a new MAK if the current one is blocked.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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