Windows 10 Activation Error code: 0x8004FC12


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    Windows 10 Activation Error code: 0x8004FC12


    Hi,

    I recently upgraded my Dell Inspiron Laptop to Windows 10 Home from Windows 8.1 Home via Microsoft's media creation tool. I downloaded it onto a flash drive and used that to perform a clean installation. However, after the installation my laptop showed that Windows 10 hasn't been activated along with the error code 0xC004C003. I then reset my PC as suggested by some people. When I went back into the activation settings, it still displayed "Windows is not activated." There was an activate button though, which wasn't there before, but when I clicked on it, it said, "Windows can't activate. Try again later." When I clicked on error details, it displayed "Error code: 0x8004FC12" with no description.

    Windows 10 Activation Error code: 0x8004FC12-screenshot.png

    Does anyone know why this is showing up? And if so, how can I fix it?
    Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 39,789
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 64 Pro, Win 10 64 Education Edition, Win 11 Pro
       #2

    You cannot do a clean installation without 1st upgrading your OS directly with the media creation tool. Once you have upgraded, then you may do a clean installation.

    Windows 10 - Upgrade Installation - Windows 10 Forums

    Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums

    Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer or Media Creation Tool on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.

    You do not get a product key with the free upgrade of Windows 10.

    The activation for the free offer of Windows 10 is registered on the Microsoft activation servers, and is referenced by the hardware (motherboard/CPU/graphics card) of the PC it was upgraded on.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Then should I reinstall Windows 8.1, then follow the steps you described?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 39,789
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 64 Pro, Win 10 64 Education Edition, Win 11 Pro
       #4

    alexli said:
    Then should I reinstall Windows 8.1, then follow the steps you described?
    Yes, reinstall or revert back to 8.1, follow the steps in the tutorial to upgrade, then follow the steps in the next one to do a clean install. Option 2 on this tutorial will work well. I did the same thing BTW, d/l ed an ISO, upgraded via disk & couldn't activate due to not upgrading 1st.

    Windows 10 - Go Back to Previous Windows - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computer


 

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