Unable to activate Windows on two computers (0x800704cf)

I cleaning install Windows 10 on almost all the machines in my office, both laptops and PCs.

The entire process has been smooth except for two computers.

These two computers are identical and Windows won't activate on them.

Screenshots:






Clicking on Troubleshoot gives the following reuslt:



I have tried searching for the error (0x800704cf) and saw tones of YouTube videos and guides but absolutely nothing has helped.


Anyone got any solutions?
My network is not blocking anything because I have activated 15+ Laptops and another PC on the same network.

Couple of questions:

1) I take it that you have confirmed that you can reach web sites on the Internet from these systems, correct?

The message seems rather specific, seeming to indicate that the activation servers cannot be reached.

2) You note that this is a clean install of Windows. What OS was installed on these systems prior to this clean install? Was Windows 10 previously installed and activated on these systems? If so, was it the same edition of Windows (Windows 10 Pro)?

3) If Windows 10 was already previously activated on these systems, then you do not need to enter any key - they should activate automatically unless a lot of major hardware changes have taken place.

Hi there
How was Windows 10 installed on these computers originally. If you have the original keys just go to change product id and enter the old keys.

If you upgraded from W7 / W8 / W8.1 just enter that key.

If these machines were HOME editions you can't upgrade to PRO or also perversly if they were Enterprise versions you are also out of luck on an upgrade.

Check also tht the original Windows versions running on these were genuine - not pirated and weren't activated by MAK or KMS methods.

cheers
jimbo

Run
Slmgr /ato
In a command prompt or powershell with admin privileges.

hsehestedt said:

Couple of questions:

1) I take it that you have confirmed that you can reach web sites on the Internet from these systems, correct?

The message seems rather specific, seeming to indicate that the activation servers cannot be reached.

2) You note that this is a clean install of Windows. What OS was installed on these systems prior to this clean install? Was Windows 10 previously installed and activated on these systems? If so, was it the same edition of Windows (Windows 10 Pro)?

3) If Windows 10 was already previously activated on these systems, then you do not need to enter any key - they should activate automatically unless a lot of major hardware changes have taken place.

jimbo45 said:

Hi there
How was Windows 10 installed on these computers originally. If you have the original keys just go to change product id and enter the old keys.

If you upgraded from W7 / W8 / W8.1 just enter that key.

If these machines were HOME editions you can't upgrade to PRO or also perversly if they were Enterprise versions you are also out of luck on an upgrade.

Check also tht the original Windows versions running on these were genuine - not pirated and weren't activated by MAK or KMS methods.

cheers
jimbo

NavyLCDR said:

Run
Slmgr /ato
In a command prompt or powershell with admin privileges.

Thank you for all your responses guys.
This PC was an upgrade from 7 to 10.

I tried every solution out there, even the ones you guys recommended, unfortunately, nothing worked.

I ended up just reinstalling Windows.