How to fix Windows 10/11 errors 0xc004e016 and 0xc004c003

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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4 methods to fix errors 0xc004e016/ 0xc004c003

A lot oferrorsmay occur when you want toactivate your Windows 10 OSorchange the product key. Recently, some users have reported that they’re facing theerrorcodes0xc004e016and0xc004c003, when they try to activate their copy ofWindows 10.

In this guide, I compiled a few solutions to help you fix this issue.First things first, you must be sure that you’re using theproduct keythathasn’t been used on another computer. Because, if you try to ‘re-use’ theproduct key, there’s no chance it will work, no matter what.

But, if you’re using the authenticproduct key, but still receive errors 0xc004e016 or 0xc004c003, you can try some of the following solutions.

Steps to fix Windows 10 errors 0xc004e016/0xc004c003

Solution 1 – Run a few Command Prompt commands

The first solution that could be helpful, if you’re unable to activate yourWindows 10, or change theproduct keyis to try to fix things with the Command Prompt. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

— RELATED:Can’t Find Your Windows 10, 8.1 Product Key? Use these solutions

Solution 2 – Change the product key with the slui.exe command

Slui.exe is Windows’ built-in command that allows users to change theproduct key. So, if you’re having problems with usual activation, you can can try this method. Here’s what you need to do to activate yourWindows 10, or change theproduct keywith slui.exe command:

If that doesn’t work, you can try another slui.exe command, as well:

— RELATED:How to Activate Windows 10 if you Replace your Motherboard

Solution 3 – Try to upgrade to Windows 10 once again

When you upgrade toWindows 10, your license get tied to your hardware, and sometimes there can be someerrorsrelated to activation and hardware. So before you start make sure that you remove allWindows 10listings from your Devices on your Microsoft account. Don’t worry, you’ll get them back later.

Perform a clean reinstall of Windows 7/8.1/10 and log into it using your Microsoft account. Make sure that your Windows 7/8.1/10 is activated by running Command Prompt and typingslmgr.vbs /atointo it.

When you’re sure that your Windows 7/8.1/10 is activated you can upgrade toWindows 10viaWindows Update. Remember to log in toWindows 10using yourMicrosoft account.

Also you can run Command Prompt and type slmgr.vbs /ato to see if yourWindows 10is activated. You can also check if your computer is listed under Devices section on your Microsoft account.

Now you can perform a clean install ofWindows 10. You can create a setup USB using theMedia Creation Tool. Just make sure that during theinstallyou login to your Microsoft account.

— RELATED:KB4457136 gets your PC ready for the Windows 10 October Update

Solution 4 – Be patient

Well, if nothing worked, there is nothing else that you can do but wait patiently. These twoerrorcodes may also occur if Microsoft’s update and activation servers are too busy. This happens when too many users are trying toinstalland activate a new OS version at the same time.Wait for a few hours and then give it a go again.

Besides these methods, you can try some alternative ways to activate your system, like activation via phone, etc.

That would be all, if you have any comments, suggestions, or maybe other solutions, reach for the comment section. Also, if you have any otherWindows 10-related issues you can check for the solution in ourWindows 10 Fixsection.

How to fix Windows 10/11 errors 0xc004e016 and 0xc004c003#

4 methods to fix errors 0xc004e016/ 0xc004c003#

Steps to fix Windows 10 errors 0xc004e016/0xc004c003#

Solution 1 – Run a few Command Prompt commands#

Solution 2 – Change the product key with the slui.exe command#

Solution 3 – Try to upgrade to Windows 10 once again#

Solution 4 – Be patient#