Security News > 2021 > March > Microsoft shares workaround for 0xc004c003 Windows 10 activation errors
Microsoft has shared a workaround for customers experiencing 0xc004c003 activation failures on Windows 10, version 2004 and 20H2 devices after installing the January 2021 monthly "C" release KB4598291 preview update.
"This issue might occur when you try to activate the operating system with an OEM Activation 3.0 Digital Product Key," Microsoft explains.
The KB4598291 update addressed a bug that would incorrectly deactivate some Windows 10 Education devices following an upgrade to Windows 10, version 2004.
It looks like the fix might now prevent customers from activating Windows 10 on their devices after installing this preview update.
"We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key," the activation error reads on systems affected by this issue.
Windows 10 Pro, version 20H2. Windows 10 Enterprise, version 20H2. Windows 10 Education, version 20H2. Windows 10 Home, version 20H2. Windows 10 Pro Education, version 20H2. To work around this issue and successfully activate Windows 10, Microsoft advises against installing the problematic KB4598291 update on your device.
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