Windows Error 0xc00f074 is basically related to the Key Management Service (KMS Activation Service). This error occurs when you enter the pseudo license key for any of Microsoft’s OS. If you’re running any Windows version as a retail copy, you must have bought its activation key. Once you enter it during the set-up process, your new Windows version gets automatically activated.
But if you’re failed while upgrading it, you get the following error message:
The error code 0xc00f074 indicates that during the activation process, the Key Management Service could not be contacted. You might also witness this error when you’re trying to activate your work device but aren’t connected to your workplace’s network.
Also Read: Best Free PC Repair Software
Ways To Fix: Windows Error 0xc00f074
Since it’s one of the most common issues among Windows users, we’ve tried to compile some of the best solutions to fix the error 0xc00f074.
METHOD 1 – Change the Date & Time of your System
Make sure your PC’s Date and Time are correct. Sometimes, the wrong date and time may reflect the KMS host and client. Therefore, it can trigger the error code 0xc00f074 easily.
- To verify the Date & Time on your system:
- Right-click on the Date and Time on the taskbar.
- Choose Adjust date/time settings.
- In the new windows pop-up, in Date & time tab > Under Change date and time > click Change.
- Enter the correct date and timings and click on Change.
Your system time will automatically be updated!
METHOD 2- Using Command Prompt
Fix Windows activation error 0xc00f074 via Command Prompt, just execute the following commands:
- Launch Command Prompt from the Start Menu.
- Type the following command “vbs /ipk YYYY-YYYY-YYYY-YYYY”
- (enter the command without inverted commas & make sure you replace Y with the actual product key with 25 characters.)
- Click Enter and in the same window, execute the command “vbs -ato”
- (type the command inverted commas.)
Hit Enter and reboot your PC to check if the problem still persists or not.
METHOD 3- Run the Update and Activation Troubleshooters
Windows Activation Error 0xc00f074 occurs right after you upgrade your system with the new Windows version. So, running the Update Troubleshooter might help you to fix the error.
- Go to Windows Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Choose the Troubleshoot tab from the left panel & click the Windows Update option.
- Hit Run the troubleshooter button.
The method would take a few minutes to accomplish the troubleshooting process. Once it’s done, reboot your PC & try again to upgrade your PC. This would surely help you to fix the Windows error 0xc00f074.
METHOD 4- Automatic Solution To Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00f074 (Recommended)
Sometimes due to some internal PC issues and error, the system gets unable to upgrade to the latest version and throw several Windows Activation Errors like 0xc00f074 and more. In order to get rid of all the common & hidden PC issues in one-go, try running Advanced System Optimizer. The Windows Software features a set of Cleaning, Optimizing and Security modules to automatically fix all the internal issues, including corrupted system files, junk files, driver issues, registry errors and a lot more.
To use Advanced System Optimizer, all you have to do is: Install the software > Scan your PC for issues > Fix all of them in a single click.
To know its more features, you can read our full review right here. Also, once you make your system error-free with Advanced System Optimizer, try upgrading your system again. Hopefully, you’ll not witness the Windows Activation error 0xc00f074 again!
Bottom Line
Users should bear in mind, that error code 0xc00f074 can also occur due to downloading a compromised upgrade for Windows from pirated websites. These websites not only damage your system but can also install fake software updates or spyware to swindle money. So, make sure you do not get into the trap of scammers!
Bonus Tip: Safeguarding your personal information in this digital world is not that easy!
However, using a dedicated Identity Theft Protection Service like Advanced Identity Protector on your Windows system can certainly help you to eliminate data theft risks. The software performs a diagnostic scan to hunt down all the hidden identity traces on your PC, which can further be chosen to delete sensitive data securely or get it encrypted with an in-built vault.