Error 0xC004C008 — The product key cannot be used (KMS activation limit exceeded)

Error 0xC004C008: Product key cannot be used (KMS activation limit exceeded)

This error occurs in: Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022.

Cause

The KMS host key has expired or reached the activation limit. This occurs in a KMS environment after changing the key or migrating infrastructure.

Symptoms

• During activation, the message appears: "Product key cannot be used (KMS activation limit exceeded)"
• Error code: 0xC004C008
• English version: "The activation server determined that the specified product key could not be used"

Step-by-step solution

On the KMS server: uninstall the old key (slmgr.vbs /upk), install a new KMS key (slmgr.vbs /ipk <key>), and then activate the KMS server (slmgr.vbs /ato).

Solution for Windows Server

1. Open PowerShell as administrator
2. Enter the key:

slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

1. Activate:

slmgr /ato

1. Check the status:

slmgr /xpr

Verification

After performing the steps, check if the activation was successful:

• Windows: Settings → System → Activation → should be "Windows is activated"
• Or: slmgr /xpr in the command line

Still not working?

If the above steps did not help:

1. Check the date and time — they must be correct (an incorrect date can block activation)
2. Temporarily disable antivirus and try again
3. Check the internet connection — online activation requires a connection to Microsoft servers
4. Contact us:
   • Email: [email protected]
   • Phone: 00 800 121 1654 (toll-free)
   • Help center: pomoc.kluczesoft.pl