Error 0xC004F042 — The specified Key Management Service (KMS) cannot be used

Error 0xC004F042: The specified Key Management Service (KMS) cannot be used

This error occurs in: Windows Server.

Cause

The specified KMS server does not support activation for this particular version or edition of the product. The KMS server for Windows Server does not activate Windows Desktop clients and vice versa.

Symptoms

• During activation, the message appears: "The specified Key Management Service (KMS) cannot be used"
• Error code: 0xC004F042
• English version: "The specified Key Management Service (KMS) cannot be used"

Step-by-Step Solution

Check if you are pointing to the correct KMS server for your product version. Contact your IT administrator to confirm the KMS server address and configuration.

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