Error 0xC004F074 — Cannot contact the Key Management Service (KMS)

Error 0xC004F074: Cannot contact Key Management Service (KMS)

This error occurs in: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022.

Cause

The KMS client cannot connect to the KMS server — most often due to a network issue, firewall, or incorrect KMS server address. It may also occur after reinstalling the system on a computer previously activated by KMS.

Symptoms

• During activation, the message appears: "Cannot contact Key Management Service (KMS)"
• Error code: 0xC004F074
• English version: "No Key Management Service (KMS) could be contacted"

Step-by-Step Solution

Run the Activation Troubleshooter or activate by phone. Check the connection to the KMS server: slmgr.vbs /skms <server_address>. You can also switch to a MAK key.

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