Microsoft recently released its new operating system, Windows 10, which offers a free update for all existing users of Windows 7 and 8.1.
To help users update easily, Microsoft has released a tool in their Windows Updates, to allow users to initiate the update when needed.
Unlike some users, many people are unaware that Microsoft has included various security checks to initiate a safe and sound update and prevent hacking.
Therefore, many users who attempt a clean installation of Windows 10 on their computer may have received the error 0xC003C004 while activating Windows 10, after its installation.
If you happen to see this error despite not attempting a clean install on your PC, method 1 is recommended.
Now I will show you two ways to solve this problem.
Note: Both methods work, assuming you have a genuine copy of Windows. Method 2 is recommended for users who receive the error code “0xC003C004” after trying a clean installation on their PC.
Method 1: Downgrade to previous Windows and then upgrade.
If you've tried a clean install of Windows 10, you've probably ended up looking here for the solution to the "0xC003C004" error.
Now you'll need to downgrade your old Windows, activate it, install updates, and then upgrade to Windows 10.
Read: How to downgrade to the previous version of Windows
Reinstalling previous Windows
Since you ended up trying a clean install, as a power user, you should be able to get your hands on the old Windows installation files.
1- Once you have the installation files, create a bootable USB or burn a cd / dvd.
2- connect the device you have, disk or USB to the machine you want to update.
2- restart your computer
3- Enter the Windows installation by pressing any key when the BIOS indicates it.
4- follow the instructions, install Windows and activate using your old product key.
Note: If you don't have the activation code or can't find it, don't try method 2, go to method 1 and contact Microsoft support.
5- After installing the new version of Windows above (Windows 7 / 8.1), install the latest Windows update for your operating system.
Note: This may take some time.
6- Once the updates have been fully downloaded, install them and restart your PC.
7- You should now see a Windows Update Tool icon next to the time on the taskbar. Run it.
8- The Windows tool will now run, click on the hamburger and open the left panel.
9- Select the option to upgrade to Windows 10. Note: you can also check the compatibility of your PC.
10- Windows will now begin the upgrade to Windows 10.
wait for the update to complete.
11- Now that the update is complete and your PC is running Windows 10, go to the computer properties and check the activation status.
Your copy of Windows 10 should be activated.
If not, it will be activated with your product key / activation code.
This will fix your “Error 0xC003C004” problem 🙂
Method 2: Contact Microsoft Customer Service.
There are many ways to contact customer service, depending on your preferences, from a phone call to an online chat.
Microsoft has really been improving its game in terms of customer support lately, addressing various issues, pushing user-specific updates, and even taking remote access to the computer in case of major problems.
If you haven't attempted a clean install of Windows 10 and are still seeing the “0xC004C003” error code despite having a genuine copy of Windows, your best bet is to contact Microsoft support.
Before making contact
Make sure you have the product key handy.
Make sure your PC / laptop is charged and ready for extended use (if needed).
Warning: If you don't have the Windows key or if your laptop / computer comes with a copy of Windows, make sure you have at least the invoice / receipt / box handy.
As for the various user experiences with support, you should be fine once you contact them and tell them your problem and the error code you see.
Most likely, the rep will accept remote access and help you generate a new key, in the rare event that yours is expired / banned.
In the rare case that that doesn't help, you can always try Method 2.
