Error code 0xC004C003 after upgrading my NVME SSD

J R TIMMERS 0 Reputation points
2026-10-31T00:22:18.7033333+00:00

Last week my old NVME SSD went bad, no communication between it and my PC. After a trip to Micro Center I got myself a bigger better NVME. I did a fresh install of Windows 11, but microsoft acted like I had built a new PC and would not activate Windows. I then wiped my new drive and installed Windows 10, but the same issue. Error code 0xC004C003. I have confirmed my motherboard has an OEM Activation key, but forcing it to relay that to Microsoft for activation tells me that the code is blocked for some reason. I can see both my old PC and the supposed new PC on my microsoft account, but when using the troublshooter to show all devices on my account (with the goal being to tell it the two are the same) it does not give any list, just a blank page. I have had no success with any support services as they just walk me through the steps I have already taken. I just wish I could speak to a Microsoft representative, but that seems to be impossible. Any help would be appreciated. I am not interested in spending $143 for another windows activation. And before you ask, no I don't have a product key. I bought my first activation straight from the online store.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation
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  1. EmilyS726 277.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-31T01:06:17.91+00:00

    Hello

    Is your computer custom-built to begin with?

    First, I would like to verify if the OEM license key was embedded, or manually entered by builder.

    Launch Powershell (note, it is not Command Prompt, but Powershell), and run this code to see if you have an OEM license on the motherboard. If it is embedded, it should return the key. Don't share it here. If it is manually entered, it will return nothing. 

    (Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingService -Property OA3xOriginalProductKey).OA3xOriginalProductKey

    I just need to know if it returns a key, or returns nothing.

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