Error Database · Windows

0xC004D302

Quick overview: 0xC004D302

Windows is running in notification mode because activation was not completed within the evaluation grace period. You will see a persistent watermark, limited personalization options, and periodic reminders to activate.

This page documents Windows Is Not Activated — Notification Mode on Windows. Activation codes are licensing checkpoints—they rarely indicate hardware failure. Use the steps below before assuming your product key is permanently invalid.

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Windows Is Not Activated — Notification Mode

Error code: 0xC004D302 Platform: Windows Updated: 2026-07-17

What This Error Means

Windows is running in notification mode because activation was not completed within the evaluation grace period. You will see a persistent watermark, limited personalization options, and periodic reminders to activate.

This status appears after grace period expiry on fresh installs, or when a previous activation was revoked or invalidated.

How to Fix It

  1. Open Settings → System → Activation and review the specific error shown.
  2. Enter a valid product key or sign in with a linked Microsoft account.
  3. Run slmgr /ato in admin Command Prompt.
  4. If you recently changed hardware, use the Activation Troubleshooter first.
  5. Do not ignore this state — some features and security updates may eventually be affected.