Windows Activation Error
0xC004E028: An activation is already in progress
0xC004E028 means Windows received a new activation request while another one was still running. It is typically caused by clicking Activate repeatedly, an automatic activation task running in the background, or a stuck Software Protection service. Waiting a few minutes and retrying is usually enough.
Most common causes
- The Activate button was clicked several times in quick succession
- An automatic activation task is running in the background
- The Software Protection (sppsvc) service is unresponsive
- The previous request has not timed out yet on a slow network
Step-by-step fix
- Wait 5-10 minutes; retry once the previous request completes or times out.
- Restart the PC and press "Activate" once under Settings → System → Activation.
- In an elevated Command Prompt run "net stop sppsvc" followed by "net start sppsvc" to restart the licensing service.
- Then trigger activation manually with "slmgr /ato".
- If the problem persists, use phone activation via Windows + R → "slui 4".
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to re-enter my key?
No, the key is already installed. The code only says requests collided; after the service restarts the same key activates.
Does this error damage my license?
No. It is a temporary status code and makes no permanent change to your license state.
Still not resolved?
If you bought your key from Karınca Lisans, send the error code to our WhatsApp support line — we will solve it together. If the problem is an old or mismatched key, our Windows 11 Pro key page offers invoiced licenses with the type clearly stated, delivered within minutes. For setup steps, see our instructions library.