# 0xC004E028: An activation is already in progress

> Source: https://karincalisans.com/en/windows-error-codes/0xc004e028/ · Updated: 2026-08-28 · Publisher: Karınca Lisans

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

1. Wait 5-10 minutes; retry once the previous request completes or times out.
2. Restart the PC and press "Activate" once under Settings → System → Activation.
3. In an elevated Command Prompt run "net stop sppsvc" followed by "net start sppsvc" to restart the licensing service.
4. Then trigger activation manually with "slmgr /ato".
5. 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.