Windows 10 product key (OEM) no longer valid

[olddog381]

I received this laptop computer as a gift from my uncle. He purchased it at Costco in December 2018. It is a HP Laptop Model# HP 14-DF0023CL with Windows 10. I registered it when it first powered up as I was prompted to do. It worked fine for over a year. 3 days ago I noticed an Activate Windows notification in the lower right corner of my display. I attempted to activate again and received this error message:
ERROR CODE: 0xC004F012
I have not changed any component or had the laptop repaired.  I still have the box it came in; it was security sealed and brand new. Why did I get this message? Is it possible my activation code or 25 character Key changed or hacked? This laptop was trouble free for 25 months and did register when I first started it.  Microsoft said the only person that could change it is me and I didn't do it or even know how to do it  Why would I change it? Should they have a record of my initial registration?  I use this for my home business and don't want to risk losing my data. Please help.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @olddog381 

Welcome !

This looks like a software issue with Windows 10, corruption.
It is not that somebody from MS or HP has invalidated your license.

Solution below:

• You may attempt to use software called ProduKey to see if it will notice your OEM key in the BIOS

Download ProduKey from Nirsoft >> http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

x64 Windows >> http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey-x64.zip

Extract the archive and run the program. Make sure you right click it to run it as Administrator

It will open and show you the available keys it detects. Does it detect your BIOS and Windows key(s) ? Does it says Windows version ?  Take a picture of the codes or write them down. Do not post them here, just keep them for yourself.

• The potential fix for your issue are described here - follow the steps in the article(s) :

>>1>>  https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-activation-error-0xc004f012

and

>>2>> https://appuals.com/fix-windows-10-activation-error-0xc004f012/

Take your time and follow the steps one by one, carefully.

Hope this fixes your issue. Post back and provide an update.