Often we may a see an error with Windows License key. It says that "A problem occurred when windows tried to activate" showing the error-code-0x80070426.
The error persists if you try to activate the key manually even if you have a genuine license key. This is caused when Software Licensing Service is stopped. Windows uses this service to check itself and confirm it is Genuine. When the service is stopped, Windows is unable to confirm it's own Genuine status and may show Genuine or Non-Genuine.
We can resolve this issue by starting the Software Licensing Service. This can be done either through command prompt or from the Services.
From CMD
1) Click the Start button
2) Type: cmd in the Start Search field
3) At the top the Start window, you will see cmd.exe
4) Right Click cmd.exe and select Run as Administrator
5) Type: net start slsvc as below
C:\Users\Administrator>net start slsvc
The Software Licensing service is starting.
The Software Licensing service was started successfully.
Or goto Services
1). Click on the Start button and in the Start Search box type in: services.msc
2). From the services window, scroll down to Software Licensing, then right-click on it and select Properties.
3). Under the General tab, click on the Stop button.
4). Set the Startup Type to Automatic, then click Apply.
5). Next, under Service Status, click on the Start button.
Finally click Activate the Windows key again to see changes or you may need to reboot your machine to affect the changes.
