Acquisition of End User License failed, Event ID 1014 [Fix]

Upon examining the Event Viewer, we encountered Event ID 1014, which indicates that the Acquisition of End User License failed. This error can arise in various scenarios, including issues with Microsoft 365 deployment or the activation of a new Windows computer. Below, we explore effective solutions to address this particular issue.

Acquisition of End User License failed
Source: Security-SPP
Event ID: 1014

Fix Acquisition of End User License failed, Event ID 1014

If you see Event ID 1014 in the Event Viewer of your Windows 11/10 computer, consider the following solutions:

1. Disable Automatically detect settings
2. Ensure a consistent network during activation
3. Disable Proxy or VPN
4. Reset Activation Timer
5. Activate Windows machine to a Key Management Services (KMS)
6. Repair Office or Microsoft 365

Let’s delve into each solution in detail.

1] Disable Automatically detect settings

Enabling the Automatically detect settings feature allows your computer to configure network settings, including the IP address and DNS server address. However, if the system is struggling to acquire the license, it may not be detecting the correct settings. To disable this feature and reattempt configuring Office or Microsoft 365, follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Change the View by to Large icons.
3. Navigate to the Connections tab and click on LAN settings.
4. Untick the checkbox associated with Automatically detect settings.
5. Click on Ok.

After completing these steps, try configuring Microsoft 365 again to see if the issue persists.

2] Ensure a consistent network during activation

Network inconsistency can lead to license acquisition failures. It is advisable to check your network stability before proceeding with activation. A wired connection is preferable; however, if that is not feasible, consider testing your network speed using a free Internet speed tester.

3] Disable Proxy or VPN

When deploying Microsoft 365, it is crucial to disable any Proxy or VPN connections. If these are enabled, your system may struggle to locate the appropriate server in your region. If you haven’t set up a Proxy, ensure that Automatic detection is disabled. To verify this, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Navigate to Network and internet > Proxy.
3. Disable Automatically detect settings under Automatic proxy setup.

After making these adjustments, reboot your computer and attempt to set up your license again.

4] Reset Activation Timer

If you encounter this issue while activating Windows, it may indicate that the grace period has expired. In such cases, you can reset the activation timer using the slmgr /rearm command. This command resets the activation timer to its initial state, extending the trial period of Windows. To execute this command, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

slmgr /rearm

Reboot your computer afterward and check if the issue is resolved.

5] Activate Windows machine to a Key Management Services (KMS)

Key Management Services (KMS) is utilized by Microsoft to activate products like Windows and Office in volume licensing environments. If standard activation methods fail, you can activate your machine using a KMS host with the correct Generic Volume License Key. Follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run slmgr /ipk .
3. Then, execute slmgr /ato.

After completing these steps, reboot your computer and verify if the issue has been resolved.

6] Repair Office or Microsoft 365

If you are unable to activate Office or Microsoft 365 after disabling the proxy and adjusting network settings, it may be necessary to repair the application. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed app.
3. Search for “Microsoft 365” or “Office”, click on the three dots, and select Modify.
4. Choose Quick Repair.

If the issue persists, consider opting for Online Repair. The solutions outlined here aim to assist in resolving the acquisition failure effectively.

What does the Event ID 1014 indicate?

Event ID 1014 typically signifies a license acquisition failure in Windows. This error occurs when Windows attempts to activate or validate its license but encounters an issue. The message “Acquisition of End User License failed” suggests complications during the activation process, whether for Microsoft 365 or Windows client/server operating systems.

What is the Event ID for Failed logon in Windows event log?

Event ID 4625 pertains to failed logon attempts. This event is recorded in the Windows Event Viewer and documents every unsuccessful attempt to log on to a local computer. You can access the Event Viewer following a logon attempt failure to find this event logged.