Running into issues when trying to activate your copy of Windows 10 is rather tiresome. If you see the error code 0x8007007B when attempting to activate Windows, you’ve come to the right place to fix it.
What is the 0X8007007B Error Code?
You can run into this error when trying to install Windows 10 with a volume-licensed media. The error appears after you type in your license key and try to activate Windows 10. The error also appears on older versions of Windows, dating all the way back to Windows Vista.
There are some examples of the appearance of the 0x8007007 error:
- Windows can’t activate right now. (0x8007007B)
- Activation Error: Code 0x8007007B.
- Windows 10 Activation error 0x8007007B.
- Error code 0x8007007B. The filename, directory name or volume label syntax is incorrect.
- A problem occurred when Windows tried to activate. Error Code 0x8007007B.
- Contact your system administrator to get a product key. Error code: 0x8007007B.
Causes of the 0x8007007 Error Code
The most common cause of this error seems to be a failed connection to the Key Management Service (KMS). This is a known glitch on Windows 10’s activation wizard, especially on its 10240 build.
Some users report that corrupted system files can lead to the error as well. Corrupted system files no longer work as intended, meaning that they can prevent the activation wizard from connecting to the KMS servers.
A third possible cause is an illegally activated Windows. Especially if you bought a used PC, there is a possibility that Windows 10 was illegally installed and activated on it.
How to fix the 0X8007007b error code
Luckily, there are many solutions that can fix the 0x8007007b error code on a legitimate Windows 10 system. Please follow our guides to learn and troubleshoot the issue within minutes.
Note that these methods only work if you have a legitimate copy of Windows 10 or bought a legitimate product key.
Activate Windows by Phone
One of the first things you can do is look for alternate ways to activate Windows 10. A quick and easy one is calling Microsoft and activating your system via phone.
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In your search bar, type in slui.exe 4 and click on the best match.
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Alternatively, you can press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard to open Run. Type in slui.exe 4 and press OK.
- If available, the Phone Activation window will open.
- Select your country and region then click on Next.
- You will see a phone number that you can call to reach the Microsoft Product Activation Center. You will first need to go through an automated menu and answer three questions:
- What product are you trying to activate?
- Have you previously activated the product?
- Do you have a product key?
- After the automated message is over, you will be asked if you need assistance. Say “yes” to be connected with a human operator who will help you activate Windows 10.
Activate Windows Via Command Prompt
Another alternative way of activating your Windows 10 is by using the Command Prompt.
Follow one of the sections below to learn how you can use this tool to fix the 0x8007007b error code:
Methods 1: Use Slui 3 Command
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Press and hold the Windows key, then press R. This will open up an application called Run.
- Type in cmd.exe and click on the OK button to launch the Command Prompt.
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Simply type slui 3 and press enter.
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Enter your Windows product key in the new dialog box.
- When done, click the Activate button and restart your computer.
Methods 2: Change your product key to a Multiple Activation Key (MAK)
For this method, you need to have a local user with administrative permissions.
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Search for Command Prompt, then right-click on the best match result and choose Run as administrator. If prompted, enter your local user password.
- Type in the following line and hit enter: slmgr.vbs -ipk [INSERT ACTIVATION KEY HERE]. Make sure to delete the brackets and insert your legitimate code.*
- Type in slmgr.vbs -ato and hit enter.
- Restart your computer and enjoy your activated Windows 10.
Note: A legitimate product code is a 25 digit alphanumeric code. When you type it in, make sure to put a standard dash every five characters.
Example of the correct formatting of a Windows 10 product code: xxxxx – xxxxx – xxxxx – xxxxx.
Run the System File Checker
As mentioned above, it’s possible that your system has corrupted system files preventing it from activating Windows. Running the System File Checker (SFC) will allow you to repair these files and try activating again.
For this method, you need to have a local user with administrative permissions.
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Search for Command Prompt, then right-click on the best match result and choose Run as administrator. If prompted, enter your local user password.
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Type sfc /scannow then press the enter key to start scanning your PC.
- Wait for the scan to reach 100% completion. Any system errors detected will automatically get repaired. This allows files associated with the 0x8007007b error code to repair and function properly.
- Restart your computer and attempt activating Windows 10 again:
- Press the Windows and I keys on your keyboard to launch Settings.
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Click on Update & Security.
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Choose Activation and follow the on-screen instructions.
Advance Solution from Microsoft
Do you consider yourself tech-savvy? If none of the above solutions have not worked for you, Microsoft has got you covered.
You can navigate to the official Microsoft Support page for troubleshooting the 0x8007007b error code.
We hope that by reading our article, you were able to troubleshoot the 0x8007007b error code on Windows 10. If you want to read more about Windows or learn how to fix different issues on your PC, click here to browse our dedicated section.
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