How to Fix Error 0x8007007b During Windows 10 Activation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Activating Windows 10 is an essential step to ensure you have a fully functional licensed operating system. Sometimes, errors can occur during this process, and one of the most common ones is the error code 0x8007007b. In this article, we’ll walk you through several methods to resolve this issue.

Preparation Before Troubleshooting

Before proceeding with the methods below, make sure you have a valid activation key that matches your version of Windows 10. For example, a key for the Enterprise edition won't work for the Home edition. You can buy a Windows 10 key of any edition in our store

Method 1: Manual Activation

Error 0x8007007b often arises because the activation service cannot connect to Microsoft’s servers. In such cases, you can try manually activating Windows:

1. Open the system settings by pressing Win + I.
2. In the window that appears, select the "Update & Security" option.
3. From the left-hand menu, click on "Activation."
4. Check the activation status. If Windows is not activated, click the "Change product key" button.
5. Enter the 25-character activation key and click "Next."

If activation fails through the settings, try the following method:

1. Press Win + R, type slui 3, and click "OK."
2. In the window that appears, enter your activation key and confirm.

If error 0x8007007b persists, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Replace the License via Command Prompt

If standard activation doesn’t work, you can try replacing the license through the command prompt:

1. Open the command prompt as an administrator. To do this, press Win + R, type cmd, then hold Ctrl + Shift and click "OK."

2. Type the following command: slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

   Replace XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX with your activation key and press Enter.

3. After successfully entering the key, execute the following command: slmgr.vbs /ato

4. Check the activation status. If the error persists, use the command to reset the license: slmgr.vbs /upk

5. Close the command prompt and try the activation process again.

Method 3: Restore System Files

Error 0x8007007b can also be related to corrupted system files. To restore them, follow these steps:

1. Open the command prompt as an administrator.

2. Type the following command: sfc /scannow

   This command will check the integrity of system files and automatically fix any detected errors.

Method 4: Check Network and Firewall Settings

Incorrect network settings or firewall configurations can prevent Windows from activating. Ensure your computer is properly set up to connect to Microsoft’s servers:

1. Open the "Control Panel" and go to "Network and Internet."
2. Ensure your DNS and proxy settings are correct.
3. Temporarily disable the firewall and try activating Windows again.