FIX: Windows 10/11 Activation error 0xc0020036

Matthew Adams
by Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about... Read more
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  • Windows 10 Activation error 0xc0020036 has been reported after installing new OS builds or while installing games.
  • Error code 0xc0020036 might also warn that your Windows 10 key is not genuine.
  • The first steps to fix the problem would be to check and reenter your key.
  • Checking for file corruption is also important when seeing error: 0xc0020036.
Windows error 0xc0020036
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Numerous users have posted on the Microsoft forum about activation error 0xc0020036. That’s an activation error that can arise for some users after installing new Windows 10 build updates or during game installations.

When that issue arises, you might need to reactivate Windows 10 after a new build version has been installed. And while doing that, the 0xc0020036 error will pop up.

So here are a few methods that should help you get round this situation.

How can I fix Microsoft Store error code 0xc0020036?

1. Re-enter the product key

  1. Click the Type here to search button to open that utility.
  2. Enter cmd in the Type here to search box.
  3. Right-click the Command Prompt to select a Run as administrator option, which will open an elevated Prompt window.
  4. Type this command into the Command Prompt, then press the Enter key: wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
wmic path command Windows 10 Activation Error 0xc0020036
  1. Note down that key, or you can copy it to the clipboard with the Ctrl + C hotkey.
  2. Next, press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
  3. Enter ms-settings:activation in Run, and press the OK button.
  4. Click the Change product key option.
  5. Thereafter, input your product key.

2. Clear the product key

  1. To do so, open an elevated Command Prompt window.
  2. Input this command and press Enter: slmgr /upk
    slmgr /upk command Windows 10 Activation Error 0xc0020036
  3. Then input the following and press Enter: slmgr /cpky
  4. Close the Command Prompt, and restart Windows.
  5. Re-enter the product key as outlined in the previous solution.

3. Scan system files

  1. Open the Command Prompt’s window as an administrator.
  2. Then input the following and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  3. Next, initiate a System File Checker scan: sfc /scannow sfc /scannow command Windows 10 Activation Error 0xc0020036
  4. Once done, restart Windows if the scan repairs files.

Error 0xc0020036 can also be due to corrupted system files, which the System File Checker can resolve.

4. Edit the registry

  1. Open the Run accessory.
  2. Input regedit and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Open this key in the Registry Editor: 
    Computer > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services > sppsvc.
    The sppsvc key Windows 10 Activation Error 0xc0020036
  4. Double-click the Start DWORD for the sppsvc key.
  5. Select Hexadecimal as the Base format.
  6. Then enter 2 in the Value Data box to replace any other value there.
    The Edit DWORD window Windows 10 Activation Error 0xc0020036
  7. Click the OK button to exit the window.
  8. Close the Registry Editor.
  9. Click Restart on your Start menu.
  10. Then try reactivating Windows 10.

5. Run an in-place upgrade

Note icon
NOTE
Note: We recommend creating a restore point before initiating the upgrade.

  1. Look for the official Windows 10 Download tool.
  2. Select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
  3. On the License terms page, if you accept the license terms, select Accept.
  4. On the What do you want to do? page, select Upgrade this PC now, and then select Next.
  5. The process should fix the issue.

Your files and apps will not be affected by this upgrade.

Those are some of the resolutions that might fix error 0xc0020036. They’re not guaranteed fixes for all users, however, so you might still need to get in touch with Microsoft support to reactivate Windows 10.

Microsoft’s Global Customer Service page provides a full list of regional numbers for the big M’s support service.

Let us know which of the methods worked for you in solving this activation error by leaving us a message in the comments section below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • In a general sense, activation errors are what happens when something goes wrong while registering your OS with a license key.

  • One way to make sure you will never encounter activation errors is to have genuine installation media.

  • One way to fix activation errors fast is to use a registry optimizer since registries are at fault most of the time.

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