Windows Activation issue

Question

I am having Issues with a windows activation. I have internet connection and the server will install updates but it gives me the error code 0x87E10BC6 and will not activate. I synced the date and time as well. Please advise on next steps to resolve this issue.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hello Kevin Minnick,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

May I know if you have checked the AI assistant suggestion yet? If you did, could you please tell me how it goes?

In the meantime, here is a few fixes that you could try.

1. Run activation troubleshooter.
   • Please go to Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot and tell me the result. If you use other version of Windows than Win 11, please let me know.
2. Make sure Microsoft Store works.
   • Open the Microsoft Store and select "Retry" if it appears.
   • Otherwise, go to Settings > Time & language > Language and region and check if Windows region match your account.
3. Check time settings.
   • I understand that you have already resync time. However, can you please also check if "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically" is enabled?

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Answer 2

The error code 0x87E10BC6 typically relates to issues with Windows activation, particularly in environments where devices are managed through a service like Microsoft Intune. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

1. Check Activation Status: Open a command prompt as an administrator and run the command slmgr.vbs /ato. This command attempts to activate Windows and may provide additional error messages.
2. Verify Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and that there are no firewall or proxy settings blocking the activation process.
3. Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA): This tool can help troubleshoot Windows activation issues. It provides targeted solutions based on the error codes encountered during activation.
4. Check for Updates: Make sure that your system is fully updated. Sometimes, pending updates can interfere with the activation process.
5. Review Event Logs: Check the Application Event Log for any related errors that could provide more context on the activation failure.
6. Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance, especially if you're in a managed environment.

Following these steps should help you identify and resolve the activation issue you're experiencing.