Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 11:49 pm

To update your Windows OS, Microsoft offers a variety of options. Using the Windows Update client, Windows Update assistant, or the ISO file, you can update Windows. It has been reported several times by users of Windows 10/11 that apps and games cannot be installed from the Microsoft Store. However, the Windows activation error code 0x80072F8F is a common issue encountered when a user attempts to update/activate Windows OS or access the Microsoft Store. 

What are the common reasons for Windows Activation Error Code 0x80072f8f?

0x80072F8F is typically an indication that something is wrong with the activation process for Windows. It can be caused by several factors when users attempt to activate their Windows OS, such as:

1. Incorrect Date and Time Settings: For Windows to be activated properly, the date and time settings must be accurate. It is possible that you will encounter activation problems if your system’s date and time are incorrect.
2. Internet Connectivity Issues: In order to activate Windows, you will need a stable internet connection. It is possible to get Error Code 0x80072F8F when you are unable to connect to the internet or when there are network configuration problems.
3. Licensing Problems: Sometimes, licensing issues occur due to issues with your system’s licensing information. You may encounter this problem if your product key does not match the version of Windows that you have installed.

How to Fix Windows Activation Error Code 0x80072F8F on Windows 11/10

So, here are some fixes to help you resolve the Windows error code 0x80072F8F:

Fix 1: Re-register DLL files

It is possible that a malfunctioning DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file on your PC may interfere with Windows Update. Therefore, you may want to re-register these files by following these steps:

1. Initially, in the Windows search box, type cmd and click Run as administrator.
2. Here are the commands to copy and paste. After each, click Enter.

regsvr32 softpub.dll /s
regsvr32 wintrust.dll /s
regsvr32 initpki.dll /s
regsvr32 mssip32.dll /s

You will now have to know how to reboot your computer. To see if Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f has been resolved, update your PC.

Fix 2: Check the Date & time settings

It is important that the time on your system is set according to your Region and country. There can be difficulties activating online and verifying product keys if there is a difference. For this reason, you should check the date and time in order to determine what is causing the problem. Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Initially, on your keyboard, press the Windows logo and I to open Settings. Select Time & Language.
2. On the Date & Time tab, enable Set Time automatically and Set Time Zone automatically.
3. On the left tab, click Region. Make sure your country or Region is set to the one where you live.
   
   

To apply changes, restart your PC. You can then try activating it again.

Fix 3: Install root certificate update

There have been reports from users that root certificate updates help fix Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f. Considering this update should solve issues related to the connection between your computer and Windows Update, we can try it out.

1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog. Search for Root Certificate Update.
   
   
2. Download the version that matches your computer.
   
   
3. To complete the installation, follow the instructions on the screen.

Fix 4: Change the MediaBootInstall Registry Key

So, in case you are still getting the Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f, then you must try changing the mediabootinstall registry key using the steps given below:

1. Initially, to open the run command box, press Windows + R at the same time.
2. In order to open Registry Editor, type regedit and click OK.
3. Afterward, you need to navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE
4. In the right pane, double-click the MediaBootInstall REG_DWORD value and change it to 0.
5. Afterwards, click OK and close Registry Editor.
   
   
6. Thereafter, open the CMD using admin rights. 
7. Next, type slmgr /rearm and press Enter.
8. At the “Command complete successfully” message, click OK and restart your system. (If you are asked to enter a product key, type it.)
9. Restart Windows and try activating it.

Fix 5: Check Internet Connectivity

Your computer’s internet connection must be functioning properly before you can activate Windows. If you are having problems connecting to the internet, follow these steps:

1. First of all, to check if you can access the internet, open a web browser and navigate to a website.
2. Whenever you experience difficulty connecting to the internet, restart your router/modem, check your network cables, or contact your internet service provider.
3. When you have confirmed that your internet connection is stable, reactivate Windows to determine whether the error has been resolved.

Fix 6: Repair System Files

Using Command Prompt, you can run the sfc /scannow and DISM commands, which will enable you to repair corrupt Windows system files. Here’s how to run it:

• Make sure you run Command Prompt as administrator.
• Then, type SFC /scannow and press Enter.
  
  
• Allow the command to run.
• Afterwards, run these commands:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /Check Health
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /restorehealth

• You will need to restart the computer after the process has been completed.

Fix 7: Run the Update Troubleshooter

In Windows 10/11, there is an Update troubleshooter built into the operating system that can resolve most update issues. Using this program, you can scan your computer for either missing or corrupt system files and have them replaced.

1. Firstly, to open the Settings app, press Windows + I.
2. From the right pane, select Troubleshoot.
3. Go to the Other Troubleshooter section.
4. You can fix the Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f by clicking the Run next to the Windows Update button.
   
   

Also Read: 

1. Fix: Windows Activation Error Code 0x87e10bc6 on Windows 10/11
2. How to Share Mobile Screen On Windows 10/11?
3. How to Fix KERNEL DATA INPAGE ERROR in Windows 10/11
4. How To Fix Windows Installer Error 2
5. How to Uninstall Edge on Windows 11

So, that’s all we have for you on how to resolve the Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f on a Windows 10/11 PC. It’s our hope that you now fixed the issue by following this particular error code. Nonetheless, if you have any doubts or questions, please let us know below. 

Please leave this field empty

Don’t miss these tips!

Email Address *

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.