Error 0xc0020036 is an error that appears when activating Windows, indicating that you might have a pirated version of Windows even when you know your copy of Windows is genuine.

If you've entered the correct key and know that your key is valid, there are a few steps we can try.

1: Run Activation Troubleshooter

Running the Activation Troubleshooter was always the best way to resolve activation problems. Sadly, at the time of this tutorial, the Activation Troubleshooter is missing. We were able to start the troubleshooter from PowerShell, but the tool won't work.



That said, we're leaving this up as a possible solution if Microsoft decides to restore the Activation Troubleshooter.

2: Reenter and Activate your Product Key

Solving this problem could be as easy as reentering and validating your key.

Open Powershell or Command Prompt as admin and type in the following two lines pressing enter after each:

slmgr.vbs.ipk (product key)
slmgr.vbs/ato

3: Contact Microsoft

When all else fails, a quick call to Microsoft can take care of the problem. Call 1 (800) 642-7676 or check the support page.

Optionally, you can press the Windows Key + R, type in slui.exe 4, hit Enter, and follow the prompts:



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