How to Fix “Unable to Activate Windows” Error 0xc0ea000a?

The Windows activation error 0xc0ea000a typically occurs when you make any changes at the hardware level on your device. If you are seeing this error, it means that you either changed the motherboard and reinstalled Windows, or your system crashed, which uninstalled the activation key. Other possible causes include network problems, incorrect product keys, or an unlinked digital license.

Since we have identified the potential causes of this issue, let’s explore the most effective solutions to get rid of this error message.

1. Run the Activation Troubleshooter

If you have made any hardware changes to your system, such as replacing the motherboard, you can try running the activation troubleshooter. When you activate your Windows, Microsoft stores the activation status and links it with the motherboard, so you don’t need to activate Windows every time you install it on the same device.

1. To do so, press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Activation and then run the troubleshooter.
   
3. Now simply follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

2. Check Microsoft Account

Another common cause of this issue is that you don’t have the correct Microsoft account logged in, which you used to purchase a license key. By logging in to the correct Microsoft account, you should be able to reactivate Windows.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Your Info.
   
2. If a different account is logged in, go back to Accounts and then open the Emails & Accounts page.
3. Click Add Account and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Once you are logged in, try reactivating Windows by following the 4th step of method 3.

3. Re-enter the Product Key or Reactivate Windows

If you have a product key, you can simply re-enter it to activate Windows again or you can trigger the automatic online activation by using a couple of commands. These commands will contact the Microsoft server to activate Windows using the digital license tied to your motherboard.

1. To do so, press the Win key and type Command Prompt.
2. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
   
3. In administrator mode, type the following command to activate Windows:

   slmgr -ipk <Your product key here>
   slmgr -ato

   

4. If you have a digital license key, you can simply use the following commands but make sure you are logged in to the Microsoft account that has a digital license for Windows:

   slmgr.vbs /ato
   slmgr.vbs /dlv

5. Once done, this should resolve the error message.

4. Contact Microsoft Support

If nothing works, you can try contacting the Microsoft support team, especially if you changed the hardware on your device, like the motherboard. The support team can provide you with a direct solution or guide you through phone activation.