Error code 0x80072EE7 appeared with text 'We can't activate Windows on this device as our activatio servers aren't available now.' How to solve this

Error 0x80072EE7 means your PC can’t reach Microsoft’s activation servers (usually a DNS/network or blocking issue).

Check internet, disable VPN/proxy/firewall, flush DNS (ipconfig /flushdns) and then force activation (slmgr.vbs /ato). If that fails, try activation on a different network (mobile hotspot).

Hello Cassandra Lai!

It looks like you’re dealing with Windows activation error 0x80072EE7 along with the message “We can’t activate Windows on this device as our activation servers aren’t available now.” This usually points to a network/DNS issue preventing your PC from reaching Microsoft’s activation servers, but it can also be caused by incorrect date/time, proxy/VPN, or licensing configuration. Try these steps in order:

Quick checks

• Make sure your internet connection is stable and not behind a captive portal (e.g., hotel/office sign-in page).
• Turn off VPN/proxy temporarily if you use one.
• Verify date, time, and time zone are correct (Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time). Enable Set time automatically.
• Restart the PC and try activation again (Settings > System > Activation > Activate).

Network and DNS fixes

Flush DNS and reset Winsock

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

  netsh winsock reset
  
     netsh int ip reset
     
     Restart your PC and try activation again.
     

Set a reliable DNS (temporarily)

Settings > Network & Internet > your network > Edit DNS.

Switch to Manual, choose IPv4:

Preferred: 8.8.8.8

  Alternate: 1.1.1.1
  
  Save, disconnect/reconnect network, then attempt activation.
  

1. Check hosts file (ensure activation servers aren’t blocked)Network and DNS fixes
   1. Flush DNS and reset Winsock
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • netsh winsock reset
   • netsh int ip reset
   • Restart your PC and try activation again.
   1. Set a reliable DNS (temporarily)
   • Settings > Network & Internet > your network > Edit DNS.
   • Switch to Manual, choose IPv4:
   • Preferred: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate: 1.1.1.1
   • Save, disconnect/reconnect network, then attempt activation.
   1. Check hosts file (ensure activation servers aren’t blocked)
   2. Open Notepad as Administrator > File > Open:
      • C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
   3. Ensure there are no entries referencing microsoft.com, windowsupdate.com, or similar. If unsure, comment suspicious lines with #, save, and retry activation.

Service and certificate checks

• Open Services (services.msc):
  • Ensure “Network Location Awareness,” “Cryptographic Services,” and “Windows Time” are Running and set to Automatic.
• Run Windows Update and install all pending updates, then reboot.

Activation troubleshooting in Windows

• Go to Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot. Let the Activation Troubleshooter attempt automatic fixes.
• If you recently changed hardware (motherboard/major components), click “I changed hardware on this device recently,” sign in with your Microsoft account, and reassign your digital license to this device.

License/key verification

• Confirm you’re using the correct edition that matches your key/digital license (e.g., Pro vs Home). If editions don’t match, activation fails.
• If you have a product key:
  • Settings > System > Activation > Change product key and enter it again.
• Check activation channel:
  • Open Command Prompt (Admin), run:
    • slmgr /dlv
  • Verify the Edition and Partial Product Key match what you expect.
• If you see errors about KMS or Volume activation:
  • Ensure you’re on the organization’s network or VPN (if required).
  • For KMS: confirm DNS can resolve the KMS host and the KMS port (1688) isn’t blocked by a firewall.
  • For MAK keys: re-enter the MAK and try again.

Firewall and security software

• Temporarily disable third‑party firewall/security suites and retry activation.
• Ensure Windows Defender Firewall allows outbound traffic (especially for svchost and system processes). Re-enable protection afterward.

If it still fails

• Try activating via command line:
  • If you have a key: slmgr /ipk YOUR-KEY-HERE, then slmgr /ato
• Test connectivity to Microsoft endpoints:
  • In Command Prompt: nslookup activation.sls.microsoft.com
  • If resolution fails, it’s likely a DNS/ network rule issue.
• Try a different network (mobile hotspot) to rule out local router/firewall problems.
• Collect details (Edition, error text, slmgr /dlv output, recent hardware changes) and contact Microsoft Support or your organization’s IT if it’s a volume license.

Most common quick fix

Correct time/time zone, flush DNS, set DNS to 8.8.8.8, and run the Activation Troubleshooter. This resolves the majority of 0x80072EE7 cases.

If you want, I can walk you step-by-step based on your exact setup (home vs work PC, Pro vs Home, product key vs digital license, and whether you changed hardware recently).

Best regards.

Jerald Felix