Fix 0xc0000022 Windows Activation error

If you are encountering the Windows 11/10 activation error 0xc0000022, then read on. In this guide, we will look at the possible solution(s) to this Windows Activation error that can help you remediate this error 0xC0000022 – STATUS_ACCESS_DENIED.

Fix 0xc0000022 Windows Activation error

Before you proceed any further, run the Windows Activation Troubleshooter first. Also verify the product key you’re trying to use for the activation is genuine and also the correct product key for the edition of Windows 11/10 you’re trying to activate.

After you have made certain that it’s not a case of non-genuine or incorrect key but still faced with this activation error, then it’s likely the culprit – Software Protection Service is stopped or damaged. In which case, you’ll first need to start this Service. Here’s how:

• Press Windows key + R. In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and hit Enter.
• In the Services window locate the Software Protection Service.
• Double-click to edit its Properties.
• Now click the Start button to start the service.
• Click Apply > OK.

After you have started the service, you can try the activation again and see if the error persists.

If however, when you try to start the Software Protection service and it fails to start with an error, then it’s safe to assume the Software Protection service is damaged or corrupted. You’ll need to run an SFC/DISM scan. To attempt a repair, do the following:

Copy and paste the command below into a Notepad.

@echo off
date /t & time /t
echo Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
echo ...
date /t & time /t
echo Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
echo ...
date /t & time /t
echo SFC /scannow
SFC /scannow
date /t & time /t
pause

Save the file with a name and append the .bat file extension. For eg; SFC-DISM_scan.bat

Repeatedly run the batch file with admin privilege until it reports no errors.

After you have determined there are no errors within the Windows system files, try to start the Software Protection service again as described above. If the service starts successfully, you can then try activation again.

But if the Software Protection Service fails to start again – and since SFC/DISM scan has verified the files are fine, you’ll need to rebuild your current Windows 10 install image with an offline image – this requires you boot into setup from USB/DVD and select Repair > Advanced Options > Command Prompt. Refer to Solution-2 in our linked guide for the procedure.

If the image rebuild completes successfully and this activation error isn’t resolved – you’ll have to contact Microsoft Support.

Hope this helps!