ERROR_SXS_RELEASE_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT 0x80073708

Error code 14088 · HRESULT 0x80073708

WINDOWS

A kernel mode component is releasing a reference on an activation context.

Windows troubleshooting diagram: Device Manager warning and a system file scan
Windows errors: check drivers, system files and Event Viewer, in that order.

What it means

ERROR_SXS_RELEASE_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT is a Windows error code (system error 14088, returned as HRESULT 0x80073708) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “A kernel mode component is releasing a reference on an activation context.”

How to fix ERROR_SXS_RELEASE_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT

  1. Reboot once — many one-off system codes disappear with a clean restart
  2. Repair system files: 'sfc /scannow' then 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
  3. Find the source in Event Viewer → System: filter for this exact code and open its provider link

Related errors

ERROR_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPTERROR_SXS_CANT_GEN_ACTCTXERROR_SXS_PROCESS_TERMINATION_REQUESTEDERROR_SXS_SYSTEM_DEFAULT_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT_EMPTYERROR_SXS_MULTIPLE_DEACTIVATIONERROR_SXS_INVALID_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE_VALUEERROR_SXS_INVALID_DEACTIVATION

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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