ERROR_SXS_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT_DISABLED - 14006 (0x36B6)
The application attempted to activate a disabled activation context.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Introduction
This article provides a detailed technical reference for the ERROR_SXS_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT_DISABLED error, which is returned when an application attempts to activate a disabled activation context in the Windows environment.
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_SXS_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT_DISABLED (14006) error indicates that the system attempted to activate an activation context that has been explicitly disabled. An activation context is a set of manifest files and other metadata used by the Side-by-Side (SxS) assembly loader to resolve dependencies for an application.
Error Details
The error code 14006 corresponds to the hexadecimal value 0x36B6. This error typically occurs when an application tries to load a manifest or other resources from an activation context that has been marked as disabled. The SxS assembly loader enforces this state, preventing any operations that would activate such a context.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various scenarios where the system attempts to resolve dependencies for an application using the Side-by-Side (SxS) mechanism. It is commonly encountered when applications or components are loaded dynamically and require specific manifest files to function correctly.
Developer Interpretation
When this error occurs, it suggests that there might be a misconfiguration in the activation context settings or that the application is attempting to access resources from an invalid state. Developers should ensure that all required activation contexts are properly configured and enabled before attempting to load them.
Related Errors
ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_PARSE_ERROR(14005): Indicates a problem parsing a manifest file.ERROR_SXS_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT_DISABLED(14006): The context is disabled, as described here.ERROR_SXS_MULTIPLE_DEPLOYMENT_FOUND(14007): Multiple deployments of the same assembly are found.
FAQ
Q: What does this error mean?
A: This error indicates that an attempt was made to activate a disabled activation context. It is typically related to issues with manifest files or SxS assembly loading.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that the required activation contexts are enabled and properly configured before attempting to load them.
Summary
The ERROR_SXS_ACTIVATION_CONTEXT_DISABLED error (14006) is a specific technical issue related to the Side-by-Side assembly loading mechanism in Windows. It indicates an attempt to activate a disabled context, which can be resolved by ensuring proper configuration and enabling of required contexts.