This copy of Windows is not genuine is a very common error among Windows users. This error mostly encounters by Windows 7 users and can be seen on Windows 10 too.
This issue usually happens to those Windows users who own the fully legitimate OEM versions of Windows. The OEM version of Windows is the one that comes pre-installed on the computer from the manufacturers and it often shows the activation error.
When the users encounter this error, their desktop turns into a black screen and the battery life of their system starts decreasing as the error message keeps popping on the screen.
It also restricts the users from using some of the Windows 10 features unless they remove this error message. The error This copy of Windows is not genuine will keep annoy you while doing important stuff on the computer as it keeps popping at frequent intervals.
If you want your Windows XP to be always genuine and not get into any legal problems with Microsoft, you have to disable Microsoft Windows critical updates. Here's how to do it: Go to Start, then to Control Panel. (Be sure that the Control Panel is in classic view.). This is called Windows Genuine Advantage or (WGA) it is an anti-piracy system created by Microsoft that enforces online validation of the licensing of several recent Microsoft Windows operating systems when accessing several services, such as Windows Update, and downloading Windows components from the Microsoft Download Center. If you do have a license key, follow these instructions to activate you copy of Windows. Go to your Start Menu or Start Screen and search for 'Activate Windows'. If you feel comfortable with keyed shortcuts, you can hit Windows+R and type slui.exe 4 and press Enter. You can choose to activate Windows online or over the phone. One of our readers Vimal reported us a problem saying: 'windows not genuine, this comes when I start my Windows XP'. This is one of the most common problem which is faced by lot of windows users these days as they don't have the legit copy of windows XP. Use a Windows startup disk. One of the first things you should reach for when troubleshooting a.
Most of the time, this error message appears on your computer when either you have not activated the Windows license after expiring of the trial period or you are using the pirated copy of the Windows OS.
However, in some cases, it is seen that the error appears to the Windows users who are owning a completely legitimate copy of Windows.
If you are also getting the same error on a Windows computer, then this guide will provide you the best solutions to fix this error. But, before going to the solutions take a look at the reasons that can cause the This copy of Windows is not genuine error.
Why Am I Getting This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine Error Message?
- The first and most common reason that causes this error is you're not using the legitimate copy of the Windows provided by Microsoft.
- If you are using the cracked version of Windows.
- When the product key of Windows gets corrupted.
- Another reason for this error is you might e using the outdated version of Windows.
How to Fix This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine Error?
Solution 1: Uninstall Update KB971033
If you are a Windows 7 user and your computer was working absolutely file until installing the Windows update KB971033, then this particular update is the reason for this error.
In this scenario, This copy of Windows is not genuine error message appears because the update file can detect the Windows OS. So, if the update file found you are not using the genuine copy of the Windows, then it will throw this error message.
Now, to fix this issue, you need to uninstall this update from your computer:
- Go to the Windows Start button.
- Click on the Control Panel.
- Next, click on the Windows Update option.
- Click on the View installed updates given in the left pane of the window.
- Now, check for the update KB971033 from the list of installed updates.
- Right-click on the KB971033 update and select Uninstall.
- After uninstalling the update, restart your computer.
Solution 2: Use RSOP Command to Fix This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine Error
It might be possible that your computer's policy is not configured properly due to which certain services are being prevented from running on the system. In this case, you need to make some changes in the system's policies using the RSOP method.
For that, you need to follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- In the Run box, type rsop.msc and click on the OK button.
- Go to the Windows Settings given on the left pane of the Resultant Set of Policy window.
- Click on the Security System > System Services.
- Next, right-click on the Plug and Play and select Properties.
- Now, to set the Startup mode, select the Automatic option.
- Again press the Windows + R keys, then type gpupdate/force in the Run text box and click on the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
Solution 3: Use the SLMGR-REARM Command
The next method to fix the This copy of Windows is not genuine error on your Windows computer is to use the SLMGR-REARM command. You can run this command using the Command Prompt on both Windows 64-bit and Windows 32-bit.
To run this command, follow the below-given steps:
- Go to the Windows Search box and type cmd.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt, type one of the following commands and press the Enter key:
SLMGR–REARM
SLMGR /REARM
- Now, you will get a confirmation window. Here, click on the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
Solution 4: Turn Off the Automatic Windows Update
As I have already mentioned in the 1st solution that the update file is able to detect whether the Windows copy is genuine or not, it would be better to not install any other update on your computer in the future.
Hence, to avoid the This copy of Windows is not genuine error you need to turn off the automatic Windows updates option on your computer. To do this, you can follow the given instructions:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Click on the Windows update option.
- Click on the Change Settings option from the left pane of the window.
- Select the Never check for updates(Not Recommended) option.
- Click on the Apply button to save the changes you have made.
- Restart your computer.
Effects of Not Using Genuine Copy of Windows Error
If you receiving the 'This copy of Windows is not genuine error' error message, there are some irritating and annoying problems you may face:
- Your desktop wallpaper will be changed and converted into a black screen. You can reset it, but it might turn black again after 60 minutes until the problem is redressed.
- This issue may have a drastic effect on the performance of the computer, as well as the speed.
- Windows will deny access to some attributes automatically, for instance, personalization of the desktop screen.
- The battery can be drained quickly if this error message displays on your laptop.
- This message won't go away while you are working with the important stuff, which could be irritating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does this copy of Windows is not genuine mean?
This copy of Windows is not genuine is an error message that shows the copy of Windows you are running on your computer is not genuine/legitimate. So, if you are using the cracked version or pirated copy of the Windows, then you will get this error on your system.
What happens if Windows 7/10 is not genuine?
If the Windows version you are using is not genuine, then you will get the This copy of Windows is not genuine error message and this error will keep popping on your screen which will result in battery drainage. Not just this, but your desktop will also turn into a black screen after every 1-2 hours and will also restrict you to use some of the Windows services.
Can I upgrade to Windows 10 if my Windows 7 is not genuine?
No, you cannot upgrade the pirated or non-genuine copy of Windows 7 to Windows 10. Windows 7 OD uses its own unique product key. One thing you may do is download ISO for the Windows 10 Home and then perform the custom installation on your computer. However, you will not be able to upgrade to the Windows 10 if the edition doesn't correspond.
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Conclusion
This copy of Windows is not a genuine error message won't let you use your computer fully, hence it needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
With the above-discussed solutions, you would be able to get back full access to your computer. Simply, apply the fixes using the listed steps and as a result, you will see the error is removed from your computer.
I hope you are fully satisfied with this guide and the mentioned solutions. If so, then help other Windows users to fix the same error on their respective computers by sharing this article with them.
If you have any queries or looking for any help in resolving the same error mentioned in this blog, then do let us know on our social media handles Facebookor Twitter.
Neha Kumari
Being a professional badminton player, Neha has won many awards in school and college level. During her college days, she also developed a passion for computer-related stuff which lead her to become a technical writer indeed. She writes so that other people can benefit from her acquired knowledge.
Windows Genuine Advantage Problems and Solutions
What is Windows Genuine Advantage?
Important Microsoft Pages What Can I Do If My Version of Windows XP Does Not Validate? Microsoft is offering a variety of options to customers who unknowingly purchased a counterfeit copy of Windows XP. Customers can submit a proof of purchase, the original counterfeit CD, and fill out a report with the details of the purchase and Microsoft will give the customer a complimentary copy of Windows XP. However only high-quality counterfeit Windows versions will qualify for this copy. For customers who received a computer from a friend, off the Internet or another way and an illegal version was installed, the only option is to buy a fully licensed version. Microsoft is offering the Windows XP Home Edition license kit for $99.00 to customers, while the XP Pro Edition is $149.00. The Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP will include a new 25-character Product Key and a Windows Product Key Update tool that will allow customers to convert their counterfeit copy to genuine Windows XP electronically. The other option is of course to buy a legal version of Windows XP off the Internet or in a retail store. Generally the prices for these versions will be more than the price Microsoft is offering for their Windows Genuine Advantage Kit. Although there are some internet sites like Newegg.com, greatsoftwaredeals.com or edirectsoftware.com that have great prices. Remember though, if you purchase an OEM or full edition of Windows XP, you'll have to format and reinstall your operating system. You can however purchase an Upgrade edition and change a pirated version to a fully licensed version. Just be sure you have a previous version of Windows (95,98,ME) in case you need to completely reinstall Windows XP someday. Also one other note, if you currently have XP Pro (pirated), you'll need to purchase the XP Pro Upgrade to upgrade your system. XP Home can only upgrade the Home Edition, where XP Pro can upgrade both the Home and Pro versions. Hopefully, that's clear enough to understand. The other option of course is to go through Microsoft's site and purchase a software key. They will send you a program to upgrade the counterfeit version to a legit version. I Have A Legal Copy of Windows XP, First of all, your computer may not be properly configured to allow the validation process to complete. For this reason, one of the first things you'll want to do is click on the link below to check your computer's configuration and fix any problems that may exist. After checking for problems, you can click on a link to validate Windows. If your computer checks out ok, you may be experiencing one of the following issues. The Security Update for Windows Genuine Advantage (KB905474) fails to install.
Another reason why the validation may fail occurs when the ActiveX control for the Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool has been disabled. Follow the steps below to make sure the ActiveX is enabled.
A third error deals with Cryptographic Errors. If you are receiving the following information when running the WGA diagnostic tool, the problem is generally with corruption in the digital signatures of some files and they will have to be reregistered. Diagnostic Report (1.5.0545.0): Versiontech each g2000 driver. Follow the steps below to resolve these cryptographic errors. 1) Click on Start, click on Run regsvr32 softpub.dll 4) You should receive a message that DllRegisterServer in Softpub.dll succeeded, click OK
7) Restart Windows and try to authenticate Windows again. A fourth error message you may receive when trying to validate Windows XP is This error message occurs when you do not have appropriate permissions for the DATA folder for Windows Genuine Advantage. Follow the steps below to fix this issue or click on the link above for the Microsoft article concerning this problem. Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home 2. Right-click the Data folder, and then click Properties. 3. On the Security tab, click Users (usernameUsers) in the Group or user names section. If the Security tab is absent, you'll need to follow these steps as well.
4. In the Permissions for Users section, make sure that each check box in the Allow column is selected for the following permissions: • Read & Execute If the previous steps fail, start the computer in Safe Mode and try the procedure again. If you experience other error messages or problems with the Windows Genuine Advantage, please email me so I can add these to the list. Bookmark and Share this Article on PCHELL with these Social Networks: Removal Instructions for Other Programs |
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