About Genuine Windows

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Genuine versions of Windows are published by Microsoft, properly licensed, and supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. You’ll need a genuine version of Windows to access the optional updates and downloads that help you get the most from your PC.

To learn how to activate Windows, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. If you’re using Windows 10, see Activation in Windows 10.

Here are answers to some common questions about genuine Windows software.

Look for key features of genuine Windows software, such as the Certificate of Authenticity (COA), a proof of license label, and an edge-to-edge hologram. For more information, visit the What to look for page on the Microsoft How to Tell website. Your safest option is always to buy Windows from Microsoft, or to buy a PC with Windows preinstalled directly from Microsoft or a store you know and trust.

If you’re seeing these notifications, it’s likely that your copy of Windows wasn’t properly activated. Click the notification and follow the steps to repair Windows or buy a genuine version of Windows if you find out the software is counterfeit.

Until you correct the issue, you’ll receive periodic reminders that Windows is not genuine. Your desktop may also turn black to emphasize the messages. You can reset it, but it will return to black every 60 minutes until the issue is resolved.

Windows will always be able to get critical security updates, even if your version isn’t genuine. However, other updates and benefits are available exclusively for genuine Windows software.

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is used only on PCs that the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. It pairs your product key or digital entitlement with your hardware configuration. Usually, you only need to activate Windows once, unless you make a significant hardware change.

When your PC downloads updates, Windows checks to see if your product key or digital entitlement is valid. If it is, you’re eligible to receive the latest updates from Microsoft. If it’s not, your PC is running non-genuine Windows.

You can’t install Windows on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. Usually, a copy of Windows can only be installed on one PC. To learn more about licensing Windows on more than one PC, go to the Microsoft Volume Licensing website.

Yes. You’ll still be able to get critical security updates. However, many updates are exclusively for customers with genuine versions of Windows. We strongly recommend that you get genuine Microsoft software immediately to keep you safer while using your PC.

Validation is an online process. It verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and that critical Windows licensing files haven’t been damaged, deleted, or removed. It takes only a few moments and lets Microsoft create a match between your PC’s hardware profile and your 25-character product key or digital entitlement.

Your copy of Windows may need to be validated before you can get downloads and the updates which are reserved for PCs that are running genuine Windows. Windows might also prompt you to run genuine validation if activation isn’t properly completed.

If your copy of Windows fails validation, you’ll see a results page that tells you why it isn’t genuine. You’ll also see info about how to resolve the issue.

There are a few common scenarios in which Windows running on a PC might be discovered to be non-genuine during validation.

Repairs. If your PC has been repaired, you might start to see messages on your desktop that Windows isn’t genuine. If the repairs required Windows to be reinstalled, the technician may have activated Windows with a different key than you used when it was originally installed. You might not see the messages until you try to download something from the Microsoft Download Center that requires validation, and validation fails. To fix the issue, you can properly activate Windows by reentering your original product key.

For other issues, you may need to buy a genuine version of Windows.

1 License = 1 PC. Another common cause of Windows validation failure happens when you try to install Windows on more PCs than your license allows. For instance, if you purchased a copy of Windows and installed it on more than one PC, online validation might fail because the product key has already been used on another PC. The rule for most copies of Windows is that only one copy of Windows can be installed on one PC. To learn about licensing more than one PC, go to the Microsoft Volume Licensing website.

Counterfeit software. Validation will also fail if you’ve inadvertently acquired and installed counterfeit Windows software. The Microsoft How to Tell website can help you identify counterfeit software and file a counterfeit software report if needed. Validation failure is common for versions of Windows that were purchased from an online auction site, or if Windows was on a used PC that you purchased. Remember to ask the seller for the Certificate of Authenticity and the original Windows disc, if there was one.

To file a counterfeit report, go to the Microsoft How to Tell website.

You can file an online report if you inadvertently bought or received counterfeit software, or have information about a person, business, or online site that might be selling counterfeit software. The report you submit will be treated as confidential. Microsoft devotes substantial time and energy to fighting software counterfeiting, and you can be assured that we will take appropriate action in response to your report.

If you got an error when you were activating Windows, you can find what it means. For details, go to Get help with activation errors.

You’ll need a product key when you install Windows. To learn more, go to Find a product key.

This copy of Windows is not genuine [Permanent Fix]

• This copy of Windows is not genuine is one of the most common errors in Windows operating system .
• You can try to solve the error generated on your Windows screen through RSOP method, where RSOP stands for Resultant Set of Policy Window.
• Nowadays, you can buy a Windows license online in only a few seconds. However, if you encounter any problems, check our License management section for solutions.
• Fixing Windows 10 errors is our job and that hub is full with expert articles and guides on how to solve this kind of problem.

Windows is not genuine: Here’s how to remove this alert

This copy of Windows is not genuine is one of the most common errors in Windows operating system.

As a result of encountering this error, the desktop wallpaper set by you will convert into a black screen, the battery life will decrease as this message keeps popping on the laptop, and more.

Some of the Windows 10 features will no longer work unless you remove this message. This alert can get quite annoying, especially while working with important stuff as it pops up at regular intervals.

However, you can still do other things on your PC, like complete your work and use the computer like before.

The main reason that your computer displays this error is that you did not activate your Windows license after the trial period.

You can also receive this error because the license of Windows operating system that you are using is expired or blocked.

Also, if you share your Windows license to other people, like friends or family members, Microsoft could block your license due to use in multiple computer usage or attempts to activate the same license too many times.

If you see this error on your Windows computer, this article will show you how to fix it.

How can I fix Windows is not genuine errors?

Solution 1: Use the RSOP command

You can try to solve the error generated on your Windows screen through RSOP method, where RSOP stands for Resultant Set of Policy Window, by following the steps below:

1. Press Windows and R buttons from the keyboard in order to open the Run window
2. Type rsop.msc there and press Enter button
3. Navigate to Windows settings, click on Security system and then go to System services
4. Look for the Plug and play services, then right-click on it and then start looking for the Startup and then click on the Automatic
5. Press Windows and R buttons as you did at the first step and paste gpupdate/force into the Run box
6. Restart your computer.

Solution 2: Use SLMGR-REARM command

By using Command Prompt and a simple command, you can fix this problem in both Windows 32-bit and 64-bit, and in all versions of Windows operating system:

1. Launch Command prompt as administrator by clicking on Start, type cmd in the search box and then right-click on Command prompt and choose Run as administrator
2. Type SLMGR–REARM or SLMGR /REARM
3. You will see a confirmation window, click on OK and restart your computer

Note: SLMGR is Windows software licensing management tool. REARM command will reset the licensing status of the machine.

Solution 3: Check if your license is really legitimate

If you have paid for a license, and if you now find that it was a fake one, you could take up the matter with Microsoft, report counterfeit software and see what happens.

Also, you have to contact your vendor as Microsoft support in most cases will only help you resolve the issue when you buy Windows OS from Microsoft store.

Solution 4: Run the Microsoft Genuine Advance Diagnostic Tool

The Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool provides detailed information about the Microsoft Genuine Advantage components and settings currently on your system.

It will allow you to diagnose and automatically resolve problems. Run the tool, copy its findings to your clipboard and then submit a Genuine Windows technical support request to Microsoft.

Download the tool, run the MGADiag.exe, and click Continue for the check results.

There will be some useful information such as the Validation Status that might tell you if the product key is invalid or a blacklisted corporate key.

You might also get notified if the LegitCheckControl.dll file has been tampered with in which case there could be some form of crack on your Windows install which has been detected.

If there is an issue the tool can fix, click the Resolve button.

Solution 5: Uninstall update KB971033 if you are using Windows 7

The KB971033 update could be the source of your problem in case you are using Windows 7.

If you are getting the message This copy of Windows is not genuine, then this means that Windows has an updated file that is capable to detect your Windows operating system.

Hence, this requires uninstalling the following update to get rid of this problem.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Windows update section
3. Click on View installed updates
4. After loading all installed updates, check for update KB971033 and uninstall
5. Restart your computer

Solution 6: Turn off updates

To make sure that the This copy of Windows is not genuine message does not come back, make sure you turn off automatic Windows updates.

In order to turn off automatic Windows updates, you need to:

1. Open the Control panel from the Start button
2. Go to Windows update option
3. Click on Install Updates Automatically option and select Never check for updates(Not Recommended)
4. Click on Apply to change the setting and restart your computer

Note: Your computer is now never getting this error again. However, you cannot upgrade your Windows to the latest version to fix bugs or getting new features.

All in all, we hope the methods described above did help you to fix the error message that states your copy of Windows is not genuine.

There may be other methods as well but these are easy to follow.

Also, in order to avoid such trouble, one must not support pirated version of Windows and should own a genuine Window Copy officially from Microsoft.

[Fixed] Windows 7 Build 7601 This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine 2021

This copy of Windows is not genuineВ is one of the most common errors in Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating system. You can try to fix the error by uninstalling update KB971033, using the RSOP command and other useful approaches.

Workable Solutions	Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Uninstall Update KB971033	The KB971033 update has an updated file that is capable to detect your Windows operating system. Full steps
Fix 2. Use SLMGR -REARM	By using the SLMGR-REARMВ command, you can fix the problem in both Windows 32-bit and 64-bit. Full steps
Fix 3. Use RSOP command	Use the RSOP command to make changes to the system’s policies and check the Plug and Play. Full steps
Fix 4. Turn off Windows updates	To resolve the This copy of Windows is not genuine error, you can turn off automatic Windows updates. Full steps
Fix 5. Use legitimate license	The Windows is not genuine issue occurs when youВ use pirated copies of Windows 7or Windows 10. Full steps

«After the Windows 7 build 7601В update, my computer’s desktop wallpaper suddenly turns black with program icons still visible. At the same time, an error message displays as this copy of Windows is not genuine.

I restart the computer, and nothing’s changed but for a dark black background. How do I remove this copy of Windows is not genuine error permanently and make my computer work properly?»

Why does «Windows 7 build 7601 this copy of Windows is not genuine»В arise?

• Your Windows 7 OS is not genuine; you probably encounter the error about one month later since you installed the Windows genuine crack.
• You did not activate your Windows license after the trial period.
• The Windows operating system’s license that you are using is expired or blocked.

Though This copy of Windows is not genuine message keeps showing up when you’re at work, and it’s annoying; there are some effective ways to remove the problem and the black background trouble that it came with. Here is how you can do to resolve Windows is not genuine issue.

How to Permanently Remove This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine on Windows 7/10

There are several ways you can try to fix the Windows is no genuine error whether or not you are using a legitimate version of Windows 7 or Windows 10. But NOTE that these methods won’t help convert a pirate copy of Windows to a genuine one. So, to use all features of Windows 7, you have to buy a genuine piece and use a verified activation code.

Fix 1. Uninstall Update KB971033 on Windows 7

Windows 7 KB971033 update includes Windows Activation Technologies and an updated file that helps detect whether Windows is genuine. If Windows 7 hasn’t been activated properly, you may receive a message on the lower right part of the desktop stating, «Windows 7 build 7601 this copy of Windows is not genuine».

Hence, you can choose to delete this update to remove Windows 7 genuine notification build 7601/7600.

Caution: This method tends to be a little risky. Uninstalling update files might result in a malfunction of other program files or unexpected data loss on the computer. To make the procedure safe, you’d better use EaseUS backup software to back up theВ computer before erasing the update file.

Support Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Todo Backup software and then choose «File Backup», «Disk/partition Backup» or «System Backup» for different backup purpose.

Step 2. Choose the system, disk partition, files or apps that you want to back up. Then select a destination where you want to store the backup file.

Step 3. Click «Proceed» to start the data backup process.

You may also want to read:

The step-by-step guide to delete update KB971033.

Step 1. Go to «Start»В > open «Control Panel».

Step 2. Open «Programs and Features». Click on «View installed updates».

Step 3. After loading all installed updates, check for update «KB971033» and uninstall.

Step 4. Restart your PC.

Fix 2. Reset the Licensing Status of Your Computer with SLMGR -REARM Command

You can your computer’sВ licensing status of your computer so that you won’t see the «this copy of Windows is not genuine 7601/7600» message on your desktop. To do so, you need to use the SLMGR -REARM Command.

SLMGR stands for Windows Server License Manager Script that manages the license of your computer. REARM command will reset the licensing status of the machine in both Windows 32-bit and 64-bit and all versions of the Windows operating system

Step 1. Click on the start menu and type cmdВ in the search field. Right-click on the cmd and click on Run as Administrator. It must run the command prompt with administrator privileges.

Step 2. Type SLMGR -REARM and pressВ Enter.В Now you will see a confirmation window; click on «OK».

Step 3. Restart your PC, and you will find that the «This copy of Windows is not genuine»В message no longer occurs.

Step 4. If the Windows is not genuine message is still there, you can repeat try slmgr /rearm in the command prompt.

If an error message saying that «This maximum allowed number of rearms has been exceeded» when you run the SLMGR -REARM command,В you can fix the issue in the following way:

Step 1. Open the Run window by hitting Win + R keys. Input regedit.exeВ and press Enter to open Registry Editor.

Step 2. Go to «HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Microsoft > WindowsNT > Current version». Expand the Current version, find and click on the SoftwareProtectionPlatform.

Step 3. Find SkipRearm and right-click it to choose Modify. Change the value from 0 to 1 and click on OK.

Step 4. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer. The Windows not genuine should be solved this time.

Fix 3. Reconfigure Plug and Play Service with RSOP Command

Sometimes, your computer policy may not be configured correctly and may therefore run with an error message. You might fix the Windows is not genuineВ error byВ reconfiguringВ the Plug and Play Group Policy objectВ with the RSOP command. RSOP stands for Resultant Set of Policy Window.

Step 1. Press Windows + R button to start the Run tool. Type rsop.mscВ and press the Enter button.

Step 2. Go to «Windows settings» > «security system» > «system services», then look for the «Plug and play services».

Step 3. Right-click on it and choose «Properties». In the Select Service Startup Mode option, check the «Automatic» option, and save the changes.

Step 4. Press Windows + R button as you did at the first step. Type gpupdate/forceВ into the run box. Hit the Enter button, and wait for its execution to be completed.

Step 5. Restart your PC and check whether the Windows is not genuine issue is fixed or not.

Fix 4. Turn Off Automatic Windows Updates

As we’ve mentioned,В an update file can easily detect your Windows is genuine or not, so make sure you won’t install any updates in the future. Follow the steps to switch off all Windows automatic updates.

Note: Disabling Windows update makes you not upgrade your Windows to the latest version to fix bugs or getВ new features, which isn’t approved or supported by Microsoft. Do it with caution.

Step 1. Press the Windows + RВ keysВ toВ launchВ the Run box. Type services.msc and press Enter.

Step 2. GoВ to findВ «Windows Update» and double-click it.

Step 3. In Startup type, select «Disabled». Then click «Apply» and «OK» to save the settings.

Do you prefer a one-click solution to disable the Windows automatic update feature? If so, get the versatile toolkit — EaseUS Tools M to help you. With it, you can disable/enable Windows Update, repair hard drives, remove/enable write-protection, and more within seconds.

To disable Windows Update:

Step 1. оњљ DOWNLOAD EaseUS Tools M for free and install it on your computer.

Step 2. Launch EaseUS Tools M and go to «System Update Management».

Step 3. The tool will detect the status of the Windows Update service automatically. If Windows Update is currently enabled, click «Disable» to stop the service.

Step 4. If you want to check whether you have disabled the service automatically, go to «Start» > type «Services» > right-click «Services» and choose «Run as administrator».

Step 5. In the list of services, find and right-click «Windows Update» > «Properties». In the «Service status» section, you should see the service has been stopped.

Fix 5. Make Sure Your ComputerВ License Is LegitimateВ

The most likely reason for the «This copy of Windows is not genuine» problem is that you are using a pirated Windows system. A pirated system may not have as comprehensive functions as a legitimate one. Most importantly, there are security holes, which can put your computer at great risk. So, be sure to use a legitimate Microsoft Windows operating system.

Don’t buy Windows OS from third-party e-commerce stores. In case you had problems and hadВ paid for a license, you have to contact your vendor. Microsoft support only helps you resolve the issue when you buy Windows OS from the Microsoft store.

Conclusions

We hope the above methods could solve this copy of Windows is not genuine build 7601/7600 issue on your Windows 7 or Windows 10 computer. В

Windows is not genuine is one of the high-frequency problems. And fortunately, this problem usually does not cause data loss. But other unexpected computer problems, such as system crash, hard drive failure, or unknown virus attack could damage your computer and lead to severe data loss. Therefore, back up your computer to a USB flash drive regularly and protect data security.

Support Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP

FAQ: Read More About This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine Issue

Learn more about Windows is not genuine and how to fix it from the following quick questions and answers

How do I get rid of this copy of Windows 7 is not genuine?

To remove this copy of windows is not genuine issue, you can first check your Windows license is legitimate. Then, use the RSOP or SLMGR -REARM commands to fix the Windows 7 this copy of windows is not genuine issue.

If these two methods don’t work, you can still try to delete the KB971033 update on Windows 7 or disable the Windows update to troubleshoot.

Why does my computer say this copy of Windows is not genuine?

Windows 7 KB971033 update has an updated file and Windows Activation Technologies that can detect if your Windows operating system is authorized or pirated. If your Windows isn’t legitimate, you will get the message «This copy of Windows is not genuine».

If you did not activate your Windows license after the trial period or the license is expired, you will also see this error message.

Do I have a genuine copy of Windows?

You can perform Windows genuine validation inВ Settings.

Step 1. Go to the Start menu, click «Settings» > «Update & security».

Step 2. Click «Activation» in the left panel to see if the OS is activated. If yes, and it shows «Windows is activated with a digital license», your Windows 10 is Genuine.

How do I upgrade to Windows 10 if my Windows 7 is not genuine?

You cannot activate the non-genuine Windows 7 installation with a Windows 10 product key. You can only download the ISO for Windows 10 Home from Microsoft’s official website, then perform a custom install.