How to Fix ‘Windows Is Not Genuine’ Errors (5 Easy Steps)

Seeing the “This copy of Windows is not genuine” message can be frustrating. This error typically appears on your desktop’s bottom-right corner, often accompanied by a black screen and a loss of access to personalization features. It means your operating system has failed a validation check, suggesting you might be using a non-activated or pirated version of Windows.

But don’t worry—it doesn’t always mean you’re using an illegal copy. This error can pop up for several reasons, including issues after an update, problems with your product key, or corrupted system files. Fortunately, there are several ways to resolve this and get your system back to normal. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods to fix the “This copy of Windows is not genuine” error.

Why Does This Error Occur?

Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand why this message appears. The error is part of Microsoft’s Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) system, designed to verify that your copy of Windows is authentic.

Common triggers for this error include:

• Invalid Product Key: The most common cause is using a product key that is expired, blocked, or was generated illegally.
• Recent Windows Update: Sometimes, a system update can interfere with the activation status, causing a genuine copy of Windows to fail the validation check.
• Corrupted System Files: Malware or a system crash can corrupt critical files related to Windows activation.
• Incorrect System Time and Date: An inaccurate system clock can sometimes interfere with the activation servers.
• Shared Product Key: Using the same product key on multiple computers beyond the license’s terms can lead to it being blacklisted.

How to Fix the “Windows is Not Genuine” Error

Here are five methods you can try to resolve this issue. Start with the first one and move down the list if the problem persists.

1. Check Your Windows Activation Status

First, confirm whether your copy of Windows is actually activated. It’s a simple check that can tell you if the problem is with your license itself.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type slmgr.vbs -xpr and press Enter.
3. A pop-up window will appear. If your Windows is activated, it will say, “The machine is permanently activated.” If it shows an expiration date or an error, you’ll need to proceed with re-entering your product key.

If you need to find your product key, it might be on a sticker on your computer’s case (for pre-built PCs) or in the confirmation email you received when you purchased Windows.

2. Use the SLMGR -REARM Command

The SLMGR -REARM command is a popular and effective way to reset the licensing status of your computer. This can extend the activation trial period and often resolves validation errors.

1. Click the Start button and type “cmd” in the search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type SLMGR -REARM and press Enter.
4. A message will appear confirming that the command has been executed successfully.
5. Restart your computer.

After restarting, the “not genuine” message should be gone. Note that you can only use this command a limited number of times.

3. Uninstall a Problematic Windows Update (KB971033)

For Windows 7 users, a specific update, KB971033, was designed to detect counterfeit versions of the OS. However, it sometimes mistakenly flags genuine copies. Uninstalling this update can fix the problem.

1. Open the Control Panel. You can find it by searching in the Start menu.
2. Go to Programs and Features.
3. On the left-hand side, click View installed updates.
4. In the search bar at the top right, type KB971033 to find the update.
5. Right-click on the update and select Uninstall.
6. Restart your computer after the uninstallation is complete.

Once your system has rebooted, you may also want to hide this update to prevent it from reinstalling automatically.

4. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can interfere with the Windows activation process. The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in utility that scans for and repairs corrupted files.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (follow the steps from method 2).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. The scan will begin and may take some time. Do not close the Command Prompt window until the verification is 100% complete.
4. Once finished, the tool will report whether it found and fixed any problems.
5. Restart your computer.

This process will restore any corrupted activation files, which can help resolve the “not genuine” error.

5. Check Your System’s Time and Date

An incorrect system clock can cause issues when your computer tries to communicate with Microsoft’s activation servers. Ensure your time and date settings are correct.

1. Right-click the clock on your taskbar and select Adjust date/time.
2. In the Settings window, make sure “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” are turned on.
3. If they are already on, toggle them off and then on again to sync with the server.
4. You can also click the “Sync now” button under “Additional settings” to force a synchronization.
5. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Getting Your System Back in Order

Dealing with the “This copy of Windows is not genuine” error can be an unwelcome distraction, but it’s usually fixable. By working through these troubleshooting steps—from checking your activation status to running system repairs—you can identify the cause and restore your operating system to its proper state.

If none of these solutions work, the issue might be with your product key itself. In that case, your best bet is to contact Microsoft Support or purchase a new, legitimate Windows license. A genuine copy of Windows ensures you receive critical security updates, support, and a stable, reliable computing experience.