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Windows 7 Build This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine - EaseUS - How to Fix “This copy of Windows is not genuine” issue in Windows 7
Jump to a Section. Product activation is necessary so that Microsoft knows that you obtained Windows legally and to limit the number of computers the same product key is used on. Many other things beyond error messages might happen if you don't fix the "Windows is not genuine" problem. The error is different depending on the Windows version. Here are some examples:. A less common reason for these activation errors is if malware has attacked your computer so that the valid activation files you had before the infection are now corrupted or missing.
Changing the Windows XP product key is done through the registry. Another way to enter a different product key in Windows is through the Run dialog box. You'll get a prompt where you can type the product key. If the information is valid but somehow corrupted, this should remove the error.
Open an elevated Command Prompt. Type the following, followed by Enter :. If you see an error message, try this instead:. Wait for the command to finish running. Restart your computer. Follow any activation instructions if you see them after Windows starts back up.
Locate Plug and Play from the list. Locate the Group Policy listed next to Plug and Play. Change the Group Policy setting to Not Defined. You might need to complete some activation instructions after Windows loads. Open Registry Editor. We recommend backing up the registry at this point, before making any changes. Right-click S and select Permissions. If you do see it, skip down to Step 7. Type network service in the text box and select Check Names.
Select OK. Complete any activation prompts that pop up after Windows loads. If you know that your product key is genuine, removing and reinstalling this update could solve this problem. Open Programs and Features. If you don't see that option, go to Programs first and then Programs and Features. Select View installed updates on the left. Search for KB from the list of installed updates. Right-click the update and select Uninstall.
Select Yes on the confirmation prompt, and then wait for Windows to uninstall the update. It might not make sense to reinstall the same update that caused the error in the first place, but the update could have been installed incorrectly; trying again will allow the update another chance at installing properly. You can use plenty of programs to check for various types of malware , including on-demand scanners , spyware cleaners , and full antivirus software programs.
Another option is a bootable antivirus tool. Of course, deleting Windows from your computer and reinstalling it is the most drastic solution to a "Windows is not genuine" error. However, if you've tried all of the above and Windows still won't properly activate, you're left with starting from scratch. Before installing Windows over your current version, make sure to have a copy of your Windows product key to avoid having to buy a brand new copy.
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Tweet Share Email. In This Article Expand. What the Error Looks Like. This method only applies to some versions of Windows. This method applies to Windows 7 only. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Tell us why! More from Lifewire.
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