How Do I Get Rid of This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine?

by Sophie Green   Updated on 2021-10-08 / Update for  Fix Windows

If you are a Windows PC user, sometimes you get an error that says “this copy of Windows is not genuine”. It is basically referring to the operating system to your computer as an invalid version of Windows. If you are having trouble removing this message and it constantly appears on your screen, this guide has some methods to fix that issue.

Windows actually itself has several methods to fix the Windows 7 build 7601 this copy of Windows is not genuine error. You can use the built-in tools on your computer to get around the issue. If that does not work for some reason, you can use some of the third-party tools to try and resolve the problem. The following guide covers all of that for you.

Solution 1. Use RSOP command

Windows includes a command called RSOP which stands for Resultant Set of Policy. It allows you to view the policies that are set for various users on your machine. You can actually use it to fix the this copy of Windows is not genuine build 7601 issue on your computer.

  • Press the Windows + R keys to open Run, type the following into it, and hit Enter.

    rsop.msc

    access rsop to sort out the windows copy is not genuine issue
  • When it opens, head to the following path.

    Windows Settings > Security Settings > System Services.

  • Double-click on the entry that says Plug and Play on the right-hand side pane.

    plug and play
  • Select the Automatic option on the following screen.

    select automatic
  • Open the Run box, type the following command into it, and hit Enter.

    gpupdate /force

    gpupdate force

That answers your how do I get rid of this copy of Windows is not genuine question.

Solution 2. Reset Licensing Status with SLMGR-REARM Command

Windows comes with a command that lets you reset your operating system license. If you have finished the 30 days trial of Windows, you can get few more days with this command.

  • Search for Command Prompt on your PC and click on Run as administrator.

    use cmd to fix this copy of windows is not genuine
  • Type the following command into the Command Prompt and hit Enter.

    SLMGR -REARM

    reset license and fix the not genuine message in windows
  • Click on OK when a message box appears on your screen.

That should fix the Windows 7 this copy of Windows is not genuine issue on your PC.

Solution 3. Uninstall update KB971033 if you are using Windows 7

A Windows update named KB971033 can cause the aforementioned issue but there is a this copy of Windows is not genuine 7601 permanent fix to resolve that.

  • Open Control Panel, click on Uninstall a program, and choose View installed updates.

    view windows updates
  • Select the KB971033 update in the list and click on Uninstall at the top.

    delete an update to remove this copy of windows is not genuine

The update will be rolled back and your this copy of Windows is not genuine Windows 7 issue should be resolved.

Solution 4. Turn the service "Software Protection" on

One of the confirmed ways to remove this copy of Windows is not genuine is to enable the software protection option in your Windows services. The following shows how to do that.

  • Press the Windows + R keys at the same time, type the following into the Run box, and hit Enter.

    services.msc

    run software protection and fix this windows copy is not genuine
  • Find the service named Software Protection and double-click on it.
  • Click on Start on the following screen.

    run software protection and fix this windows copy is not genuine

That is how to get rid of this copy of Windows is not genuine on your computer.

Solution 5. Turn off the Windows Automatic Update

Windows updates can sometimes cause your computer to show the aforementioned message. You can disable these updates to fix the issue.

  • Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R keys, enter the following into it, and press Enter.

    services.msc

    access windows services
  • Find the entry named Windows Update and double-click on it.
  • Select Stop and then choose Disabled from the Startup type menu.

    turn off updates to resolve this copy of windows is not genuine

That should tell you how to fix this copy of Windows is not genuine on your Windows PC.

This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine FAQ

If you have any questions regarding this issue or its fixes, the following should answer them for you.

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

Your computer says this copy of Windows is not genuine because you are either using a pirated version of Windows or you have not activated your copy yet.

2. What happens if Windows 7 is not genuine?

You will constantly get the messages that say your copy is not genuine if your Windows 7 is not genuine.

3. How can I check if my Windows 7 is genuine?

You can search for Activate Windows in the Start Menu search and it should tell you if your Windows 7 is genuine.

4. What is a genuine copy of Windows?

A genuine copy of Windows is a copy that has been legally purchased either from Microsoft or from authorized resellers.

Conclusion

If your computer ever says that your copy of Windows is not genuine, there are several ways to fix this issue and get rid of the message for good. Our guide above should teach you to use these methods. But in any case, if you had to reinstall the Windows OS as the solutions didn’t work, you can to recover data from the computer using Tenorshare Windows Boot Genius. It is extremely easy to use software and you will get used to it in no time.