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Home • Computer

2 ways to fix “This copy of Windows is not genuine” error

Amar Ilindra • Updated March 27, 2020 • 3 min read • 33 Comments

The most common error This copy of Windows is not genuine will occur due to pirated copy of Windows installation. If you’re using a non-licensed copy of Windows operating system, there is no surprise in facing this issue. Fixing This copy of Windows is not genuine error is very easy now. We’re here to let you know 2 different solutions to fix Windows not genuine problem.

This guide will show you how to fix this copy of Windows is not genuine error

Once you install your Windows OS on your computer, you are required to activate it within a few days with the help of the activation key. Activation ensures that your copy is genuine and licensed. If your Windows is not activated or if Windows detects the copy as a pirated one, then you may see the message This copy of Windows is not genuine. The screen will turn black and you will not receive updates except the critical security updates. You can change the wallpaper but it will revert to black screen every 60 minutes. So how can you fix this error? Read further to remove this copy of Windows is not genuine error.

Solution for error This copy of Windows is not genuine

These are various methods to solve “This Copy of Windows is Not Genuine” error, but we have shortlisted the one which we have tried on our computer. These two methods will work on 32 bit and 64 bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 operating systems. Have a look at all the methods that will help you to solve “This Copy of Windows is not Genuine”.

1. Run slmgr -rearm Command

If you’re using the genuine copy of Windows operating system but still you face the issue. Then the solutions is very simple. Follow these steps to fix “This copy of Windows not genuine” error by running single command.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type slmgr -rearm and hit Enter.

3. Wait for the Command completed successfully dialog box.

Run slmgr -rearm command as administrator to fix Windows not genuine error

4. Click OK

5. Restart your computer or laptop

After restarting your computer/laptop by following this command prompt method, you can easily solve This copy of Windows is not genuine error. You should continue following the below method to prevent this error happening again.

2. Uninstall KB971033 Update

Microsoft regularly releases updates to fight piracy, malware and viruses by releasing updates. However, these updates can also generate a false result and show your genuine copy as a fake one. Follow these steps to resolve This copy of Window is not genuine error.

1. From the Start menu option, go to Settings.

2. Click on Update & Security tab and select Windows Update. 

Windows update Settings

3. Click on Update History to see the list of installed Windows updates

4. From the list of installed Windows updates, search for the update named KB971033.

5. Double click on it and Uninstall the update.

6. Restart your computer or laptop

This is how you can solve “This Copy of Windows in not Genuine” error. If the above method is not helpful, you can check out below method which uses a third party application.

Final Words

If you do not own a genuine copy of Windows, do purchase one to keep your computer secure. If none of the above methods worked for you, then you should reinstall the Windows operating system either using USB or CD/DVD.

By following these methods you can easily resolve the annoying Windows is not genuine error. There might be many more methods that might help you to solve This copy of Windows is not genuine error but the ones we have mentioned are highly recommended.

Computer Geeky Tricks Remove WAT Windows 10 Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows is not genuine

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Avatar for Amar Ilindra

Amar Ilindra

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Amar Ilindra is a tech-savvy individual who is passionate about gadgets and new technology. He is a full-stack developer who enjoys experimenting with technology and sharing his experiences through blogging. When he's not writing, he devotes his time to creating practical web and mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms.

Read all 480 articles from Amar

Comments

  1. Avatar for Sohil shaikhSohil shaikh says

    May 15, 2017 at 11:38 AM

    Is this harmful for my laptop
    I want to know plz reply

    Reply
    • Avatar for aa says

      August 12, 2017 at 1:40 AM

      yes it is.

      Reply
      • Avatar for MuneerMuneer says

        June 7, 2018 at 1:15 PM

        If you do not own a genuine copy of Windows, do purchase one to keep your computer secure. If none of the above methods worked for you, then you should reinstall the Windows operating system either using USB or CD/DVD.

        I don’t understand what you want to say in the last words?
        Can you explain it, please?

        Reply
        • Avatar for Amar IlindraAmar Ilindra says

          June 12, 2018 at 12:44 PM

          I mean, you should use the genuine copies of software to stay safe from malware attacks. It is recommended to reinstall the Windows with licensed CD/DVD.

          Reply
  2. Avatar for ARAR says

    February 16, 2017 at 11:16 PM

    Used removeWAT successfully, but then a few days later, the “Windows is not Genuine” label on the bottom right of the desktop has appeared. Build 7601.

    I tried running removeWAT again, but it says it’s already installed.

    Going to Control Panel => System, does not show that windows is not activated.

    HOw to get rid of just the message on the desktop? Everything else appears ok.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Amar IlindraAmar Ilindra says

      February 16, 2017 at 11:53 PM

      did you enable automatic windows updates? and also let us know which version of windows you are using.

      Reply
    • Avatar for AA says

      May 15, 2017 at 7:21 PM

      You should be able to “restore WAT” if it says it’s already removed. Do that, then remove it again and you should be all good. Most updates will send you back to that setting and it has to be redone

      Reply
  3. Avatar for AntonioAntonio says

    February 4, 2017 at 10:05 PM

    It is not work with my win 7 ultimate.

    I’m try more time with 2.2.5 and 2.2.6

    Eccezione non gestita nell’applicazione…………………
    Accesso al percorso C:\Windows\wat.MSU negato

    dettaglio:

    Le informazioni su come richiamare il debug JIT (Just-In-Time) anziché questa finestra
    sono riportate in fondo al messaggio.

    ************ Testo dell’eccezione ************
    System.UnauthorizedAccessException: Accesso al percorso ‘C:\Windows\wat.MSU’ negato.
    in System.IO.__Error.WinIOError(Int32 errorCode, String maybeFullPath)
    in System.IO.FileStream.Init(String path, FileMode mode, FileAccess access, Int32 rights, Boolean useRights, FileShare share, Int32 bufferSize, FileOptions options, SECURITY_ATTRIBUTES secAttrs, String msgPath, Boolean bFromProxy)
    in System.IO.FileStream..ctor(String path, FileMode mode, FileAccess access, FileShare share, Int32 bufferSize, FileOptions options, String msgPath, Boolean bFromProxy)
    in System.IO.FileStream..ctor(String path, FileMode mode, FileAccess access, FileShare share)
    in System.IO.File.WriteAllBytes(String path, Byte[] bytes)
    in RemoveWAT.Form1.Nowat()
    in RemoveWAT.Form1.Button1_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
    in System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnClick(EventArgs e)
    in System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mevent)
    in System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
    in System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
    in System.Windows.Forms.ButtonBase.WndProc(Message& m)
    in System.Windows.Forms.Button.WndProc(Message& m)
    in System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
    in System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

    ************ Assembly caricati ************
    mscorlib
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5485 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework64/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
    —————————————-
    RemoveWAT
    Versione assembly: 2.2.5.0
    Versione Win32: 2.2.5.0
    Base di codice: file:///C:/windows/RemoveWAT.exe
    —————————————-
    Microsoft.VisualBasic
    Versione assembly: 8.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 8.0.50727.5483 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualBasic/8.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualBasic.dll
    —————————————-
    System
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5485 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
    —————————————-
    System.Windows.Forms
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5483 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
    —————————————-
    System.Drawing
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5483 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
    —————————————-
    System.Runtime.Remoting
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5488 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Runtime.Remoting/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Runtime.Remoting.dll
    —————————————-
    System.Configuration
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5483 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll
    —————————————-
    System.Xml
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5485 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
    —————————————-
    mscorlib.resources
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5485 (Win7SP1GDR.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework64/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
    —————————————-
    System.Windows.Forms.resources
    Versione assembly: 2.0.0.0
    Versione Win32: 2.0.50727.5420 (Win7SP1.050727-5400)
    Base di codice: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms.resources/2.0.0.0_it_b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.resources.dll
    —————————————-

    ************ Debug JIT ************
    Per attivare il debug JIT, è necessario impostare il valore
    jitDebugging nella sezione system.windows.forms del file di configurazione
    dell’applicazione o del computer (machine.config).
    L’applicazione inoltre deve essere compilata con il debug
    attivato.

    Ad esempio:

    Quando il debug JIT è attivato, tutte le eccezioni non gestite
    vengono inviate al debugger JIT registrato nel computer,
    anziché essere gestite da questa finestra di dialogo.?

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Amar IlindraAmar Ilindra says

    January 15, 2017 at 12:20 AM

    After extracting the downloaded file, you will see one .exe file and one .pdf file. You should run the .exe file fix windows is not genuine error.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for JHARVEYJHARVEY says

    September 2, 2016 at 1:30 AM

    Nevermind. Read the first line of documentation. DOH!!!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Satyam sharmaSatyam sharma says

    June 23, 2016 at 9:28 PM

    thee 1st method is not working

    Reply
    • Avatar for JHARVEYJHARVEY says

      September 2, 2016 at 1:28 AM

      Getting exploit error from defender for REMOVEWAT. It’s infected with something

      Reply
  7. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    May 16, 2016 at 6:48 PM

    Good post. Apart from the fact that your link leads to a site that requires you to answer one of those “surveys” in order to get your download. Also the file size on your suggested links says removeWAT is 8mb where on the official removeWAT site their file size is only 300kb. For anyone looking for a direct download to removeWAT

    Reply
    • Avatar for Amar IlindraAmar Ilindra says

      May 17, 2016 at 12:33 PM

      Seem there is some problem with our old link. We just updated it with fresh one and you are just one click away to download the tool.

      Reply
      • Avatar for Satyam sharmaSatyam sharma says

        June 23, 2016 at 9:34 PM

        comand prompt trick for getting rid from this is not working

        Reply
  8. Avatar for KeagenKeagen says

    January 30, 2016 at 11:46 PM

    Did you get the last comment? They’re not showing up…

    Reply
  9. Avatar for agusagus says

    May 11, 2015 at 7:53 AM

    thanks for sharing bro,, work with remove wat

    Reply
    • Avatar for VevebmVevebm says

      December 20, 2015 at 7:15 PM

      Last Windows update 19 décembre. I’ve now a Windows 10 ask icon and a black screen with a message its not a guinene.
      Watremove doesn’t work yet !
      Is there a solution ?

      Reply
    • Avatar for Satyam sharmaSatyam sharma says

      June 23, 2016 at 9:30 PM

      waat it really works

      Reply
  10. Avatar for kingsleykingsley says

    February 25, 2015 at 8:59 AM

    Nice dude…. Works great for me….

    Reply
  11. Avatar for SurajSuraj says

    January 31, 2015 at 2:18 PM

    how to make .net framework to work on pirated windows

    Reply
  12. Avatar for priyapriya says

    December 20, 2014 at 6:08 AM

    SIR I STILL have the same prblm after doing all the methods plz help sir

    Reply
    • Avatar for Amar IlindraAmar Ilindra says

      December 20, 2014 at 6:34 AM

      Have you tied removewat? it should work. Download it from here https://www.dropbox.com/s/c6ofxzmwr9bx12m/RemoveWAT%202.2.5%20%26%202.2.6.rar
      and try it. It should work once you restart your machine.

      Reply
  13. Avatar for RohitRohit says

    November 2, 2014 at 7:07 PM

    I checked Computer properties after this and found that a Windows activation time of 30 days has been granted. Now that’s not a permanent solution. 🙁

    Reply
  14. Avatar for RohitRohit says

    November 2, 2014 at 7:00 PM

    OMG !!!!!! I still can’t believe this really worked !!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Rajendra ZoreRajendra Zore says

    August 6, 2014 at 5:03 PM

    kS : Run the cmd >> Run as administrator & ensure the directory pointing C:\Windows\system32

    Possible Solution !!

    Thanks…

    Reply
  16. Avatar for LinaLina says

    May 21, 2014 at 12:35 PM

    I think I cheered up to quickly.. Now I can’t put a picture on my desktop – it’s only black or other colour.. any ideas what to do?

    Reply
  17. Avatar for LinaLina says

    May 21, 2014 at 12:30 PM

    I’ve tried a few methods but non of them worked. Then I tried Remove WAT Software and it worked! Thank you a lot!! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Avatar for kSkS says

    January 4, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    i tried but following message is indicated “Error: 0xC004F0025 Access denied: the requested action requires elevated privileges”. Please help.

    Reply
  19. Avatar for rahulrahul says

    December 28, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    great method to fix windows 7 not genuine error. i have also written the same post but the method is really useful. thanks for sharing this with us

    Reply
  20. Avatar for GiedGied says

    December 1, 2013 at 2:03 AM

    Thank you very much! It worked!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Amar IlindraAmar Ilindra says

      December 5, 2013 at 12:15 PM

      You’re most welcome Gied; keep visiting

      Reply
  21. Avatar for Folorunsho MichaelFolorunsho Michael says

    November 6, 2013 at 11:15 PM

    Works. Keep up the good work.

    Reply

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