How to Fix “This Copy of Windows is Not Genuine” Error

The message “This copy of Windows is not genuine” can be frustrating. It usually appears when Windows is unable to verify the authenticity of your operating system. As a result, some features may be disabled, and a watermark may appear on your desktop.

This issue commonly occurs due to:

• An expired trial version
• An invalid or incorrectly entered product key
• Major hardware changes (such as replacing the motherboard)
• Corrupted or missing activation files

Method 1: Apply a Valid Product Key officially

In any Windows version like 11,10,8 or 7 go to Settings and Vista, and use the Control Panel to modify your Windows product key to select the application systems. The registry tool is used to modify the Windows XP product key for the internal system.

The safest and official way to fix this issue is to activate Windows using a genuine product key.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog
• Type the following command and press Enter:

slui.exe 3

• Enter your valid Windows product key
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation

Method 2: Reset the internally configured License

If activation files are corrupted, resetting them may help.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator
• Type the following command and press Enter:

slmgr -rearm

• Wait for the confirmation message

• Restart your computer

Method 3: Check Plug and Play Group Policy Settings

Disabling the system's Plug and Play Group Policy object can help you resolve the "not genuine" problem to simplify. If the virtual Network Service account lacks the necessary authorization to access the HKU\S-1-5-20 registry key, this could be the situation to implement the management tools.

• Step 1: Type WIN + R > Go to Run dialog box > Enter the following command > Press Enter.

rsop.msc

• Step 2: Go to System Configuration > Edit the Windows Settings > Tap on Security Settings > Navigate to the System Services
• Step 3: Go to Group Policy via Plug and Play option > Change the setting which is Not Defined
• Step 4: Type WIN + R > Go to Run dialog box > Enter the following command > Press Enter

gpupdate /force

• Step 5: Restart your System.

Method 4: Configure and Apply the Registry Permission

If the issue concerning Windows is not being authentic or resolved by the aforementioned actions, you may try modifying the permissions and modifications that the Network Service has to access a certain registry key manually.

• Step 1: Go and open Registry Editor > Navigate the location "HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20" > Right-click on S-1-5-20 > Select Permission.

• Step 2: Type Network Services > Tap on Check Names > Select Ok
• Step 3: Restart your system

Also Read

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• How to Fix Windows Error 0xc00000e9?
• How to Fix “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device” Error in Windows?