[Fixed] Windows 7 Build 7601 This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine

"This copy of Windows is not genuine" is one of the most frequent errors encountered in the Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating systems. To rectify this issue, you can attempt to fix the error by uninstalling Update KB971033, utilizing the RSOP command, and employing other effective methods.

Translation:

"After the Windows 7 build 7601 update, my computer's desktop background suddenly turns black, with program icons still visible. Concurrently, an error message appears stating this copy of Windows is not genuine.

"I restart the computer, and the only difference is a dark black background. How can I permanently remove the 'Windows is not genuine' error and restore proper functionality to my computer?"

Why does the message "Windows 7 Build 7601, This copy of Windows is not genuine" appear?

• Your Windows 7 OS is not genuine; you might encounter an error approximately one month after installing the Windows activation crack.
• You didn't activate your Windows license following the trial period.
• The Windows operating system license you're using has either expired or been blocked.

Even though the annoying "This copy of Windows is not genuine" notification keeps appearing while you work, there are several effective ways to get rid of the issue and the accompanying black background nuisance. Here's how to tackle the non-genuine Windows problem step by step.

How to Permanently Remove the "This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine" Message on Windows 7/10

There are several methods you can attempt to resolve the "Windows is not genuine" error, regardless of whether you are using a legitimate version of Windows 7 or Windows 10. However, please NOTE that these methods will not transform a pirated copy of Windows into a genuine one. Consequently, to fully utilize all the features of Windows 7, you must purchase an authentic copy and activate it with a valid activation code.

Solution 1: Uninstall Update KB971033 on Windows 7

The Windows 7 KB971033 update incorporates Windows Activation Technologies and an updated file designed to verify the authenticity of Windows. If Windows 7 has not been activated correctly, you might see a message in the bottom right corner of your desktop saying, "Windows 7 Build 7601: This copy of Windows is not genuine."

Thus, you can opt to delete this update to get rid of the Windows 7 genuine notification build 7601/7600.

Caution: This method can be somewhat risky. Uninstalling update files may cause other program files to malfunction or lead to unexpected data loss on your computer. To ensure safety during this process, it's recommended to use backup software to create a backup of your computer before deleting the update file.

Step 1. Click the "Select backup contents" button to initiate the backup process.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. Both local and network files will be listed on the left. You can expand the directory to select the files to back up.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the location where you want to save the backup.

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with a password in "Backup Options", set the backup schedule, and choose to start the backup at a specific event in "Backup Scheme". There are numerous other options for you to explore, allowing you to customize the backup task according to your needs.

Step 5. You can save the backup to your local drive, the tool's cloud service, or a NAS device.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to both third-party cloud drives and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add a Cloud Device, and then add and log in to your account.

You can also opt for the tool's built-in cloud drive. Click on "Tools Cloud," sign up with your Tool Account, and log in.

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. Once the backup is complete, it will be displayed as a card on the left side of the panel. You can right-click the backup task to manage it further.

You might also be interested in reading:

• How to back up files without booting into Windows
• How to schedule an automatic backup on Windows 10

A step-by-step guide to deleting update KB971033: 1. Open the Control Panel: Click on the Start button, then select "Control Panel" from the menu. 2. Switch to Classic View (if necessary): If the Control Panel is in Category view, click on the "View by" option in the top-right corner and choose "Small icons" or "Large icons" to switch to Classic View. 3. Access Programs and Features: In the Control Panel, locate and click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features." 4. Turn Windows features on or off: In the Programs and Features window, on the left side, click on "Turn Windows features on or off." 5. Locate the update: A new window will open with a list of Windows components. Scroll down until you find "Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool" or "KB971033." 6. Uncheck the update: If you find KB971033, uncheck the box next to it. 7. Confirm the change: A prompt may appear asking you to confirm the removal of the update. Click "Yes" or "OK" to proceed. 8. Wait for the process to complete: The system will now remove the update. This might take a few moments, so please be patient. 9. Restart your computer: After the uninstallation is finished, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. 10. Verify the removal: Once your computer has restarted, you can check if the update has been successfully removed by going back to the "Turn Windows features on or off" window and ensuring that KB971033 is no longer listed. Please note that removing official Windows updates might affect the stability and security of your system. Make sure you have a valid reason for doing this and, if unsure, consult with a technical expert.

Step 1. Go to "Start" > open "Control Panel".

Step 2. Open "Programs and Features." Click on "View installed updates."

Step 3. Once all installed updates have been loaded, look for update "KB971033" and uninstall it.

Step 4. Restart your PC.

Fix 2: Reset the Licensing Status of Your Computer with the SLMGR -REARM Command

You can verify your computer's licensing status to prevent the "this copy of Windows is not genuine 7601/7600" message from appearing on your desktop. To achieve this, you need to utilize the SLMGR -REARM command.

SLMGR stands for Windows Server Licensing Manager Script, which is responsible for managing the license of your computer. The REARM command is used to reset the licensing status of the machine on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the Windows operating system, across all its various editions.

Step 1. Click on the Start menu and type cmd in the search field. Right-click on 'cmd' and select 'Run as Administrator.' This will open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Step 2. Type SLMGR -REARM and press Enter. You will now see a confirmation window; click on "OK."

Step 3. Restart your PC, and you'll notice that the "This copy of Windows is not genuine" message no longer appears.

Step 4. If the "Windows is not genuine" message persists, you can try running slmgr /rearm again in the Command Prompt.

If you encounter an error message stating "This maximum allowed number of rearms has been exceeded" while running the SLMGR -REARM command, you can resolve the issue as follows:

Step 1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run window. Type regedit.exe and hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Microsoft > Windows NT > Current Version." Expand the Current Version, locate, and click on the SoftwareProtectionPlatform.

Step 3. Locate the entry called SkipRearm, right-click it, and select Modify. Change the value from 0 to 1, then click OK.

Step 4. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer. The "Windows not genuine" issue should be resolved now.

Fix 3: Reconfigure the Plug and Play Service using the RSOP Command To reconfigure the Plug and Play service using the Resultant Set of Policy (RSOP) command, follow these steps: 1. Press `Win + R` on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type `cmd` in the dialog box and press `Ctrl + Shift + Enter` to run the Command Prompt as an administrator. If prompted by User Account Control, click "Yes" to proceed. 3. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: ``` rsop.msc ``` 4. The Resultant Set of Policy console will open. In the left pane, navigate through the following tree structure: ``` Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > System ``` 5. From the right pane, locate and double-click on "Configure Device Installation and Device Installer Service Settings." 6. In the policy settings window that opens, select "Enabled," then choose one of the following options under "Device installation restrictions": - "Prevent installation of devices that do not match any device ID" (if you want to allow only specific devices) - "Prevent installation of devices using drivers that do not pass Windows Logo testing" (to ensure only certified drivers are used) 7. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes. 8. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Please note that modifying these policies might affect how your system handles device installations. Make sure to understand the implications before applying any changes. If the issue persists, consider consulting a professional or restoring default policy settings.

Occasionally, your computer's policy settings might not be configured properly, which could result in error messages. To resolve the "Windows is not genuine" error, you can reconfigure the Plug and Play Group Policy Object using the RSOP command. RSOP stands for Resultant Set of Policy, which is a Windows feature that displays the combined effect of all applied Group Policy settings.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run utility. Type rsop.msc and press the Enter key.

Step 2. Navigate to "Windows Settings" > "Security Settings" > "System Services," and then search for "Plug and Play Services."

Step 3. Right-click on it and select "Properties." In the "Select Service Startup Mode" option, ensure the "Automatic" option is checked, then save the changes.

Step 4. Press the Windows + R keys just like in the first step. Type gpupdate/force into the Run box. Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.

Step 5. Restart your PC and see if the Windows is not genuine issue has been resolved.

Fix 4: Disable Automatic Windows Updates

As we've mentioned, an update file can easily detect whether your Windows is genuine or not, so avoid installing any updates in the future. To turn off all Windows automatic updates, follow these steps:

Note: Disabling Windows Update prevents you from upgrading your Windows to the latest version to fix bugs or obtain new features, which is neither approved nor supported by Microsoft. Proceed with caution.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter.

Step 2. Go to find "Windows Update" and double-click it.

Step 3. Under Startup type, choose "Disabled." Next, click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Do you prefer an easy one-click solution to disable the Windows automatic update feature? If that's the case, try the versatile utility tool, CleanGenius, to assist you. With CleanGenius, you can effortlessly disable or enable Windows Update, fix hard drives, remove or enable write-protection, and perform various other tasks in just seconds.

To disable Windows Update:

Step 1. Download CleanGenius for free and install it on your computer.

Step 2. Launch CleanGenius and go to "Optimization".

Step 3. The tool will automatically detect the status of the Windows Update service. If Windows Update is currently enabled, click the switch to stop the service.

Step 4. To verify if the service has been disabled automatically, go to "Start" > type "Services" > right-click "Services" and select "Run as administrator".

Step 5. In the list of services, locate and right-click "Windows Update" > "Properties". Under the "Service status" section, you should see that the service has been stopped.

Make sure your computer's license is legitimate.

The most probable cause of the "This copy of Windows is not genuine" issue is that you are utilizing a pirated version of the Windows operating system. A pirated system often lacks the full range of functionalities found in an authentic one. More significantly, it carries security vulnerabilities, exposing your computer to significant risks. Hence, it's crucial to use a genuine Microsoft Windows operating system.

Avoid purchasing Windows operating system from third-party e-commerce platforms. If issues arise and you've paid for a license, you'll need to reach out to the vendor directly. Microsoft support will only assist you in resolving problems when you buy Windows OS directly from the official Microsoft store.

Conclusion

We hope the above methods can resolve the "This copy of Windows is not genuine Build 7601/7600" issue on your Windows 7 or Windows 10 computer.

"Windows is not genuine" is one of the common issues encountered frequently. Thankfully, this issue typically does not result in data loss. However, other unforeseen computer problems like system crashes, hard drive failures, or unknown virus attacks can harm your computer and lead to significant data loss. Hence, it's essential to regularly back up your computer to a USB flash drive to ensure data security.

FAQ: Learn More About the "This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine" Issue

Learn more about "Windows is not genuine" and how to resolve it through the following frequently asked questions and answers: 1. **What does "Windows is not genuine" mean?** This message indicates that your copy of Windows is not authenticated or activated, meaning it may be an expired trial version, pirated software, or a product key has not been properly applied. 2. **Why do I receive this error?** You might receive this error due to an outdated activation, a system restore to a point before activation, using a wrong product key, or if the operating system detects tampered system files. 3. **How can I check my Windows activation status?** Press `Win + X` and select "System." In the System window, look for "Windows Activation" section, which will display your activation status. 4. **How do I fix a "not genuine" Windows issue?** - **Re-activate:** Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Activation," and click "Change product key" to enter a valid one. - **Update Windows:** Ensure your OS is up-to-date, as updates may resolve activation issues. - **Run Activation Troubleshooter:** In "Settings" > "Update & Security," click "Troubleshoot" and run the Activation troubleshooter. - **Scan for malware:** Sometimes, malware can alter system files causing activation errors. Run a full system scan. - **Contact Microsoft Support:** If all else fails, seek assistance from Microsoft's official support channels. 5. **Will a clean install fix the issue?** Yes, reinstalling Windows with a genuine ISO file can help, but ensure you have a valid product key before proceeding. Remember, using a genuine copy of Windows ensures regular updates, security patches, and access to Microsoft's support services.

How can I remove the notification that says "This copy of Windows 7 is not genuine"?

To resolve the "This copy of Windows is not genuine" issue, you can initially verify if your Windows license is valid. Following that, utilize the RSOP or SLMGR -REARM commands to rectify the problem with the Windows 7 activation.

If these two approaches don't yield results, you can attempt to uninstall the KB971033 update on Windows 7 or disable the Windows Update service to troubleshoot the issue.

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

The Windows 7 KB971033 update includes an updated file and Windows Activation Technologies designed to verify whether your Windows operating system is genuine or pirated. If your Windows installation is not legitimate, you will receive the message "This copy of Windows is not genuine."

If you didn't activate your Windows license after the trial period or if the license has expired, you'll also encounter this error message.

Do I have a genuine copy of Windows?

You can perform Windows genuine validation in Settings.

Step 1: Go to the Start menu, click on "Settings" then choose "Update & Security."

Step 2: Click "Activation" in the left pane to check if the OS is activated. If it is activated and displays "Windows is activated with a digital license," then your Windows 10 is genuine.

If your Windows 7 is not genuine, you won't be able to directly upgrade to a licensed version of Windows 10 through the official channels. However, there are still a few options you can explore: 1. **Purchasing a license**: The simplest solution is to buy a genuine Windows 10 license from the Microsoft Store or an authorized retailer. This will allow you to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. 2. **Activating Windows 10 after installation**: You can install Windows 10 on your computer and then attempt to activate it using a valid product key. If your Windows 7 key is not genuine, you'll need a separate Windows 10 key. You can enter the key during the installation process or later by going to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Activation". 3. **Using a free, non-genuine Windows 10**: There are unauthorized methods to download and install a non-genuine version of Windows 10, but this is not recommended. These copies may come with risks such as malware, limited updates, and the constant risk of being flagged as non-genuine. 4. **Resetting or Refreshing your Windows 7**: Before attempting to upgrade, ensure that your Windows 7 is up to date and free from any malware. You can try resetting or refreshing your Windows 7 to its original state. This might not solve the genuineness issue, but it could help in having a smoother transition. 5. **Third-party tools**: Some third-party tools claim to convert non-genuine Windows 7 to genuine, but using such tools is at your own risk as they may be unreliable or even harmful. It's important to remember that using a genuine operating system ensures you receive regular updates, security patches, and technical support from Microsoft. So, investing in a legitimate Windows 10 license is the most secure and reliable option.

You cannot activate a non-genuine Windows 7 installation using a Windows 10 product key. The proper course of action is to download the Windows 10 Home ISO directly from Microsoft's official website and perform a clean installation.