If you are facing the “This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine” error with Build 7600 or 7601, then you are not alone. Many Windows users have faced this, which means that the Windows installation isn’t properly activated. If you have a genuine and valid Windows key, then you need not worry, for this article focuses on the simple and swift troubleshooting methods to fix this issue in no time.
Why Does The “This Copy Of Windows Is Not Genuine 7600/7601” Occur?
Here are some reasons why this error occurs.
- The OS installed on your PC is pirated.
- The Windows License key has expired or been blocked.
- The Windows OS is not activated after the trial version.
- Windows Update triggered a false positive.
Primary Fixes:
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection on your PC displaying the error.
- Confirm that the Windows Key is valid and genuine.
- Verify that the key matches the Windows Version installed on your PC.
- Make sure that the Windows key is not used on another PC.
- Backup your data so that in case of a format, you can always recover it from your backup.
Fix “This Copy Of Windows Is Not Genuine 7600/7601”?
FIX 1: Enter The Valid Product Key
The first method to resolve this issue is to type the genuine product key into your system. If you purchased the key or have received a sticker on your tower case, then follow these steps to enter it.
For Windows 7 PC Users
Step 1: Click on the Start Button and then right-click on Computer.
Step 2: Choose Properties and then click on Change Product Key.
Step 3: Select Enter Product Key, input your 25-character key, and follow the prompts to activate.
Step 4: Ensure your PC is connected to the internet. Windows will verify the key with Microsoft’s servers.
Step 5: If the Online activation process fails, then in the activation window, select Show me other ways to activate.
Step 6: Choose the “Use the automated phone system” option, select your country, and call the provided number. Here is a list of phone numbers for all countries.
Step 7: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type “cmd”.
Step 8: Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt in Admin mode.
Step 9: Type the following command to obtain an Installation ID.
cscript slmgr.vbs /dti
Step 10: Follow the automated instructions to provide the installation ID and receive a confirmation ID to enter.
Step 11: Type the following command along with the confirmation ID you have received and press Enter to activate your system.
cscript slmgr.vbs /atp <confirmation_ID>
For Windows 10 PC Users
Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings box.
Step 2: Click on Update & Security, followed by Activation
Step 3: Finally, click on the Change Product Key button and type the genuine key.
FIX 2: Use The SLMGR – REARM Command
If entering the valid product key does not activate Windows, then there must be an issue within the Windows system. To resolve this, we have to reset the licensing status of your Windows by following these steps –
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN dialog box.
Step 2: Enter “CMD” and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. This will open the command prompt in admin mode.
Step 3: Copy and paste the following command, followed by the Enter key
slmgr -rearm
Step 4: Reboot your PC and open the Command Prompt again in admin mode.
Step 5: Copy and paste the following command and then press the Enter key.
slmgr /ipk Activation Key
Step 6 : Next, type the following command
slmgr.vbs /ato
FIX 3: Modify The Plug And Play Service Settings
Some experts have stated that misconfigured settings of the Plug and Play service may cause activation errors. Here are the steps to reconfigure the settings.
Step 1: Press Win + R to launch the Run box, type `rsop.msc` and press the OK button.
Step 2: A new box will open where you have to click on the following settings in the left panel.
Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > System Services
Step 3: In the right panel, locate Plug and Play and double-click on it to open the Properties box.
Step 4: Next, choose Automatic under Startup type.
Step 5: Click on the Apply button, followed by OK.
Step 6: Now press Win + R and enter `gpupdate /force`, followed by the Enter key.
Step 7: Reboot the PC.
FIX 4: Use the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool
Microsoft has designed a tool that can help users identify and fix activation issues. Here are the steps to download this tool.
Step 1: Download the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool.
Step 2: After the download is complete, double-click on the file to run it.
Step 3: Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process and reboot your PC.
FIX 5: Uninstall the KB971033 Update (Windows 7 Only)
Some experts have reported on tech forums that the KB971033 update can cause Windows Activation issues. The best possible solution to this issue is to remove the update.
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type “Control”.
Step 2: Press the Enter key to open the Control Panel.
Step 3: Click on Programs and Features.
Step 4: In the left panel, click on View installed updates.
Step 5: A list of installed updates will be displayed. Click on the Uninstall button next to the Update (KB971033) you wish to uninstall and follow the steps onscreen.
Step 6: Reboot your PC and check.
Read Also: Fix “0x80070643” Windows Update or Installation Errors
FIX 6: Turn Off Automatic Windows Updates
If you have uninstalled the update (KB971033) then you must make sure that the automatic update process is disabled. Here are the steps to accomplish that.
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run box, enter `services.msc`, and click on the OK button.
Step 2: The Windows Services box will open, where you have to locate and double-click on the Windows Update service.
Step 3: In the Properties box, click on the drop-down under Startup type and choose Disabled.
Step 4: Finally, click on the Stop button and then click on Apply, followed by OK.
FIX 7: Use The Activation Troubleshooter
Run the Activation troubleshooter to identify the issue if you were unable to activate Windows 11 with your activation key.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Step 2: Select System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Step 3: Locate the Activation troubleshooter there, and then click Run.
Note : If you do not see the Activation troubleshooter, then this means Windows has been already activated.
Fix 8 – Activate A System File Checker Scan
Using the Windows activation key could be challenging if your computer has any corrupted or damaged system files. You should perform a System File Checker scan in this situation.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the RUN dialog box.
Step 2: Type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Step 3: The Command Prompt will now open in an elevated mode. Copy and paste the following command.
sfc /scannow
Step 4: Hit the Enter key and wait for the process to complete. Windows will automatically find and replace any corrupted or damaged files.
Bonus: Use Advanced Disk Recovery To Recover Files After Format
If the Windows OS installed on your PC is not genuine or has been corrupted, then you might have to format and reinstall Windows OS. In this case, you might lose certain files, and the only way to recover files from a formatted hard disk is to use the Advanced Disk Recovery app.
Step 1: Download and install Advanced Disk Recovery using the download button below.
Step 2: Launch the software and choose the areas to be scanned.
Step 3: Click on the Start Scan Now Button.
Step 4: Choose the Deep scan option to recover files from the deepest sectors of your hard drive and click on Scan Now.
Step 5: A list of files that can be recovered will be displayed. Click on the check box next to the files you wish to recover and click on the Recover button.
Step 6: You will have to specify the location where you wish to save these recovered files and click on OK.
Step 7: Wait for some time, and your important data will be recovered..
Conclusion: How To Fix This Copy Of Windows Is Not Genuine 7600/7601?
We hope that the above methods have helped fix this issue on your PC. We would love to hear which method fixed your issue. Do write to us in the comments section below about your experience and post any queries you have.
FAQs
Question 1: Why Does Windows Deactivate And Display Error Messages?
The Windows OS activation module can be infected by malware. This error can also arise due to misconfigured settings or recent updates that will be fixed by Microsoft via another update.
Question 2: Should You Have The Windows Activation Key?
The Windows Activation Key is an important piece of information that must be stored safely. It will help reactivate your Windows OS in case it becomes deactivated or displays the Windows Is Not Genuine error message.
Question 3: Why Should We Activate Windows?
The Windows OS must be activated to enjoy all the features provided by Microsoft. These include –
- Receive updates regularly
- Protected from malware through updated Windows Security.
- Enjoy all the features and benefits of Windows.
- A watermark-less desktop.
- Receive Microsoft Tools via the Microsoft Store.
- Improved and Enhanced Performance.
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How to Go Back from Windows 11 to Windows 10
How To Change Windows 11 Account Password
