What happens if windows isnt genuine

Note: In Windows 8. You can reset it, but it will return to black every 60 minutes until the issue is resolved. Windows will always be able to get critical security updates, even if your version isn't genuine. However, other updates and benefits are available exclusively for genuine Windows software. It pairs your product key or digital entitlement with your hardware configuration.

Usually, you only need to activate Windows once, unless you make a significant hardware change. When your PC downloads updates, Windows checks to see if your product key or digital entitlement is valid.

If it is, you're eligible to receive the latest updates from Microsoft. If it's not, your PC is running non-genuine Windows. To learn how to activate Windows 10 or Windows 11, see Activate Windows. To learn how to activate Windows 8. Usually, a copy of Windows can only be installed on one PC. You'll still be able to get critical security updates. However, many updates are exclusively for customers with genuine versions of Windows.

We strongly recommend that you get genuine Microsoft software immediately to keep you safer while using your PC. Validation is an online process. It verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and that critical Windows licensing files haven't been damaged, deleted, or removed. It takes only a few moments and lets Microsoft create a match between your PC's hardware profile and your character product key or digital entitlement. Your copy of Windows may need to be validated before you can get downloads and the updates which are reserved for PCs that are running genuine Windows.

Once it finds out the copy of Windows is not genuine, you may receive a message on the lower right part of the desktop stating "Windows 7 build this copy of Windows is not genuine".

However, using this tool sometimes causes issues like Windows backup stuck at creating system image. MiniTool ShadowMaker, safe and reliable Windows backup software , is gaining popularity because of its powerful features.

File backup, system backup, disk backup, and partition backup can be realized with this professional backup tool. The corresponding restoration is also included. Multiple backup modes - automatic backup , incremental backup, and differential backup - can be created.

Meanwhile, disk management is enabled if you choose a backup scheme. Importantly, MiniTool ShadowMaker provides disk cloning with ease. Free Download.

Then, in the following Backup page, select the backup source and storage path. By default, all system partitions are selected. If you need to back up files, partition or the entire system disk, enter the Source section to choose a type. Step 3 : Go back to the Backup page and click Back up Now to start the backup. After completing the update, Windows 7 not genuine issue should be solved. If the message still exists, try the following method. However, you cannot upgrade your Windows to the latest version to fix bugs or getting new features.

All in all, we hope the methods described above did help you to fix the error message that states your copy of Windows is not genuine. Also, in order to avoid such trouble, one must not support pirated version of Windows and should own a genuine Window Copy officially from Microsoft. Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month. Windows has an updated file that detects if your Windows operating system is valid or an unauthorized copy. To activate Windows 10, you have to purchase a license key for the specific version of the operating system.

If your license key is not working, you can fix it with our expert guide. Commenting as. Not you? Save information for future comments. FIX: That key can't be used to activate this version of Windows Nowadays, you can buy a Windows license online in only a few seconds. However, if you encounter any problems, check our License management section for solutions.

Fixing Windows 10 errors is our job and that hub is full with expert articles and guides on how to solve this kind of problem. To fix various PC problems, we recommend Restoro PC Repair Tool: This software will repair common computer errors, protect you from file loss, malware, hardware failure and optimize your PC for maximum performance. Not only that, but Windows will also consistently remind you that you have not activated the software yet.

This could get very annoying. Thus, if customization is important to you and you dislike being consistently pestered by watermarks and reminders, it is best for you to pay for the activation key and run a genuine version. Now, on installing Windows, your computer will regularly insist you activate it within 30 days. On installing a fresh copy of windows, you will be provided with a 30 days free trial of the windows product you are using.

During this 30 days trial period, you will be able to use all the available features without any restrictions. The entire Windows experience will be available to you. Even if you installed an unauthorized or illegal copy of Windows 10, you will still have the option of buying a product activation key and activating your operating system. Software updates and user interface personalization will also be available to you within the first 30 days of installation.

However, if 30 days pass and you still do not activate Windows, all your customizations will go away. You will be greeted with a very generic version of Windows with the operating system embracing a stock look after undoing all your personalization.

A watermark will also appear telling you to activate Windows on your computer. You will also receive reminders requesting you to activate your Windows after 30 days are over. The drawbacks to not activating Windows after 30 days is not too great but it can feel slightly uncomfortable and uneasy to use due to the lack of control over how your computer looks. Since it is clear that you can use Windows without activation for over 30 days, you may wonder if you can get away with not activating windows at all.

You will be deprived of Windows games in this mode and lose access to Aero Glass, ReadyBoost, and BitLocker which are all considered premium features. But with Windows 10, Microsoft has embraced a much more lenient approach.

Not only do you not lose access to any of the necessary features that window has to offer, but there is literally no time limit for you to activate Windows. If you wish to not activate Windows on your personal computer at all, you can still access it for as long as you want. In other words, you will not be stopped from using Windows even if you choose to never activate the software.