---
title: "Fix “This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine” – Error 0x80070005"
description: "This message can show up after a system update, hardware change, or installation issue — and it's more common than it sounds."
url: https://help.thesoftwarekings.com/en/articles/44-fix-this-copy-of-windows-is-not-genuine-error-0x80070005
collection: "Windows Troubleshooting"
updated: 2026-07-31
language: en
---

# Fix “This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine” – Error 0x80070005

This message can show up after a system update, hardware change, or installation issue — and it's more common than it sounds.

If you're seeing the message **“This copy of Windows is not genuine”** along with **Error 0x80070005**, it usually means that Windows couldn’t validate your activation — even if your key was working before.

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### 🔍 Why This Happens

This error typically appears when:

-   Activation files were removed or corrupted during an update
    
-   The system was restored or reinstalled without reactivating
    
-   A different edition of Windows was installed over an activated one
    
-   Microsoft’s servers temporarily fail to verify activation status
    

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### ✅ How to Fix It

#### 1\. **Restart Your PC**

This message can sometimes resolve itself after a restart.

#### 2\. **Re-enter Your Product Key**

-   Go to **Settings > System > Activation**
    
-   Click **Change product key**
    
-   Enter the key we sent you and click **Next**
    

This often re-validates the license and removes the message.

#### 3\. **Run the Activation Troubleshooter**

-   In the same **Activation** settings menu, click **Troubleshoot**
    
-   Let Windows try to automatically re-validate your license
    

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### 🧠 Still Seeing the Message?

If the message stays even after trying the steps above:

1.  Take a **screenshot** of the activation screen or error message
    
2.  Email us at 📧 [**help@thesoftwarekings.com**](mailto:help@thesoftwarekings.com)
    
3.  Include your **order number**
    

We’ll verify the issue and, if needed, replace your key so you can get back to normal use without the message popping up.

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### 💬 Need Help Fast?

Talk to **Kingbot** or contact us directly — we respond quickly and ensure your system is fully activated with a **lifetime-guaranteed key**.