---
title: "Solve “This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine” – Error 0x80070005"
description: "This message can appear after a Windows update, a hardware change, or an installation-related issue. If you’re seeing “This copy of Windows is not genuine” along with error 0x80070005, it usually means Windows was unable to confirm activation status—even if everything worked correctly before."
url: https://help.activekeys.com/en/articles/44-solve-this-copy-of-windows-is-not-genuine-error-0x80070005
collection: "Windows Troubleshooting"
updated: 2026-02-12
language: en
---

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

This message can appear after a Windows update, a hardware change, or an installation-related issue. If you’re seeing “This copy of Windows is not genuine” along with error 0x80070005, it usually means Windows was unable to confirm activation status—even if everything worked correctly before.

**🔍 Common reasons this happens**

This situation often occurs when:

-   Activation components were damaged or removed during an update
    
-   The system was restored or reinstalled and activation was never completed again
    
-   A different Windows edition was installed over a previously activated one
    
-   Microsoft’s activation servers temporarily can’t verify the status
    

**✅ How to fix it**

1.  Restart your PC  
    In some cases, a restart is enough for Windows to refresh its activation check.
    
2.  Enter your product key again  
    Go to: **Settings > System > Activation**  
    Click **Change product key**  
    Enter the key you received and click **Next**
    

This often forces Windows to re-check activation and removes the warning message.

3.  Run the Activation Troubleshooter  
    In the same Activation page, click **Troubleshoot** and follow the prompts. Windows will attempt to detect and correct activation-related issues automatically.