“Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine” is screen locker that displays error notification and says that you use illegal copy of Windows. This error states that you must enter an activation key to restore your system.. The pop-up window contains a link (“Click here to get your key”) that leads to a site with a survey after completing which a victim is redirected to a pay-per-download website (sharecash.org).This website spreads pay-per-fill surveys in such deceptive and intrusive way. The fee is charged for a text file that, supposedly, contains the key. Be aware, note that entering a genuine key will not solve the problem. Also error message can motivate users to call “Certified Technicians” where you can get a support. These specialists strongly assure to pay for this useless service so don’t waste your time by trying to call them.

How virus causing “Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine” infiltrates your system

This infection always spreads with infected files attached to emails, P2P networks, freeware download source, fake software updaters, and trojans.. Therefore, you need to pay attention to suspicious emails and files, untrusted sites. Always keep your antimalware and antivirus software up-to-date.

How to remove “Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine” scam message

In our view, there are 3 products that potentially have virus causing “Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine” alert in their database. You can try to use them for removing this malware.

Recommended Solution:

You can try both of these products to remove locker virus

Generally, “Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine” blocks your screen so in order to fix an error you need to open access to the system.

1. Press simultaneously the combination Ctrl + Alt + Del;
2. Open the Windows Task Manager;
3. Choose the process related to this scam message and click End Process button.

Remove virus manually from the Control Panel

There are cases that malware infiltrates your system with other software. Therefore, to get rid of “Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine” scam message you need to recall what you installed recently.

Windows XP:

1. Click the Start button and launch Control Panel;
2. Open Add or Remove Programs;
3. Select the program related to Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine scam message and remove it.

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Windows XP.

Windows 7/Windows Vista:

1. Click the Start button and launch Control Panel;
2. Open Uninstall a Program;
3. Uninstall the program related to Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine scam message.

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Windows 7.

Windows 8/Windows 8.1:

1. Open menu by right-clicking icon in left bottom corner;
2. Select Control Panel;
3. Choose the Uninstall a Program;
4. Find the program related to Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine scam message and click Uninstall.

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Windows 8 (8.1).

Windows 10:

1. Press Win + X to open Windows Power Menu;
2. Click Control Panel;
3. Choose Uninstall a Program;
4. Select the program related to Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine scam message and remove it.

Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Windows 10

Note: But there’s a chance that uninstalling application will not solve the problem. Moreover, such applications always leave traces in the form of malicious files that can cause new problems in future.

Restore browser settings to their original defaults

Viruses also can spread via browsers through the different extensions and add-ons. We recommend you to reset your browser settings.

Restore settings in Google Chrome

1. Click on the icon in the right-upper corner;
2. Select Settings;
3. Click Show advanced settings;
4. Click the Reset Settings button.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Google Chrome.

Restore settings in Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the icon in the upper right corner;
2. Select Help;
3. Choose Troubleshooting Information;
4. Click the Reset Firefox.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Mozilla Firefox.

Restore settings in Internet Explorer

1. Click the Tools button;
2. Open Internet options;
3. Go to the Advanced tab;
4. Click Reset.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Internet Explorer.

Restore settings in Microsoft Edge

1. Click on the three-dot button in the upper right corner;
2. Select Settings;
3. Pick the Choose what to clear under the Clear browsing data category;
4. Select All and click Clear.

Learn more about resetting browser settings in Microsoft Edge.

Note: After removing this potentially suspicious program and fixing your web browsers, we should proceed to further actions that will help you to get rid of “Microsoft Windows is not genuine” scam message.

Remove “Microsoft Windows is Not Genuine” using anti-virus software in Safe Mode with Networking

In Safe Mode, Windows won’t load third-party startup programs or hardware drivers. If malware is running when you boot into Windows normally, it shouldn’t automatically run when you boot into Safe Mode. Moreover, usual Safe Mode offers no Internet access so you’ll have to install an antivirus from a USB drive or other removable media, while Safe Mode with Networking offers Internet access so you can download and update an antivirus from within Safe Mode. Log into your computer, download and install the antivirus software, and run it.

To enter Safe Mode on Windows 7 or earlier:

1. Restart your computer;
2. Repeatedly tap F8 at the start of the boot-up process;
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking in the menu that appears.

To enter Safe mode on Windows 8 or later:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings window.
2. Press and hold the Shift key as you click the Restart option under the power button. Your computer will restart into Advanced Startup options menu.
3. Click Troubleshoot then open Advanced Options. In this window click on Startup Settings and click Restart.
4. On the Startup Settings screen, press 5 to enter Safe Mode with Networking.
5. After loading in Safe Mode check for viruses using anti-virus software.

Remove “Microsoft Windows is not genuine” using System Restore in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

If your attempt has failed try to use a System Restore. System Restore is useful when dealing with the screen locker ransomware infections. In some cases, such types of malware can block running System Restore. Furthermore, viruses can block standard Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. Therefore, we have one way to fix this error: restore your system using Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

To enter Safe Mode on Windows 7 or earlier:

1. Restart your computer;
2. Repeatedly tap F8 at the start of the boot-up process;
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt in the menu that appears.

To enter Safe Mode on Windows 8 or later:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings window;
2. Press and hold the Shift key as you click the Restart option under the power button. Your computer will restart into Advanced Startup options menu;
3. Click Troubleshoot then open Advanced Options. In this window click on Startup Settings and click Restart;
4. On the Startup Settings screen, press 5 to enter Safe Mode Command Prompt.

In the input field Command Prompt:

1. Type rstrui.exe and press Enter;
2. Then click Next button in the window;
3. Click on the desired date of restoring and click Next;
4. Click Yes button in the window.

Note: keep in mind that malicious files can stay within restore points so System Restore can’t remove security infections. Finally, check the system with the antimalware software after completion System Restore.

Although such virus doesn’t cause heavy damage to your system but sometimes, it is very difficult to get rid of it. Security software is really the most important protective instrument. However, software isn’t the only defense. Stick to the general rules to avoid viruses and malware: be wary of opening any email attachment, don’t download file from untrusted sources, torrents, always keep the antivirus definition database updated, do not visit suspicious web sites. Hopefully, these tips help you to get rid of “Microsoft Windows Is Not Genuine” scam message.