A

Remove Windows Genuine Notification

I recently again came up with the situation that Windows Genuine Notification popped up because Windows Update again installed it via Automatic Updates. It pops up while a user logs in to windows, displays a message near the system tray and keeps on reminding you in between work that the copy of windows is not […]

I recently again came up with the situation that Windows Genuine Notification popped up because Windows Update again installed it via Automatic Updates. It pops up while a user logs in to windows, displays a message near the system tray and keeps on reminding you in between work that the copy of windows is not genuine. It has been reported since its first release that even genuine users are getting this prompt, so Microsoft has them self release instructions for its removal. When I searched on Google about this issue, I landed up on pages which were providing many methods of its removal including those patching up existing files with their cracked versions which I would highly recommend avoiding them as they might contain malicious code and can be used to get you into more trouble.

I found out this method of removal of Windows Genuine Notification :

  1. Launch Windows Task Manager.
  2. End wgatray.exe process in Task Manager.
  3. Restart Windows XP in Safe Mode.
  4. Delete WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32.
  5. Delete WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32\dllcache.
  6. Launch RegEdit.
  7. Browse to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
  8. Delete the folder WgaLogon and all its contents
  9. Reboot Windows XP.

But the latest version of the WGN tool is a little tricky to handle. It will pop up again as soon as you end it from the task manager and while it is running in the memory, you can’t delete it too.

Here is how I did it :

  • Ignore Step #2 of ending wgatray.exe before restarting to Safe Mode as it serves no purpose.
  • At Step #4, wait on the deletion confirmation dialog box and then open task manager to end wgatray.exe
  • When you are again prompted for a confirmation for terminating the process, align that confirmation box over the delete confirmation box.
  • Press Yes on the Task Manager prompt and then quickly press Yes on the deletion confirmation. (You need to repeat this if you miss it)
  • If you did it quickly then you will be able to delete the file.
  • Step #5 can be missed. I was able to do it without the Step #5.
  • Complete Step 6 to 9 as instructed.

After you have followed all the above instructions, then

  • Go to Control Panel > Security Center > Automatic Update Settings.
  • Select the third option “Notify me but don’t automatically download or install them“.
  • Click Ok.
  • Now when Windows Updates icon will appear in the system tray (it will take some time), click on the icon and it will display a list of available updates.
  • This time unselect the checkbox of Windows Genuine Advantage Notification Tool, and click on Download.
    windows-genuine-notification
  • Select “Don’t notify my about these updates again” so it will ignored every time updates are downloaded.
  • From the next time, make sure to check the list of download so that you might not install any new version of this tool.

For windows 7 – Remove Windows 7 Genuine Notification

If you are having any issues, then let me know and I will try to help my best.

202 responses to “Remove Windows Genuine Notification”

  1. Rishi says:

    Nice find buddy. Great info. Dugg and Stumbled.

  2. […] How To Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notification [Hack Tip via Ashfame] Tags: disable genuine windows notification, disable wgn, disable windows genuine advantage, hacks, Hacks And Mods, remove windows genuine notification, windows genuine notification Save as PDFPrint PostEmail PostPermalinkRSSSHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “Get Rid Of Windows Genuine Advantage Notification [Hacks n Mods]”, url: “http://techie-buzz.com/hacks-and-mods/remove-windows-genuine-advantage-notification.html” }); rnum=Math.round(Math.random() * 100000); ts=String.fromCharCode(60); if (window.self != window.top) {nf=”} else {nf=’NF/’}; document.write(ts+’script src=”http://www.burstnet.com/cgi-bin/ads/ad16597a.cgi/v=2.3S/sz=468x60B/’+rnum+’/’+nf+’RETURN-CODE/JS/”>’+ts+’/script>’); […]

  3. Sparx says:

    Or you can just get the easy to use utility RemoveWGA from here – http://www.firewallleaktester.com/removewga.htm

    ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Worked for me.

    • Ashfame says:

      @Sparx
      As long as it can be done without the help of any external tools, then I will prefer that as those tools may contain malicious code. I call it safe computing.

    • Siddhartha Milan Shrestha says:

      My oprating system is Windows 7 ultimate,in Dell computer.when im opening system, my desktop colour automaticly changing in black colour (previous it was in another screen saver)and im getting windos genuine advantage
      1)it showing that you may be activation of software counterfeirting.
      2)this copy of windows did nt pass genuine windows validation.
      please help me.i want to remove it.

      • vishal goihl; says:

        Launch Windows Task Manager.
        End wgatray.exe process in Task Manager.
        Restart Windows XP in Safe Mode.
        Delete WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32.
        Delete WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32\dllcache.
        Launch RegEdit.
        Browse to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
        Delete the folder WgaLogon and all its contents
        Reboot Windows XP.

        try it apke proble solve ho jayaga ok dear

        • Ashfame says:

          I think I already have the instructions up ๐Ÿ˜›

          • WhiTe says:

            Download a process terminator for step 2. this software is free and it will end it without coming alive again (unlike when you do so using Task Manager). It sure works!

            • WhiTe says:

              Windows genuine advantage notification is Microsoft way of punishing people using pirated copy of windows xp. Therefore, if your computer always shows you that you may be a victim of software counterfeiting, its right and you need to go and buy a genuine windows xp.

              Windows genuine advantage notification occurs after you have updated your computer on the internet. Microsoft always runs a script that always checks for windows license .if your computer does not pass the test, that is when you are notified.

              If your version of Windows XP is not genuine and does not pass windows genuine validation, you will not be able to download security patches from Windows Update, or install the latest version of Internet Explorer 7 and other software.

              Recently Microsoft has even made the notification worse by changing your computer desktop color to black. This makes the notification more punishing and frustrating for users.

              Declaimer: this article is not to encourage piracy but for the purpose of knowledge. Please make sure you buy a license window xp.

              Well for you that bought pirated copy unknowingly follow these steps to remove this black screen and the notification.

              Firstly, you have to terminate the process form running on your computer secondly you have to change the name of the files that are running the process. Then change your desktop back to what you where using before.

              Right click on your task bar, click on task manager, click process tab look for the process with the name “wgatray.exe” right click on it and click end process tree, a warning message will appear click yes, the process will be terminated.
              Secondly double click on my computer, double click drive C: double click windows folder, double click system 32 folder, look for two files, “wgatray.exe”. When you locate the file, right click on the file and rename them to whatever you want.
              Then restart your computer. Your computer should be in good state now.

              Recently Microsoft has modified the notification such that if this notification also changes your computer wallpaper and background color to black. After removing the notification simply change you desktop wallpaper again.

              Sometimes this modified windows genuine advantage notification also initiates the Wgatray.exe process immediately after you end the process. To solve this problem download process terminators that will kill it process permanently for you to be able to change the name of wgatray.exe in the system 32 folder.

            • Ashfame says:

              You can easily do that with the Task manager, no need to download another tool for such a thing.

          • Amit says:

            Hey,thanks for your trick to remove the genuine notification thing…i did not understand your following step..could you please elaborate on that?
            you say
            “After you have followed all the above instructions, then

            Go to Control Panel > Security Center > Automatic Update Settings.
            Select the third option โ€œNotify me but donโ€™t automatically download or install themโ€œ.
            Click Ok.
            Now when Windows Updates icon will appear in the system tray (it will take some time), click on the icon and it will display a list of available updates.
            This time unselect the checkbox of Windows Genuine Advantage Notification Tool, and click on Download.
            Select โ€œDonโ€™t notify my about these updates againโ€ so it will ignored every time updates are downloaded.
            From the next time, make sure to check the list of download so that you might not install any new version of this tool.”

            What i dont understand is that once this genuine notification thing disappears,why to perform the above step?
            Thanks again,bye.

  4. […] sure to check the list of download so that you might not install any new version of this tool. [ More […]

  5. […] As with everything Microsoft, new hacks and workarounds for the Microsoft Genuine Advantage program have already been published in various blogs and websites.  Here is one such working workaround from Ashfame. […]

  6. […] You can continue to use your pirated version and use hacks like THIS one and hope that Microsoft don’t find a way to combat the hack and you don’t get […]

  7. Emilija says:

    oh my. i was searching for help with this issue, and i found exactly what i was looking for. THANK YOU, great job.

  8. Gula Kapas says:

    “… Press Yes on the Task Manager prompt and then quickly press Yes on the deletion confirmation. (You need to repeat this if you miss it)…”

    You need to modify this step (shown quoted above) by adding about the “5 sec gap” as mentioned in Step 18 in the link below

    http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Windows-Genuine-Advantage-Notifications

    Just trying to be helpful ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Zeeshan Ibrahim says:

    Hi Ashish, its a very safe and nice way to remove WGN notification. Well done.
    Thanx.
    Zeeshan Ibrahim
    Pakistan

  10. Basith Shaik says:

    thank you very much for the helpful blog.

  11. Bwsis says:

    Thanks millions!!
    Keep up the Great work.
    I bookmarked your blog.
    Thanks again!

  12. Hisham says:

    Thank you very very much… it’s the best way I had try…

  13. ismail says:

    remove genuine microsoftware from my computer

  14. ismail says:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/MICROSOFT/WINDOWSNT/current version/winlogon/notify

  15. Jimmy says:

    If none of those steps listed above won’t work visit http://fixexe.com/ultimate-windows-genuine-advantage-wga-remover/ WGA Remover and install a patch.

    It worked for me..

  16. Marc Laurence says:

    Whew… excellent!!!! Tnx bro..

  17. John G says:

    Hi ashfame,
    Your info on removal of WGA nusiance worked a treat.
    All i need to do now is to reclaim my Geniune Status before i try for further updates…i would appreciate any help you can offer.
    You are the TOPS.
    Many thanks.
    John

    • Ashfame says:

      Hi John!
      If your genuine product messed up with this message, then I think your product key has been blacklisted. Better get in touch with MS for this issue. Other companies will give you a new key after you are verified as a owner of a genuine key but I don’t know how MS will react. Hope that helps. ๐Ÿ™‚

  18. Phuc Le says:

    I have got a rid of the “Windows Genuine Advantage Notification” successfully by delete all wga files, which can be found simply from the “Search” mechanism.
    However, before this step, I have also open Registry Editor (regedit.exe from Run) and sought for wgalogon folder and deleted it.
    Good luck!
    Phuc Le

  19. Alice Chan says:

    Hi!! Ashish Saini aka Ashfame,

    Just want to said “Thanks a lot” of your helpfull info.

  20. bilal says:

    i want to close windows genuine updates notification

  21. This is works! Superb! Thanks a lot! God Bless!

  22. pran says:

    hey i wanted to ask you about this issue….
    after rebooting my comp every time “windows genuine advantage notification” dialouge box comes….

    and in the automatic updates section on the system tray a ques hangs around:

    “how do you want to install updates?” n it has two options:

    express install and custom install.. and donno which one to take..

    and plus the procedure of deleting wga files and going to regedit is already done long back by me…

    its just that windows genuine advantage notification is again popping up saying i should check if my win is lisenced or not…
    what shud i do next… help if you can.. thanks…

    • Ashfame says:

      @pran
      Did you followed the above steps correctly? You probably missed something. I guess you didn’t uncheck the options of downloading WGA Notification Tool in Windows Update prompt which is causing that update to be installed again. follow the steps and you will be good. Lemme know if you have more issues.

  23. sattanathan says:

    thanks for your idea problem is clear

  24. Mahesh says:

    hey Ash…do u have any fix for Windows Vista 32 bit …or can i try the same in vista too…plssss let me know its too annoying here with this star sign on my system tray….

  25. Rizwan says:

    jankari k liye Dhanyawaad…..lekin itni mehnat kaun krega..ek kam kr tu he thik kr diyo..kal milte h lib me aftr 3pm…ok daddy!!!!

  26. Rizwan says:

    what is Softwr counterFeiting????

  27. Loosgoose says:

    you obviously have cut & pasted those instructions, as in your step 6 says LAUCH instead of LAUNCH on many other googled websites. so who are we to believe???

  28. Ashfame says:

    @Loosegoose
    Its a common typo. I dont need to prove anything

  29. Ty says:

    I have one related question to what you have explained. Just a little different.

    I have downloaded this Windows Genuine update to my computer not so long ago, but I haven’t install it. Since then the Windows Genuine Advantage Notification tool keep poping up everytime when I turnon or restart my computer. Is there any ways to cancle or remove this tool from my coputer?

    Thanks in advance.

  30. Ashfame says:

    @Ty
    The update can surely be deleted where it is saved in a temporary location but I am afraid that you will have to google it out yourself. You should be able to find it and you can also try installing it and then removing it as I have explained it here.

  31. dd says:

    Ashfame, can this make WGA gone even if it is not pilot version?

  32. Jenny says:

    Ashfame thanks for the tip!! it worked really well!! and you’re right to ignore immature a-holes like loosgoose! ๐Ÿ™‚
    keep up the good work!

  33. Pablo says:

    Well it s true it works and it removes the notification but with the newes WGA i mean 16/08/2009 you cant do windows update unless you do you r validation with WGA.

    • Ashfame says:

      @Pablo
      I will have to see on this once I get back to work in a few days. I have a genuine copy so I will check if I can update without installing WGA.

  34. MonMon says:

    I normally get rid of the notification by:

    1. Opening Drive(C:)

    2. Search for “Windows Genuine Advantage” on the drive

    3. Delete the folder Windows Genuine Advantage.

    4. Reboot

    Usually it works. But this time, it doesn’t work. I did as the same, but then after rebooting, that genuine thing pops up as well, leaving my screen black. And the worst thing is, the computer theme doesn’t load, leaving my computer with a lame, plain theme.

  35. moratmarit says:

    Hii..thanks for tutorial, now i’m enjoy with Windows..:)

  36. Ashfame says:

    @Pablo @Monmon
    My windows got updated by itself and now I have WGA installed as well as I guess. I am really running busy these days so I can’t investigate further. May be try some more googling ๐Ÿ˜‰

  37. expert help says:

    you can also have the cmd prompt set to delete the file and keep finger on carriage return, then kill process and click console window – bam, done.

  38. Doug says:

    I have read your solution to WGA and am wishing to use it – the date today is 6th Oct 2009 will it work with the latest windows update systems without causing me other problems? I am a relative novice in these matters. Thank you

  39. Nestor Correa Sr. says:

    any update about hardware and software, tks.

  40. marck says:

    thanks alot Ashish for making this forum the instructions you have given to remove the wga notifications were great thanks again.

  41. The most easier steps to remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications Installation Wizard permanently within 1 minute.

  42. richard says:

    thanks a lot it worked great!

  43. HASEEB says:

    THANK UUUUUUUUUU

  44. jm says:

    Is rebooting computer deletes/removes all the files/ programs installed on your computer?

  45. rishi says:

    Thanks a ton!! It worked after trying a hell lot of times!! Thanks again.

  46. Amita says:

    Thanks! Thanks a lot Ashish for making this forum the instructions you have given to remove the wga notifications were great thanks again.

  47. SAURABH says:

    I have an easyer way than u
    1.open taskmanager/processer
    2.then open c:\windows\system32
    3.then see wgatray.exe where it is
    4. then bring taskmanager/processer/ in front
    5. then end wgatray.exe
    6. as u end wgatray.exe then delete the wgatray.exe from windows32

  48. No more WGA says:

    First I want thank Ashfame for helping people with this annoying problem. Also want to thank Phuc Le.

    I did what she posted and it worked like a charm. No more WGA Install screens when I reboot. I also did what Ashfame said to do to the Automatic Updates.

    Thanks both of you for helping me get rid of this annoyance that has been bugging me for over a year. I spent several hours on other sites trying to find the rememdy for this problem. So glad I found this site.

  49. dilan says:

    i want remove windows genuine
    can u send me a file, for running to remove

    thanks

  50. This worked great thank you!!!
    [Please don’t use keywords in name]

  51. i want remove windows genuine

  52. Kanchan says:

    I was facing the problem with my own PC at home.
    But thanks for the great help by you.

  53. Kranti says:

    A more effective tool and guides are posted on [link moderated]
    That is really very helpful and easy to use.
    [link moderated]

    • Ashfame says:

      Sorry but I don’t prefer to use any third party tools and patches because they can’t be trusted. They might them self be malicious.

  54. The Man says:

    Thanks this really work for me..thanks for share this information to me

  55. I was annoyed by it sometime before but now I am genuine user that’s the simplest way to remove it.

    • Ashfame says:

      Even I used Win XP genuine but I wrote the post when I fixed another computer which was not running a genuine OS. Now I am on Win 7

  56. phil says:

    hi. i am not nerd enough to be sure about what i am doing so i am asking you to varify these actions: 1) i could not find wgatray.exe in the task manager; 2) ditto for step 4&5; found the spot in regedit, but was unsure about ae(alpha,epsilon)WgaLogon as it wasnt like in step three. i have a screen shot of that regedit so please reply so i can move on.
    thanks

  57. Tiff says:

    My issue is my labtop won’t go into safe mode.
    When I select safe mode it goes into an error message saying it has detected a problem and the whole system restarts itself. It just keeps doing that every time I try.

  58. Siddhu says:

    Microsoft does not permit us to do these stuff… but I think you’ve got everything covered… I switched OS because of these stupid notifications, got fed up of doing this every time I installed my OS… Though Windows 7 is much more liberal with this…

    • Ashfame says:

      We are not doing anything wrong here. The notification somehow bugged several genuine users too. And I too made the switch to Windows 7 sometime back.

  59. phil says:

    Re: your recent commment to me about “Not deleting from the registry”
    Your instructions say:
    “7.Browse to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
    8.Delete the folder รขโ‚ฌหœWgaLogonรขโ‚ฌโ„ข and all its contents”
    Anyway I cannot find that folder as it is designated with the”รขโ‚ฌหœ” and the “รขโ‚ฌโ„ข”.

    • Ashfame says:

      I said those are the instructions I found but didn’t work and then I wrote the instructions I followed. Read carefully.

      • phil says:

        went back and looked under C:\win\sys32 and could not find either WGALogon.dll or dllcache under C:\win\sys32\

        • Ashfame says:

          In the post, there are two set of instructions. The former one don’t work now. You should use the later one. All this time you are sticking with the former one.

  60. Prem vardhan says:

    See dude i’m having a fake vista on my pc and it recently started asking me about checking whether i’m having genuine version or not and gives two options one asking to ask the windows guys now and the other is ask later.One more thing to say is that i don’t find my wallpaper on the desktop but there is a black wallpaper which i have to replace every time i switch on my pc.This happens everytime i switch on my pc so can u say me some solution for this genuine checking thing.Waiting for your reply

  61. Prem vardhan says:

    dude by the way reply me to my email s.premvardhan@sify.com

  62. phil says:

    There was no wgatray.exe process in Task Manager; there is no WgaTray.exe in C:\Windows\System32; there is no WgaTray.exe in C:\Windows\System32\dllcache (in fact there is no dllcache; and there is no folder รขโ‚ฌหœWgaLogonรขโ‚ฌโ„ข in HiKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify!
    Have any other ideas?

  63. phil says:

    so what happens when there is nothing to delete and this window genuine thing keeps on popping up?

  64. phil says:

    I am XP!

    • Ashfame says:

      You said you are running Vista in the first comment itself. Anyways if you are on XP, then read the post completely first. You are using the instructions which don’t work. Follow up the article.

  65. phil says:

    Prem said he was running XP. Anyhow, follow up what article? Like I said none of those files exist on my CPU

    • Ashfame says:

      I am sorry for the confusion. There are two set of instructions in the article. The latter one works. You are following the steps of former one. Please read the full article before actually doing anything.

      • phil says:

        i read through the article and keep on telling you that i cannot find the files that you are referring to; with one exception and could not delete it-it tells me that it may be disk protected or some nonsense. would uninstalling then resinstalling the suite be a better idea; i am afraid to do it since the microsoft files might put a block on such an action.

    • Monish says:

      I agree with Phill.. even I don’t see wgatray.exe any where

  66. phil says:

    I read through it several times and I have absolutly no idea what you are asking me to note. Nothing in the article exists on my (XP Pro) computer; no wgatray.exe in the task manager; no WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32.
    no WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32\dllcache; no folder รขโ‚ฌหœWgaLogonรขโ‚ฌโ„ข in RegEdit: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows, no folder รขโ‚ฌหœWgaLogonรขโ‚ฌโ„ข in \CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify; even when i go to the control panel to do the “dont notify me………” no icon pops up to deselect the update you described.

  67. phil says:

    the only thing i was able to find was the folder WgaLogon; i deleted it and rebooted but still have the problem; could i somehow get those files reinstalled so that i can start from the beginning?

    • Ashfame says:

      You don’t need to get those files back. Can you describe step by step according to the steps in tutorial that you took?

  68. phil says:

    i believe i had deleted the file wgatray.exe process in Task Manager; that was a while back when i had first found this website; then after all the other agony in-between i had managed to find the the folder WgaLogon and deleted it. i really screwed this one up!

    • Ashfame says:

      I believe it still can be fixed by the above instructions in your case if its working for others too.
      Are you 100% sure that you followed the steps of removing wgatray.exe from those two folders while running in safe mode and the wgalogon folder in registry?

  69. phil says:

    i didnt run anything insafe mode

    • Ashfame says:

      Follow the instructions in the article first. You need to delete wgatray.exe from those two folders while you are in safe mode.

  70. phil says:

    i need to start this from the top, namely to get the file rewritten so i can start all over; how do i do this?

    • Ashfame says:

      Here, follow these instructions in order :

      Restart Windows XP in Safe Mode.

      Delete WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32 (wait on the deletion confirmation dialog box and then open task manager to end wgatray.exe)
      When you are again prompted for a confirmation for terminating the process, align that confirmation box over the delete confirmation box.
      Press Yes on the Task Manager prompt and then quickly press Yes on the deletion confirmation. (You need to repeat this if you miss it)

      Delete WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32\dllcache if its there and you can else skip it

      Launch RegEdit.

      Browse to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify

      Delete the folder WgaLogon and all its contents

      Reboot Windows XP

      • phil says:

        this will not happen; i cannot find any of these files; is there a way to get these files rewritten so i can start from the top?

  71. phil says:

    just tell me if it is possible-and how-to get back to where i was with this before i started deleting, etc. i didnt get the hide update anyway; if i can start from the top maybe i can get it right this time.

    • Ashfame says:

      How can you go back deleting something without a backup? Actually you don’t even need to. Get someone techie to help you personally and follow these instructions.

  72. RM Burce says:

    Hey Bro! tnx for your idea! without your idea, I cant rid off the annoying star-like logo and the genuine notification and I need to buy an original one…I thoght I cant do it bcoz I not too “smart” for the remedy; the procedures, I cant understand it, im just 15 and didnt learn any about IT, i just watch from my friends how to do it…anyway…Can microsoft office can be installed from another with it to another w/o it without using installer and by just using flashdrive???I will be waiting for your reply…

    • Ashfame says:

      You can’t just copy every software and expect it to work. Some do work but Ms Office wouldn’t. You can use OpenOffice from OpenOffice.org

  73. phil says:

    ms office is working just fine except for the genuine ms notification; now the last question i will ever ask of you: “can i download the original files that started this whole thing-the notification pop up-so that i can try to remove it the exact way that you had specified: yes-this is the way you do it or no it cannot be done.
    thanks

    • Ashfame says:

      I think you can’t. But still you can try updating your windows if it allows you to. May be it will bring up the files again.

  74. strGraphics says:

    Thanks for this friend.., in fact i have searched for this a lot..

  75. Woking!!! says:

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH DUDE! IT REALLY WORKS ON MY COMPUTER. BUT I DID NOT REBOOT MY COMPUTER>….IS IT OK?OR I REALLY NEED TO REBOOT MY COMPUTER?

    • Ashfame says:

      Sometimes its necessary, sometimes its not. If it asks for a reboot, better do it. It doesn’t hurt. ๐Ÿ˜€

  76. man says:

    today i have found an easiest tool that can remove the ugly windows genuine notification message. It is totally free to download and use. its download link:
    [moderated:it is recommended not to use 3rd party tools]

  77. Siddhartha Milan says:

    my oparating system is windows 7 ultimate in Dell computer,when im opening system, my desktop colour automaticly changing in black colour (previous it was in another screen saver)and im getting windos genuine advantage
    1)it showing that you may be activation of software counterfeirting.

    2)this copy of windows did nt pass genuine windows validation.
    please help me.

    • Ashfame says:

      I have no idea about doing it in Win 7 as it ditched it before. I have also replied to your email ๐Ÿ™‚

  78. primo vera says:

    Mr. Ashfame,

    Pls help me to remove “This copy of windows is not genuine”, i am using windows 7 Build 7600. Please send me the exact procedure what to do in my email address. Thanks

  79. dodge says:

    thanks..

  80. Carl says:

    Thumbs up Ashfame for posting this man. WGA is a pain in the ass even tho I have a legit copy of windows. I hate microsoft. They over charge you anyway for all their crap. Great going man. I will pass this on to all my friends.

  81. pherez says:

    dear all

    please do inform me of how to remove the wga from windows 7 ultimate edition,from the post seeminlg there is no one having a clue on this.i believe that from other sources you could find.i seriousely need this its cracking my head.thanks

  82. suresh says:

    lot of thanx
    keep it up,

  83. suresh says:

    Lote of thanx
    keep it up

    mumbai

  84. […] Remove Windows Genuine Notification How To Remove Windows Genuine Authentication | Windows XP | How To Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications Nag Screen | Windows Reference How to Remove Windows XP Genuine Validation | eHow.com ???? ?? ???? ????? ?? ?? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ????????? ?? ??? ?? ????????? ????????? […]

  85. RAKESH says:

    Start using Windows 7, man

  86. jereeth says:

    Realy good, i cud solve the problem,tnx

  87. ds says:

    but how remove it window7

  88. sunil says:

    But i am unable to remove windows genuine notification in windows7.

    Please reply me about win7.

  89. sunil says:

    i am unable to remove genuine notification in windows7.

    reply me about removing process from win7

  90. coolsys says:

    This is works! Thanks a lot!

  91. theFadedmoon says:

    I’ve found a simpler way to take care of this. You can find a program called Autoruns on download.com or various other places. I used it regularly before this problem came up, anyway. Under the ‘everything’ tab in this program, just scroll down until you see the ‘Wgatray’ entry. just check the box next to it to disable it. Restart the computer. Then you can proceed with step 4 and finish deleting it without any quick clicking or tricks.

  92. kamal baghel says:

    Dear

    Good Job.

    fantasting.

    kamal Baghel

  93. chris says:

    Nice tip! I used to do this back in the day too and it worked well.

  94. shoaib says:

    i have got just one thing to say……..
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

  95. Veronika says:

    Hi problem is I found system 32 file for the wgtray but it wont let me delete it, it says Im not authorized to do that wtf? Can someone help? Or is there some other way around it? Or something else I could do? Im going crazy! Thenks!

  96. jay says:

    It can be updated or not. I tend to accidentally update the window. This method can be used every time or not. However, I appreciate the sharing.

  97. Zafar says:

    Dear Ashish K Saini

    I have read your blog about removing WGA in XP. I have same problem with my window 7 ultimate. Please tell me how to remove WGA notification from Window7.i have search the the possible location but it did not work for me. Thanking you in advance for your help. Regards/Zafar

  98. Dhuhai says:

    The WGA.exe is not deleting from C:\Windows\System32. It is saying that Access is denied. Please Help me.

  99. lasa_SriLanka says:

    The best article ever I have seen.
    Thank You friends.
    I got results

    lasa
    sri lanka

  100. Claire says:

    Hi, I just got this message prompt from genuine Microsoft and I really want to get rid of it so I was really happy when I bump into this site but I am having problem, I don’t know how to restart my computer in safe mode, I had instructions here on how to do so however there’s no drop down list as was stated, it just automatically making me choose bet. the 3, log off, shut down or restart… uhm so anyway, do I have to do this in safe mode? or do you have anything to help me with this… Thank you so much..

  101. Suvra says:

    hi, i need to remove the notification for software counterfeiting in windows 7 Ultimate. please help me

  102. Andreea says:

    Oh gosh, finally a good help! I had so many times problems with windows genuine advantage and I downloaded so many craps to get rid of it, and now I feel like I’ve discovered America :)). Thank you so much for your help!

  103. sajin says:

    i have a windows 7 ultimate platform, but this didn’t work on it. is there any other way to end it. is there any other tricky ways specially in 7?

  104. Gharie says:

    why is it that when i do this:
    Delete WgaTray.exe from C:\Windows\System32.

    there’s something that pops out that says:
    “Cannot delete WgaTray:Access denied.

    Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.”

    what can i do about it?

    and i can’t find C:\Windows\System32\dllcache.

    thanks

  105. deepak says:

    I can’t find the files mentioned (wgatray.exe, WgaLogon). Is there any other way to remove this ?

    Thanks,
    Deepak E.

  106. shayan says:

    very very thanks dear. i used ur “regedit” formula and solve the problem and remove desktop notification of genuine window. lastly thanku and u done great job

  107. anand says:

    thanks dudeeee good job

  108. Gopakumar says:

    If somebody asks to name a few adbantages of the internet, this will be one of them, THANKS for the excellent tips friend.
    Just one problem though, in my excitement i accidently deleted the entire notify folder including the wgalogon folder with all its contents refered to in step 7
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify

    Is this going to do my system harm? Is there anyway i can retrieve the notify folder?

  109. sahib says:

    thanks a lot it worked great!job

  110. suraj says:

    i have problem in my laptop it shows genuine notification that is this copy of windows is not genuine. please give me some ideas to remove it. i have a big problem with this. it makes a problem to install any program in my lpt.

  111. waqas jabri says:

    i cant find a window genuin notification file is there anay other way to remove this
    thanks waqas jabri

  112. jyot says:

    Thank you so much!! it solved my problem in the first try only. Your idea to open both the commands for ‘deletion’ at same time and clicking them one after another was very helpful! Thank you, God bless you. I’m feeling so lucky and happy…. weeeee!!!

  113. yashaswi says:

    thanks a lot buddy. it worked nicely

  114. rogerpeter says:

    do you think this is really an worth to remove windows notification… i had found many resources of the same on techarena.in. but they says it is not legal to do that. who cares in india..

  115. Saurabh Rai says:

    does it relly work ?

  116. daman sandhu says:

    i see a wga setup when my window starts how to get rid of it??

  117. mia says:

    my system cant find these files. what do i do??

  118. bimba says:

    hi, I am unable to find the wgafile in system32 folder. But still I am getting the notification saying “windows copy is not genuine” when my system boots. Could you please assist??

  119. ajay says:

    wgalogon in not getting terminated after following the step #7 mentioned above.
    please help me……………

  120. Atif RJ says:

    Thanx, Bro, great help, keep it up, best wishes and regards

  121. sagar says:

    Stii i got windows genuine problem at time of logging in
    How can i solve it???
    Pls Help…

  122. Akshay Brahma says:

    Hey Ashfame,

    i couldn’t find “wgatray.exe” neither in task manager nor in system 32 folder… pls guide.

    thnx.

    -Akshay Brahma

  123. Camera says:

    Thanks for the great article, thanks.

  124. rhe says:

    Worked!
    THANK YOU

  125. Mhars says:

    Thanks a lot! It sure works! =)

  126. General says:

    Microsoft SUCKS!!!

  127. Jamie says:

    BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS SOOOO MUCH!! SO MUCH SAFER THAN DOWNLOADING POTENTIAL UNKNOWN PROGRAMS TO REMOVE THIS ANNOYING BUG!! BRAVO!

  128. james says:

    well done! thankyou for your instructions! It really works! You have really made a brain breaking work into a sitter!

  129. thank you very much!!~

  130. annoying guy says:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
    Why i cant find out Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify

  131. รtalo says:

    Hi, just wanna post my thanks here, it really really helped a lot.

  132. Arnab says:

    Each & every time i disable wgatray.exe it starts up again.

  133. Young says:

    Thanx Bro, much apprecaited.

  134. Bhavya says:

    Thanks a lot……. my desktop got a rebirth…its lively and colorful again!! I got a relief n was bored seeing the black desktop every time i turn on my pc..!! But now i am happy each time i see my colorful desktop!