Genuine Microsoft products contain piracy prevention features that can be checked with the help of the Windows Comparison Guide, the Office Comparison Guide, and the Installed Microsoft Software tool.
Is your Microsoft software genuine?
Using Pirated software comes with its share of problems, consequences and risks – so it is best to always use genuine software. Every edition of genuine Windows comes with piracy prevention features. Comparing the features of your software to those of genuine Windows can help determine if your copy of Windows is genuine.
This site talks about the features included with genuine Microsoft software, including the packaging, installation media, product key labels and the Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
Genuine Microsoft Software Tool
You may also use the Genuine Microsoft Software Tool to view detailed information about piracy prevention features of Windows software installed on your PC.
The Genuine Microsoft Software Diagnostic Site will ensure that your browser settings are configured properly to see images, run scripts, and allow ActiveX controls to download and run. You will be walked through the troubleshooting process step by step. If your configuration settings are not correct, you will be provided with suggestions to resolve the problem.
To find out if you have the right licensing, go here at microsoft.com.
Use the Diagnostics tool (MGADiag.exe). Once you have run it, click “Continue”, click the “Copy” button then “Paste” the report into a reply message in this thread.
Read: How to validate Windows 10 product key?
Report Counterfeit Microsoft Software
To report counterfeit Microsoft software, go here.
Microsoft has set up a product identification service that allows you to send your suspected, high-quality sophisticated fakes to them – along with proof of purchase. Microsoft will then tell you whether or not it’s fake, and if it is, they’ll send you a replacement, legitimate, copy free of charge.
If it is legitimate, Microsoft will send it straight back to you, along with a letter confirming it is genuine.
If it is a fake copy, then they will replace it with a legitimate replacement.
Of course, it has to be a sophisticated fake – if you knew it was a fake when you were buying it, then Microsoft will not swap it for a legitimate version! But if you’ve genuinely been taken in, then it’s your route to rescue! The replacement, however, could take up to 4 weeks!
What’s in it for you?
Well, if somebody has scammed you, you get a fully legit copy in return; and avoid the risk of viruses & trojans that exist in fake copies, or the risk that at some future point your fake version stops running.
What’s in it for Microsoft?
Microsoft gets some help in trying to track down the suppliers of fake software because it’s bad for Microsoft and its legitimate Microsoft partners.
Things You Should Know About Genuine Windows
You’ve purchased a Windows operating system or software through OEM or Volume Licensing, but is it ‘Genuine’? Activation is the initial process by which a Windows running on a PC is determined to be properly licensed and genuine, and it’s really quick and easy – and different from Registration. Here are the top 10 things you need to know about being ‘Genuine’.
Genuine Microsoft products contain piracy prevention features that can be checked with the help of the Windows Comparison Guide, the Office Comparison Guide, and the Installed Microsoft Software tool.
You may also use the Genuine Microsoft Software Tool to view detailed information about piracy prevention features of Windows software installed on your PC.
Next: Read about the Microsoft Compliance Program.
not work for win8 and office 2010/2013………
I have owned two HP 200-5020’s for about 4 years and I had
to restore my wife’s computer from a factory default install and now it states
“This copy of Windows is not genuine”. I have read many posts of the HP site
that state Microsoft will correct the issue to just call Microsoft customer
service. I did just that and they
remoted into the computer and said there is nothing they can do that HP has
locked the registration code and informed me that I have to call HP technical
support. I have tried call the support number listed on the website and all you
get is an IVR that gives business customer another number to call and directs
consumers to go to the website.
I registered the computer with HP the day I purchased from
BestBuy, I can only assume that HP has pirated the Windows 7 software and is
unable to provide any form of legal support for the product and has defrauded
me!