How to Tell If Windows Is Genuine
Using a genuine version of Windows helps you to protect your computer and your files. Unauthorized copies of Windows are illegal and offer you no support in the event you run into any problems as a result of using an installation of Windows that is not genuine. Genuine Microsoft Windows has the full and legal license and support offered by Microsoft or one of Microsoft's business partners. It also can take advantage of Microsoft's updates, patches and other enhancements for additional security and performance improvements.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Verification
-
1
Open Internet Explorer or another Web browser.
-
2
Go to the Windows Genuine Diagnostic site. This site will check your computer and network settings to verify that cookies, images and scripting work correctly and that the Microsoft Genuine Advantage plug-ins work as expected.
-
-
3
Click "Start Diagnostics." The site will take you, step by step, through the process of making sure all configuration and network processes are correct. The process varies depending on which settings you need to change.
-
4
Click "Start" in the tool bar and click "All Programs." Click the "Accessories" folder and click "Activate Windows." The will run the Windows validation process and confirm if you have a genuine copy of Windows. Select the option to validate by Internet and click "Next." Select whether or not you want to register your copy of Windows when you activate it. Click "Next." If you selected to register, enter your name and registration information and click "Next." The tool will then connect to Microsoft's servers and validate Windows, and upon completion will display a message stating that Windows has been successfully activated.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always buy Windows from authorized dealers to avoid pirated versions, which can contain viruses and other unwanted programs.
