How to Detect a Genuine Windows Copy on a PC

Finding out your PC has non-genuine software is upsetting.

You should find out if you are running a genuine copy of Windows if you are unsure for any reason. You may want to do this if you bought a used PC, are receiving notifications that your copy of Windows is not genuine or you installed Windows yourself and are not sure that the installation disk you received is genuine. Validation is the process of checking whether your copy of Windows is genuine. Validation can be done online and can give you a definite answer if you are unsure.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" > "All Programs" > "Internet Explorer." Go to the Windows Validation website (see Resources).

2. Click "Validate Windows." Click the Information Bar that appears at the top of the window and click "Run Add-On."

3. Click "Run" in the pop-up window. Allow the validation process to run. Windows will either be confirmed as genuine or not on the next page that appears.

4. Close the web browser if Windows is validated as genuine. If it is not, go to the next step.

5. Attempt validation again. If it is still unsuccessful, contact the company or person you purchased your computer of Windows from. Find out what their options are to resolve the issue.

6. Purchase a "Get Genuine Online Kit" from the Validation website to get a new activation key from Microsoft. This will allow you to activate Windows legally.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft Office can also be checked from the Windows Validation website.

References

• Windows: Genuine Windows: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Windows Validation website