About Genuine Windows

We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Genuine versions of Windows are published by Microsoft, properly licensed, and supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. You'll need a genuine version of Windows to access the optional updates and downloads that help you get the most from your PC.

Here are answers to some common questions about genuine Windows software.

How do I know if I'm running genuine Windows software?

Look for key features of genuine Windows software, such as the Certificate of Authenticity (COA), a proof of license label, and an edge-to-edge hologram. For more information, visit the Microsoft How to Tell website. Your safest option is always to buy Windows from Microsoft, or to buy a PC with Windows preinstalled directly from Microsoft or a store you know and trust.

I see messages that Windows might not be genuine. How do I fix this?

If you're seeing these notifications, it's likely that your copy of Windows wasn't properly activated. Click the notification and follow the steps to repair Windows or buy a genuine version of Windows if you find out the software is counterfeit.

Note: In Windows 8.1, you'll receive periodic reminders that Windows is not genuine until you correct the issue, and your desktop may also turn black to emphasize the messages. You can reset it, but it will return to black every 60 minutes until the issue is resolved.

Windows will always be able to get critical security updates, even if your version isn't genuine. However, other updates and benefits are available exclusively for genuine Windows software.

How is activation related to genuine Windows software?

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is used only on PCs that the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. It pairs your product key or digital entitlement with your hardware configuration. Usually, you only need to activate Windows once, unless you make a significant hardware change.

When your PC downloads updates, Windows checks to see if your product key or digital entitlement is valid. If it is, you're eligible to receive the latest updates from Microsoft. If it's not, your PC is running non-genuine Windows.

How do I activate my genuine Windows software?

To learn how to activate Windows 10 or Windows 11, see Activate Windows. To learn how to activate Windows 8.1, see Product activation for Windows – online & support telephone numbers.

Can I install my copy of Windows on more than one PC?

You can't install Windows on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. Usually, a copy of Windows can only be installed on one PC. To learn more about licensing Windows on more than one PC, go to the Microsoft Volume Licensing website.

If my PC is running non-genuine Windows software, can it still receive critical security updates?

Yes. You'll still be able to get critical security updates. However, many updates are exclusively for customers with genuine versions of Windows. We strongly recommend that you get genuine Microsoft software immediately to keep you safer while using your PC.

What is validation?

Validation is an online process. It verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and that critical Windows licensing files haven't been damaged, deleted, or removed. It takes only a few moments and lets Microsoft create a match between your PC's hardware profile and your 25-character product key or digital entitlement.

Your copy of Windows may need to be validated before you can get downloads and the updates which are reserved for PCs that are running genuine Windows. Windows might also prompt you to run genuine validation if activation isn't properly completed.

If your copy of Windows fails validation, you'll see a results page that tells you why it isn't genuine. You'll also see info about how to resolve the issue.

What are the most common reasons Windows fails validation?

There are a few common scenarios in which Windows running on a PC might be discovered to be non-genuine during validation.

How do I report counterfeit software?

To file a counterfeit report, go to the Microsoft How to Tell website.

You can file an online report if you inadvertently bought or received counterfeit software, or have information about a person, business, or online site that might be selling counterfeit software. The report you submit will be treated as confidential. Microsoft devotes substantial time and energy to fighting software counterfeiting, and you can be assured that we will take appropriate action in response to your report.

What do the activation errors mean?

If you got an error when you were activating Windows, you can find what it means. For details, go to Get help with activation errors.

How do I find my product key?

You’ll need a product key when you install Windows. To learn more, go to Find a product key.

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