How To Tell

Everyday, Microsoft Helps customers who are victims of counterfeit Windows and Office Software.

Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a label that helps you identify genuine Microsoft software. Retail Microsoft software is manufactured with a COA affixed to the outside of the packaging. If a COA is not present on the packaging, then it is not genuine software and is not properly licensed. A COA should never be purchased without the software it authenticates.

Microsoft products & anti-counterfeit features

Genuine Microsoft products contain anti-counterfeit features. To see these features and compare your products Click here. Many Microsoft products are manufactured on hologram CDs in order to protect against counterfeiting. A hologram CD features a holographic image over the entire surface of the CD. This holographic image is part of the CD itself; it is not a sticker. Click here to learn more.

Get tips for making sure the software
you buy is genuine


	Buy from a reputable reseller
	Check for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
	Check the hologram
	Check to see if the product and package is of high quality
	Check the End-user License Agreement (EULA)

To learn more about buying genuine software.

Compare the special security features of your Office XP, Office 2003 or Office 2007 installation CD and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with those included with genuine Microsoft software.

Compare office features

Counterfeit software is the result of unauthorised copying, reproduction, or manufacture of software products. Counterfeit software often looks authentic and is sometimes distributed in packaging that imitates the original manufacturer's packaging. The Counterfeit Gallery shows examples of counterfeit software.

View the counterfeit gallery