WHAT IS GENUINE SOFTWARE?

Genuine Microsoft software is published by Microsoft, properly licensed, and supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. Only genuine Windows customers have access to all optional updates and downloads available from Microsoft, which are designed to help you get the most from your PC.
 

Why use genuine software?

Research shows that buying and using counterfeit software exposes users to security risks, including viruses and spyware. You can better protect yourself against these risks by making sure you are buying and using genuine Microsoft software. For more information visit: www.microsoft.com/australia/piracy/

If you encounter counterfeit software, please report it. Your leads can help keep others from being ripped off.

Report Piracy

Thank you for your interest in reporting piracy. We will take appropriate action on any leads you give us. If you would like to get in touch directly, please email us at . The most effective way to report piracy to us is to fill in and submit one of the forms below:

Forms:

Why should I report piracy?

First and foremost you'll be helping to prevent unscrupulous sellers from ripping off other customers and taking business from honest resellers. Your leads really count; they help us take action against people who trade in counterfeit software.

Anonymous report

If you want to make an anonymous report of piracy, uncheck the 'we can contact you' box on the forms above. BE ASSURED your details will not be released without your permission. Please send us as much information as possible; otherwise we might not be able to follow up your report.

Report XBOX piracy

Please send your tips about counterfeit Xbox 360 products or infringing devices used to play illegal Xbox 360 games to .

FAQ's

Think you have counterfeit software? What to do next.

Worried your software isn't genuine? Or is your PC saying you have installed counterfeit (non-genuine) software?

Watch this video on how to spot a counterfeit or visit - howtotell.com

So what to do next with your counterfeit software...

Windows

If you're seeing notifications that the copy of Windows that is installed on your PC might not be genuine, or that you might be a victim of counterfeit software, it's likely that your copy of Windows was not properly activated or is otherwise not genuine. To fix this, click the notification and follow the steps to either repair Windows or - if you have inadvertently obtained counterfeit software - buy genuine Windows. For more information visit www.microsoft.com/genuine, for business owners check out Microsoft Genuine solutions.

Office

Learn more about Microsoft Office products and purchase a genuine copy, or download a trial version. If you have additional questions or otherwise require support on this issue, please contact us for support options.

Replace it with genuine software

Why should I buy genuine software?

By using genuine Microsoft software, you can be confident that you will have access to the latest features, security and support. You will also have access to new innovations and complimentary Microsoft product offerings available only to genuine Microsoft software customers.

Want more info?

Home user

To find out more click on Office or Windows, or to buy directly online visit Microsoft Store or other retailers.

Small-medium business owner

Visit the Microsoft Business Centre and click on the how to buy tab.

Partner/reseller/provider of IT services

If you think your customer is incorrectly licensed, visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing site.

Still not sure?

If you have general software piracy questions please email .

Buying safely online

What is software piracy?

When you buy Microsoft software, you actually buy a license that gives you the right to use the software. Your license sets out restrictions on how you load and use the software. Software piracy is the distribution or use of software without a valid licence. If you use unlicensed software, you don't get support, warranties or certain updates. And counterfeit software is often unreliable - and may well expose you to risks like identity theft or viruses.

IDC research revealed that one in four websites that offered pirated software or counterfeit activation keys attempted to install infectious computer code, like Trojan horses and key loggers, on test computers. Even more striking, 59% of the counterfeit software or key generators downloaded from peer-to-peer (P2P) sites contained malicious or unwanted code, often to enable identity theft. The study also found that recovery of a PC from a security incident caused by pirated software can cost more than $1,000, often exceeding the cost of genuine software.

Retail vs OEM packaging

Microsoft programs can be packaged for distribution in 2 forms:

  • Retail Products are boxed for sale to consumers and small businesses to load on their own PCs.

  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Products are sold in sealed box or shrink-wrap packaging to system builders that assemble, refurbish or manufacture computers.

OEM products come with an OEM System Builder License that you agree to if you open the pack. OEM Product DVDs cannot legally be distributed directly to consumers. Rather, the software must be preinstalled by the system builder onto the computer, and sold to the consumer only loaded on the computer.

Buying safely online

Buying online can be quick, convenient and great value. However there are risks involved if you don't know who you are dealing with, so it's understandable that you might be worried about buying your software online.

We've put together some practical tips to help you avoid being ripped off with unreliable counterfeits. These tips are useful whether you're buying from an auction site or an online shop. You can also check out our monthly round-up of the latest dodgy tactics being used by unscrupulous online sellers of counterfeit products.

Boxed software (DVDs)

Get as much information about the company or person you're buying from as you possibly can. Ask for their business name, full address and phone number. Be wary if they won't explain their policy on returns, service and warranties.

You are safer buying from a seller whose reputation you trust, and with whom you can deal with after purchase to resolve any issues that arise.

Check the item you're interested in buying (from the photo or ask the seller to provide a photo):

  • Is there a hologram on the disk?

  • Does the product come in its original box?

  • Does it come with a genuine Certificate of Authenticity (or CoA)?

  • Is it a recovery disk? (A recovery disk is one you get with pre-installed software so that you can "fix" the software if it stops working properly. It's not meant to be sold separately; if you buy it, you won't be legally licensed and you won't get any support.)

For more on CoAs and how to tell if media is genuine click here.

If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.

People who sell sophisticated counterfeits often advertise them at just below the normal retail price so you think you're simply getting a good deal. Price is important, but it's not the only thing you need to think about.

  • Comparison sites are a great resource for looking at products and how much they cost

  • Find out if the software has been used before. If it has been installed before, then in many cases it is not a valid license and the software will not activate

  • Using a secure payment method is a good way to make buying online safer. Don't pay with cash or instant money transfers

  • Keep print outs of your order page, emails, receipts and invoices

Visit Microsoft Store or reputable stores to compare prices.