The Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program and Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) program are part of Microsoft’s on-going effort to protect its customers and partners from counterfeit software and to increase customer awareness of the value of genuine Microsoft software.
Genuine Microsoft software is published by Microsoft, properly licensed, and fully supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. Using genuine Microsoft software offers you greater capabilities and easy integration with the widest variety of hardware, software, and services. It also provides confidence that you will receive the latest product features, updates, and ongoing improvements to keep your PC performing at its best.
Activation reduces piracy by associating your Product Key—the 25-character security code located on your Certificate of Authenticity (usually affixed to your software package, PC, or laptop)—to a PC hardware key. Microsoft stores this information in a database so that no one else can use your Product Key on another PC.
Activation is required for many users of Microsoft Windows and Office in order to enjoy the benefits of the software. If Windows activation is required, you will be asked to activate during Windows setup and required to complete activation within the first 30 days of initial use. If Office activation is required, you will be asked to activate the first time you run an Office application and required to activate within the first 50 launches for Office XP and Office 2003, or within first 25 launches for Office 2007. Registration is recommended, but not required.
Yes, fully-licensed genuine Office software is available via download from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/FX101211561033.aspx. Additionally you may download trial versions of some applications from http://www.microsoft.com. Please forward any suspicious offers for Microsoft software to piracy@microsoft.com.
If you receive an e-mail with a questionable offer for Microsoft software, please forward it to piracy@microsoft.com.
By using genuine Microsoft software, you can be confident that you will have access to the latest features, security, and support, which will help to improve your productivity and expand the capabilities of your PC. You will also have access to new innovations and offerings available only to genuine Microsoft software customers.
Every year, millions of consumers and businesses are hurt by counterfeit software that they have acquired unwittingly, and many companies that license legitimate software have difficulty competing with artificially low prices offered by software pirates. Consumers, businesses, and resellers continually ask Microsoft for help in mitigating the threat posed by pirates. Microsoft works to educate the software ecosystem about piracy, to engineer products that address these concerns, and to enforce anti-piracy policies and laws.
The Windows Genuine Advantage program (WGA) is part of Microsoft’s commitment to protecting its customers and partners from counterfeiters through education, engineering, and enforcement of policies and laws. WGA differentiates the value of genuine Windows software from counterfeit software, allowing customers to enjoy the capabilities they expect, the confidence that their software is authentic, and the ongoing system improvements that help them do more with their PC.
WGA gives small businesses the confidence that they are running Microsoft’s reliable, dependable, and more secure software, which is critical to meeting their customers’ needs. Small businesses that validate their systems as genuine have access to additional free downloads, tools, and content to help them be more productive. In addition, small businesses can take advantage of the resources available to them through the Microsoft Small Business Center, where they will find case studies, videos, and other valuable resources.
The Office Genuine Advantage program (OGA) is part of Microsoft’s commitment to protecting its customers and partners from counterfeiters through education, engineering, and enforcement of policies and laws. OGA differentiates the value of genuine Office software from counterfeit software, allowing customers to enjoy the capabilities they expect, confidence that their software is authentic, and ongoing system improvements that help them do more with their Microsoft Office software solutions.
Microsoft is committed to protecting its customers and partners from counterfeiters through education, engineering, and enforcement of policies and laws. Microsoft expects that these programs will cause customers to ask for, and sellers to be more likely to provide, genuine Microsoft software.
Microsoft offers an online validation process that allows you to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine. You will be prompted to validate your copy of Windows if you request a genuine Windows download from the Microsoft Download Center. Alternatively, you can validate your copy of Windows by going to the Genuine Microsoft Software homepage and clicking "Validate Windows". The validation process is easy to use, only takes a few moments to run, and once completed, allows you to access genuine Windows downloads more quickly in the future.
Microsoft offers an online validation process that allows you to verify that your copy of Office is genuine. You can validate your copy of Office by using the online validation process. The validation process is easy to use, only takes a few moments to run, and once completed, allows you to access genuine Office downloads more quickly in the future.
Validation is a process that helps you to verify that your Microsoft software is genuine. Microsoft will ask you to validate Windows when requesting a genuine Windows download from the Microsoft Download Center or Windows Update and to validate Office when requesting a genuine Office download.
Yes. Customers using a copy of Windows or Office with a legitimate Volume License will be validated and given full access to genuine Microsoft downloads. Volume License keys have been a source of counterfeit in some instances, so the WGA and OGA validation services are able to recognize and block a Volume License key that is being used improperly.
A tool to validate Windows or Office across a corporate network is not currently available. However, Microsoft is interested in your feedback on this and other new features. Please use the Contact Us link on this page to share your feedback.
Yes. You will need to revalidate each time you reinstall Windows, and you will need to revalidate Office each time Office is reinstalled.
Office validation is a similar but separate process from Windows validation. Office validation only validates Office suites and applications, and Windows validation only validates Windows. To learn more about each process, see the Windows Validation and Office Validation sections of this FAQ.
Validation is required for all genuine Windows downloads on Microsoft Download Center. It is also required by the Windows Update service for users of Windows XP including Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Media Center Edition. All users can access security updates via Automatic Updates. Genuine Windows downloads are available, without validation, to customers running Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows Vista, and Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 3. Genuine Windows downloads are not available for older versions of Windows (Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 2, and earlier), or non-Microsoft operating systems.
Yes. Customers using Windows XP Starter Edition will be asked to validate when they request a genuine Windows download or service. System requirements for downloads vary. Some downloads are not supported by Windows XP Starter Edition. See the system requirements for each download for more information.
No. Volume License Agreements never cover the full Windows operating system; they only provide for Windows upgrades. If you use a Volume License key to install the full Windows OS, you will be in violation of your agreement.
Windows is licensed for use on a single PC and can not be shared among multiple PCs. If you receive a copy of Windows pre-loaded on your PC, you can not transfer the license to another PC.
Wine is an implementation of the Windows 3.x and Win32 APIs on top of X and Unix. When WGA validation detects Wine running on the system, it will notify users that they are running non-genuine Windows, and it will not allow genuine Windows downloads for that system. Users of Wine should consult the Wine community for Wine updates. It is important to note that Wine users, and other users of non-genuine Windows, can continue to download updates for most Microsoft applications from Microsoft application-specific sites, such as Office Update.
The Windows Validation Assistant performs the same validation as WGA, but it does so as a stand-alone utility, not as part of a download or update.
The process for WGA is designed to be quick and simple. It does not collect any information that can be used by Microsoft to identify or contact the user. The validation process includes the following steps:
Microsoft advises users who learn that their copy of Windows is not genuine to take the following steps:
Yes. Customers who have received counterfeit product may be eligible to receive a replacement copy of Windows. To learn about eligibility, read about the Microsoft genuine Windows offer later in this FAQ.
No, theft and fraud are everybody’s problem because customers do not receive the same quality product and all the associated benefits that they paid for. Additionally, theft and fraud increase the cost of doing business and, therefore, the cost of the products customers buy.
We’ve designed validation to be as easy as possible. Validation itself just takes a moment. The lengthiest part of the process is downloading the ActiveX control that performs validation. The ActiveX control is downloaded on the first validation and when a new version is available from Microsoft. So, while it’s not a one-time process, it is still quick and easy.
Not at all. No information is collected during the validation process that can be used to identify or contact a user.
Microsoft has commissioned TÜV-IT, an independent German security auditor, to test how well Windows Genuine Advantage protects customers’ data. TÜV-IT conducted both a legal audit of Microsoft’s policies, specifications, and statements, and a technical audit to determine if the program’s databases, source-code, and implementation respect privacy concerns.
TÜV-IT has confirmed that Microsoft does not process any data that would allow Microsoft to identify or contact a user. It has also confirmed that Windows Genuine Advantage can be used safely on sensitive systems and that it does not interfere with any software programs and, therefore, it does not conflict with data protection laws.
For more information on TÜV-IT and their methodology, see http://www.tuvit.de.
No. For users of Office XP or later versions, validation is required to access certain downloads from the Microsoft Download Center, Office 2007 templates from Office Online, and the Office Update service. For users of earlier versions of Office, validation is not required.
Supported products include Office XP and later suites, as well as individual Office 2002 and later applications (such as Word and Excel).
You may be required to activate, depending on how you acquired your Office software. Learn how to activate your copy of Office at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/828958/.
In general, Microsoft Office is licensed for use on a single PC and cannot be shared among multiple PCs. Exceptions include copies of Office licensed under a Volume License agreement, as well as some retail versions that may allow for a second installation on a portable device. If you receive a copy of Office pre-loaded on your PC, you cannot transfer the license to another PC. Refer to the End-user License Agreement for your copy of Office for more information.
The validation process will not complete successfully in any of the following scenarios:
In order to successfully run the validation tool, you must be using Microsoft Windows 2000 or a later version of Windows. If you are using an older version of Windows, you may compare the special security features of your Office installation CD and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with those included in genuine Microsoft software by visiting the How to Tell site.
When Microsoft discovers that a key has been leaked, stolen, misused, or is a false key, Microsoft may block that key to keep it from being improperly used. If you receive a failure message indicating that the key used to install your copy of Office has been blocked, and you believe you have received the message in error, contact your system administrator or the place from which you purchased Office to resolve the issue.
To verify that Office is installed on the computer on which you are attempting OGA validation, look for it in your list of programs that can be deleted or changed. If it is on the list, then your copy of Office is not hosted on another computer or terminal server. To check your list:
Yes. Customers who have received counterfeit product and failed validation can purchase a specially-priced copy of Microsoft Office, or may be eligible for a complimentary copy of Office. To learn more, read about the the Microsoft genuine Office offer later in this FAQ.
For those customers who have unknowingly purchased a counterfeit version of Office, Microsoft provides the following options:
An ActiveX control is a small, executable code package that users of Internet Explorer can download and run on their PCs. The Windows Genuine Advantage and Office Genuine Advantage validation processes use an ActiveX control to check the authenticity of your Windows or Office software. If the ActiveX control successfully validates your software, it stores a special download key on your PC for future use.
ActiveX controls are officially signed with their publisher’s name, which allows you to judge for yourself whether or not they are safe to run on your PC. The official signature is listed prominently in a dialog box that is displayed before the control is installed on your system. If an ActiveX control does not contain a valid publisher signature, Internet Explorer will prompt you with a security warning and prevent you from downloading it to your PC.
The first time you request a genuine Windows or genuine Office download from the Download Center or Windows Update, you will be asked to install an ActiveX control. The ActiveX controls used by Windows Genuine Advantage and by Office Genuine Advantage are signed by Microsoft Corp. If you do not see sufficient evidence of the Microsoft signature, you should not download the control.
If you have trouble running the ActiveX control, you may use the Contact Us link at the bottom of Microsoft Download Center or Microsoft Genuine Site pages to request additional assistance. You may also access the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic site for troubleshooting tools.
In addition to the ActiveX controls, an alternate method is available that provides the same validation as the ActiveX controls. This method entails running a small executable file. Click the following links to access the instructions to run the alternate validation method on either Windows or Office.
Yes. You can complete the validation process using the Firefox Web browser. Users of the Firefox browser are automatically offered Firefox browser plug-ins for WGA or OGA validation and instructions for plug-in installation. The browser plug-ins provides the same Windows or Office validation as the ActiveX controls. If you are having trouble running the Firefox browser plug-ins, you may use the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic site for troubleshooting.
Yes. You can complete the validation process using non-Microsoft Web browsers. Users of the Firefox browser or other browsers can validate using the alternate method by running a small executable file. Mozilla Firefox users: Although the instructions for the validation tool executable file say to open or run the file from its current location, Firefox will not present you with either of those options. Instead, save the file to your PC, and then double-click the file to run it.
If you cannot resolve your problem using this FAQ or the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic site troubleshooting tools, use the Contact Us link at the bottom of Microsoft Download Center or Microsoft Genuine site pages to request additional assistance. For English-speaking users, you may also access the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Forum for additional discussion and user-to-user support for Microsoft Genuine Advantage programs.
The genuine validation process will collect information about your system to determine if your Microsoft software is genuine. The validation tools do not collect your name, address, e-mail address, or any other information that Microsoft will use to identify you or contact you. The tools collect such information as:
We use the information to:
We may also share aggregate data with others, such as hardware and software vendors and volume licensees to help protect their license keys.
To learn more about Microsoft Genuine Advantage Privacy Policy, visit http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=68985.
Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications is an opt-in program launched by Microsoft in select markets as part of its continued effort to combat counterfeiting and to create a better Windows experience for users of genuine Microsoft Windows software.
As part of the program, customers worldwide will be invited to install WGA Notifications through Automatic Updates (AU) to confirm that they are running genuine Windows. Customers who are running genuine Windows and opt-in to the program will not see any messages. Customers who are using a non-genuine version of Windows will receive a message during logon that their copy of Windows appears to be non-genuine and will be directed to the WGA Web site to learn more. Users who choose not to obtain a copy of genuine Windows will receive periodic reminders. Regardless of genuine status, users will not be denied access to critical security updates. Users who have not validated their computers as genuine, however, will not be able to install many updates, including Internet Explorer 7.0 and Windows Defender.
Learn more about Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications.
WGA Validation determines whether the copy of Windows XP installed on a PC is genuine and licensed. WGA Validation was launched worldwide in July 2005. It is required for any download on Windows Update, Microsoft Update and the Download Center.
WGA Notifications is software that is distributed through Automatic Updates that reminds users who fail validation that they are not running genuine Windows and directs them to resources to learn more about the benefits of using genuine Windows software. WGA Notifications is currently not required to use Automatic Updates.
Microsoft is enhancing the WGA program to improve awareness of the value of genuine Windows and to help level the playing field for its honest partners. Every year, millions of consumers and businesses are hurt by counterfeit software that they have acquired unwittingly, and many legitimate resellers have difficulty competing with artificially low prices offered by software pirates.
Customers found to be using non-genuine versions of Windows will receive a message during logon that their copy of Windows appears to be non-genuine and will be directed to the WGA Web site to learn more. Users who choose not to obtain a copy of genuine Windows will receive periodic reminders. Regardless of genuine status, users will not be denied access to critical security updates. Users who have not validated their computers as genuine, however, will not be able to install many updates, including Internet Explorer 7.0 and Windows Defender.
When customers turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer from the latest viruses and other security threats. These updates can include security updates, critical updates, service packs, and other important updates. Depending on the chosen setting, Windows automatically downloads and installs any high-priority updates or notifies users that updates are available.
WU provides an interactive Web site where users can obtain high priority security and optional updates for Windows. Another site, the Microsoft Download Center, offers consumers and businesses a wide variety of content that includes downloads available on WU and Microsoft Update, as well as other updates for games, DirectX, mobile devices, Macintosh and other platforms, server applications, system management tools, and developer resources.
By using Automatic Updates, Microsoft is able to reach the greatest number of PC users. Fighting counterfeit and pirated software is a priority for Microsoft. There is also a real threat to users who shop for or install counterfeit copies of Windows. Twenty five percent of the Web sites offering counterfeit product keys, pirated software, and similar items also install malicious or unwanted software. This update helps users prevent such attacks on their PCs.
To help you validate your copy of Windows, WGA collects a certain amount of configuration information from your computer. The tools do not collect your name, address, e-mail address, or any other information that Microsoft will use to identify you or contact you. Details about what information is collected and how Microsoft protects your privacy are available from the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Privacy Statement.
The pilot version of this software periodically contacts Microsoft after validation. This feature has been removed from the final version of WGA Notifications. WGA validation process does communicate with Microsoft periodically.
You can read about Microsoft Genuine Advantage Privacy Statement on http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=68985.
The WGA validation process is extremely reliable, but there are times when system or network errors prevent validation from working properly. Validation failure is usually caused by the use of a non-genuine Windows license. In many cases, customers don't know they have received a counterfeit copy. Unintentional victims of counterfeit are often surprised by the result and may question the validity of the service. However, WGA has been operating since July 2005 and has validated more than 500 million systems. Microsoft investigates all user inquiries about possible errors. When errors occur, we work with our customers to resolve them. Customers who suspect problems with the validation process should follow any on-screen instructions or visit the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Support page for more information.
No. Regardless of genuine status, users will not be denied access to critical security updates. Users who have not validated their computers as genuine, however, will not be able to install many updates, including Internet Explorer 7.0 and Windows Defender. Microsoft strongly recommends that users of non-genuine systems correct their problem immediately.
It is possible for users to pass WGA validation once, and then fail later as a result of non-genuine software. Microsoft frequently discovers new keys that are being counterfeited and adds them to the WGA service. After new keys are added to the WGA service, a validation result could change.
During the opt-in phase, users who have AU turned on will be invited to participate through an opt-in process. Only users who choose to participate will have WGA Notifications installed on their machines. Once installed, WGA Notifications becomes a permanent part of user’s Windows XP system, and cannot be uninstalled. However, participants will have the option to suppress all the notifications for some length of time. Users will not have the option of uninstalling WGA Notifications. Users who fail validation will be taken to a Web page with a prominent option to license genuine Windows.
Broadly speaking, spyware is deceptive software that is installed on a user’s computer without the user’s consent and has some malicious purpose. WGA is installed with the consent of the user and seeks only to notify the user if a proper license is not in place. If the user declines the EULA, WGA Notifications will not be installed on user’s machine. Once installed, WGA Notifications becomes a permanent part of Windows XP software, and therefore cannot be uninstalled. However, users can disable non-genuine reminders by changing WGA Notifications setting in the system tray icon. WGA is not spyware.
It is possible that the notifications will be re-activated when a new update for WGA Notifications is installed.
Automatic Updates delivers critical security updates and other important updates, so we strongly recommend users keep AU running for the security of their system. Turning off AU will not change the notifications program, which will still exist, albeit suppressed, on your system.
The genuine Windows offer is designed to help customers who unknowingly acquired counterfeit versions of Windows XP by offering those who qualify a complimentary copy or electronic license key for a genuine copy of Windows XP. The offers are available worldwide for Windows XP Pro and Home customers who mistakenly acquired counterfeit software. Qualifying customers who fill out a counterfeit report, provide proof of purchase, and send in their counterfeit CDs may receive a genuine copy at no cost. Customers may also purchase a specially priced electronic license of Windows XP Home or Windows XP Pro. Customers also may choose to purchase a copy of genuine Windows from their favorite local reseller.
You may purchase a genuine copy of Windows from a local reseller.
Microsoft is limiting IE 7 and Windows Defender updates for non-genuine users in order to differentiate the genuine Windows experience and provide additional benefits to genuine customers. Users of counterfeit software are not eligible to receive the same benefits as genuine customers.
When a copy of Windows fails validation, the user is directed to a customized Web page with details about what caused the failure and recommendations for how to fix the problem. Depending on the specific cause of the problem, these recommendations include:
When a copy of Windows fails validation, the user is directed to a customized Web page with details about what caused the failure and recommendations for how to fix the problem. This page contains a section with troubleshooting steps. One of these steps will let you check to see whether you can use the online Product Key Update Tool. If your computer came with a genuine product key, but Windows was improperly installed using an invalid product key, the Product Key Update Tool helps convert your computer to a genuine status without having to purchase a new copy of Windows. If this solution does not work, refer to the instructions above for what to do when your system fails validation.
Security updates are not part of WGA or OGA. You can install security updates using the Windows Automatic Updates feature or download them from the Download Center.
Automatic Updates helps you keep your Windows installation current with the latest security updates. Using Automatic Updates does not require validation. Visit Protect Your PC to learn more.
If your corporate system fails the validation process, you should contact your system administrator as soon as possible. The system administrator should ensure that the Volume License keys or the Product Activation keys being used are the proper keys issued from Microsoft. In most cases where an error has occurred, an incorrect key has been used. If the Microsoft-issued keys are being used and are still not validating through the Windows Genuine Advantage site or the Office Genuine Advantage site, the system administrator should contact the channel partner, or the system administrator can call one of the phone numbers listed at http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/vol/numbers.mspx. Please have your Authorization number for Open Licensing, an enrollment number for Select and Enterprise customers, and the Volume License keys that you are currently using available during the call.
The Microsoft genuine Windows offer is designed to help customers who unknowingly purchased counterfeit versions of Windows XP by offering those who qualify a complimentary copy or electronic license key for a genuine copy of Windows XP.
To help customers who unknowingly purchased a counterfeit version of Windows XP, Microsoft has created two genuine Windows offers for those who qualify:
Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP is packaged differently and is only distributed by Microsoft directly to customers who qualify for the genuine Windows offer. It is not intended for resale.
Yes.
The offer is open to any person who purchased Microsoft Windows XP (Professional or Home Edition) or Windows XP Operating System pre-installed on a new computer. Windows XP upgrade purchases and purchases made under volume license agreements are not eligible.
No. Only users of counterfeit Windows XP are eligible for the genuine Windows offer.
A counterfeit disc is required in order to be eligible for the complimentary offer. This allows customers to show that a counterfeit transaction occurred. Customers who did not receive a counterfeit disk, but are willing to submit a counterfeit report regarding a fraudulent transaction, are able to qualify for the electronic license key offer.
Microsoft will not bring legal action against the people who participate in the genuine Windows offer.
Because purchase documentation varies widely, we are flexible. Proof of purchase can be a purchase order, the original supplier invoice, or some other store receipt. The proof of purchase must show the supplier’s name and address, the date of purchase, and a reference to Windows.
The counterfeit report helps Microsoft identify the reseller and type of counterfeit software transaction that took place. The information that is required on the report is:
Microsoft is collecting information on counterfeit sellers to get information on illegal practices and to work with authorities to enforce anti-piracy policies and laws. The counterfeit report will be treated by Microsoft 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.
Microsoft cannot return the documentation you submit, including the counterfeit software.
The genuine Windows offer is limited to one order per machine. For the complimentary offer, small business customers are limited to five copies per shipping address. The offer is subject to availability.
No. Microsoft will pay the shipping and handling costs.
No. The genuine Windows offer is distributed by Microsoft directly to Windows XP customers who have received counterfeit Windows and qualify for the offer. It is not available for resale. However you can go to your reseller to discuss other legalization options, such as the Get Genuine Kit.
No. Only customers who discover through WGA validation that they are running counterfeit Windows will qualify for the genuine Windows offer.
The genuine Windows offer is limited to Windows XP at this time.
Once you convert to genuine Windows XP, you are entitled to the support available from Microsoft for genuine Windows XP. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/support/default.mspx for details.
If you qualify for the complimentary offer, Microsoft will send a kit to you within 4 to 6 weeks of your submission. For the electronic license key offer, Microsoft will send the electronic key and conversion tool upon payment confirmation. Timing varies by country and payment type. The physical media for the electronic license key offer will arrive by post in 4 to 6 weeks.
For contact information to check order status, please refer to your order confirmation email. If you did not receive an email confirmation of your order or your new product key, contact your local Microsoft customer support.
To convert your counterfeit Windows XP software to a genuine copy of Windows XP using the new product key, you will need to download and run the Windows Product Key Update Tool on the same computer you used to purchase the electronic license for Windows XP. Visit http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=45668 to download the Windows Product Key Update Tool. The Windows Product Key Update tool will guide you through the conversion process and convert your counterfeit Windows XP to a genuine copy of Windows XP.
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