Genuine Windows Vista is published by Microsoft, properly licensed, and supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner.
Genuine Windows Vista contains built-in anti-piracy technology, called Windows Activation Technologies, enabling Microsoft to combat piracy more effectively. Windows Activation Technologies include product activation and validation, which help you ensure that Windows running on your PC is genuine. Genuine Windows Vista helps you enjoy the full functionality of Windows while avoiding viruses, tampered files, and other malicious software often associated with counterfeit software.
This page contains important information to help you activate and validate your copy of Windows Vista.
Activation is the initial process by which a system is determined to be properly licensed and genuine. You have at least 30 days upon first use until you have to activate Windows Vista installed on your PC. If you purchased Windows preinstalled on a new PC, your computer manufacturer may already have activated Windows for you. If Windows running on your PC remains unactivated past the initial grace period, or if activation or validation does not successfully complete, then Windows running on your PC is not considered to be genuine, and notifications will begin to appear.
To resolve the notifications, you need to activate Windows. This can be done by entering your product key, which can usually be found on the proof of license label attached to your software packaging, or the Certificate of Authenticity sticker attached to your computer. Learn more about activating Windows Vista.
Validation confirms that Windows Vista installed on your PC was properly activated. This differs from activation as activation is a required process by which Microsoft determines whether or not your product key is being properly used based upon the software license associated with it. These technologies are designed to help Microsoft protect consumers and businesses from the risks of counterfeit software.
Only genuine Microsoft software users have exclusive access to all optional updates and downloads, helping you get the most from your PC. Learn more about genuine validation for Windows Vista.
