Glossary

 

Did you come across an unfamiliar term while validating your software or while searching for other information? Use the Glossary to find definitions of common terms used on the Genuine Microsoft Software Web site.

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.

The genuine Microsoft^® software icon () is a blue and orange star that represents genuine Microsoft software and activation and validation technologies. You may see this icon within notifications relating to activation on your computer, for example, if Windows^® has not yet been activated. You may also see this icon if a genuine Windows or Office^® validation check is required before downloading optional updates in the Microsoft Download Center.

Microsoft^® offers additional versions of Windows^® and Office^® products to meet regional requirements in some areas of the world. These versions are restricted for sale and use only in those geographical locations for which they were intended, and the packaging for these products clearly indicates that they are restricted and where they can be purchased and activated.

Activation is required to use Windows^® and/or Office^®; however, there is a grace period within which activation can be completed. For instance, Microsoft^® software license terms allow you to use Windows and/or Office without activating for a 30 day grace period. Before the grace period expires, you will receive reminders to activate Windows.