Pop-up notices about genuine software
Have you seen messages like these on your laptop or PC saying your Microsoft Windows® or Office® software isn't genuine?
If you have, here's your guide to why they're popping up and what you should do about it.
Why am I seeing a message like this?
Microsoft runs two programmes that let our customers know when the software they are running isn't the genuine article: Windows Genuine Advantage and Office Genuine Advantage.
They are designed to protect consumers from the risks of illegal and fake software. If your copy of Windows or Office isn't the real thing, you run the risk of getting viruses and leaving your personal data vulnerable to attack. Plus you might not get the support, warranties and updates you get with a genuine copy.
What should I do?
Read these FAQs for more about Microsoft's programmes, the pop-up notices, and how to get genuine software. If you have unwittingly bought counterfeit software, you may qualify for a complimentary replacement under our genuine offer. (We offer a free replacement when you have high quality counterfeit, not a CD-R with Windows scrawled on it! And you'll need to give us a receipt.) If you don't qualify for a replacement, you can buy a genuine copy from us at a special online price. This option is called "Windows Genuine Advantage Kit". There is also an equivalent special deal for Microsoft Office.
If you prefer to talk to a real person call us on 0870 60 10 100 and select option 0 (zero).
Convinced your software is definitely genuine?
Have you recently had your PC or laptop repaired? We often hear from customers who are 100% positive their copy of Windows Vista or Office is totally genuine, but after they had repairs done to their machine, have been told it's not. This is because when the computer shop carried out the repairs they re-installed the program illegally.
If that's not the case, and you're certain your software is genuine, then please email us at ukpiracy@microsoft.com or fill in our online reporting piracy form.
