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This page explains the importance of validating your Windows installation, and the benefits of using genuine Microsoft software.
 | Wherever you see this symbol, you'll find details of benefits and services you only get if you're using genuine Microsoft software - including free downloads, updates, support and special offers. To take advantage of these benefits and services, you must first validate your Windows licence. |
What is genuine Microsoft software?
Genuine Microsoft software is software that is licensed by Microsoft, certified as authentic by Microsoft, and published and supported by Microsoft. The benefits of using genuine Windows include:
| • | Greater reliability Using genuine Microsoft software helps you stay up to date with the features and enhancements that keep your PC running as smoothly as possible, now and in the future. |
| • | Faster access to updates Using genuine Microsoft software is the best way to receive the latest product updates, enhancements and support from Microsoft. |
| • | Richer experiences New innovations and offerings reserved exclusively for genuine Microsoft software users help you keep pace with the latest technology and constantly expand the capabilities of your PC. View the Free Downloads and Special Offers. These are available through Windows Genuine Advantage to genuine Windows customers who have validated their Windows licence. |
By using only genuine Microsoft software, you can be confident that your software is legitimate and fully supported by Microsoft.
What is genuine Windows validation?
Validation is a short process that enables you to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine. If you request a genuine Windows download from the Microsoft Download Center, you will be prompted to complete the validation process. After successful validation, a Microsoft Windows Download Key will be stored on your system for future use. Following the validation process, you'll be returned to your original page to obtain your requested download.
To learn more about the simple Windows Genuine Advantage validation process, watch the online demo.
How are validation and Windows activation related?
The validation process determines if you have activated your copy of Windows. If you have not activated Windows, you will be asked to enter the 25-character Product Key printed on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) you received with your PC or software purchase. If you have already activated Windows, the validation process will sense that the PC has been activated, and will not request Product Key entry.
Will I be asked to provide personal information?
During the validation and activation processes, Microsoft does not collect any information, such as your name or email address, that can be used to identify you or contact you. These processes simply enable Microsoft to create a match between your PC's hardware profile and your 25-character Product Key (located on the COA), which we then store and check against future activation and validation attempts. We do this to ensure that your Product Key cannot be used maliciously by another person, such as activating a pirated or non-genuine copy of Windows.
For more information about what information we collect in the validation and activation processes, why we need it, and how we use it, please read the Windows Genuine Advantage FAQs.
| • | Learn how Microsoft is helping to protect against software piracy |