What is genuine check

So why would your copy be cracked unbeknownst to you? The short answer is that the counterfeit software business is big money. You may have bought a cheap copy of Windows 10 from a third-party seller who is in fact selling cracked versions of the operating system.

If your computer came preloaded with Windows 10, it might be that the system builder is inflating their profits by cutting Microsoft out and loading compromised Windows copies on their systems. The usual way to activate a copy of Windows is by paying for a license or entering the provided key. In order to see whether your copy of Windows has been activated with an activator, do the following:.

One simple way to make sure if your product key is legitimate is to use a product key checker. These programs are not made by Microsoft and you should always use a virus scanner to check them before running any such application.

In general, PID applications are portable. The most foolproof way to find out if your license key is a real one, is to go to the source. They can verify this for you and if it turns out it is indeed a fake key, take it from there.

As we mentioned just now, Microsoft has a piracy reporting facility , so you should at least let them know if someone is running a crooked business selling fake copies of their software.

But here is why you should avoid doing so: It is Illegal Yes, we understand that it might be impossible to track down millions of users downloading and using the pirated version. Compromise of Privacy and Security As mentioned earlier, a pirated version of Windows could easily get access to your important files, documents, photos, and even Bank account details.

Hackers Might Use it for Illegal Activities A pirated version of Windows might function without any issues, but there might be something happening behind your computer screen.

Hence, it is best to use the official version from the Microsoft website. Ways to Check the Authenticity of Windows 10 Now it is time to give you the information that you came for. We have explained those ways in simple language so that everybody could understand. Method 1: Settings By clicking on Start, go to Settings. Look to the left panel and click on Activation.

Method 2: Command Prompt Using the command prompt in three different ways, you can check if your Windows 10 is real or not. First Way Type Command Prompt on the bottom left side and right-click on it.

Second Way Use the same steps to get to the Command Prompt. You will get all the truthful information about your Windows, including the product key. This will ensure its authenticity. Third Way Use the same steps to get to the Command Prompt. Check the Windows Script Host. If the Licensed Status is Licensed, you have genuine Windows. Technical Support With the authentic software, you also get top-notch technical service in case things go south.

Reduced Risk You will not have to worry about your device being compromised in terms of security and privacy.

We strongly recommend that you get genuine Microsoft software immediately to keep you safer while using your PC. Validation is an online process. It verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and that critical Windows licensing files haven't been damaged, deleted, or removed. It takes only a few moments and lets Microsoft create a match between your PC's hardware profile and your character product key or digital entitlement.

Your copy of Windows may need to be validated before you can get downloads and the updates which are reserved for PCs that are running genuine Windows. Windows might also prompt you to run genuine validation if activation isn't properly completed. If your copy of Windows fails validation, you'll see a results page that tells you why it isn't genuine.

You'll also see info about how to resolve the issue. There are a few common scenarios in which Windows running on a PC might be discovered to be non-genuine during validation. If your PC has been repaired, you might start to see messages on your desktop that Windows isn't genuine. If the repairs required Windows to be reinstalled, the technician may have activated Windows with a different key than you used when it was originally installed.

You might not see the messages until you try to download something from the Microsoft Download Center that requires validation, and validation fails. To fix the issue, you can properly activate Windows by reentering your original product key. For other issues, you may need to buy a genuine version of Windows. Another common cause of Windows validation failure happens when you try to install Windows on more PCs than your license allows.

For instance, if you purchased a copy of Windows and installed it on more than one PC, online validation might fail because the product key has already been used on another PC.

The rule for most copies of Windows is that only one copy of Windows can be installed on one PC. Counterfeit software. The Microsoft How to Tell website can help you identify counterfeit software and file a counterfeit software report if needed. Validation failure is common for versions of Windows that were purchased from an online auction site, or if Windows was on a used PC that you purchased.

Remember to ask the seller for the Certificate of Authenticity and the original Windows disc, if there was one. To file a counterfeit report, go to the Microsoft How to Tell website. You can file an online report if you inadvertently bought or received counterfeit software, or have information about a person, business, or online site that might be selling counterfeit software.

The report you submit will be treated 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.