It is very easy to distinguish licensed copies of an operating system from fakes. In addition to the significant external differences between optical media, there is also an online verification of the installed software.
Necessary
Internet connection
Instructions
Step 1
First of all, pay attention to the packaging of the Windows software. It must be in proper condition, and it must also have a special sticker with information about the license code of the software product. The logo must correspond to the official one, no typos are allowed in the name of the software.
Step 2
Check the disc for authenticity. Pay special attention to holographic elements - they must be contained on licensed discs. In no case can holograms be in the form of stickers, they are always part of the disc. Also, when the disc tilt is changed, the text on the hologram changes to Windows.
Step 3
If the operating system comes as a pre-installed distribution on a computer (most often on a laptop) without a disk, check for a license sticker on the top or side of the case, in laptops - on its back cover. Also, usually in such cases, a disc with a recovery utility should be supplied in the kit.
Step 4
If you want to verify the authenticity of your copy of Windows, use a special online verification service on the official Microsoft server. Go to your browser at https://www.microsoft.com/genuine/, here you can check the license and MS Office.
Step 5
If you find unlicensed copies of Microsoft software products, be sure to report a fake by going to the browser link https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/cfr/Report.aspx. Fill out the required form, after which you can get a licensed copy of Microsoft programs for free.
Step 6
If you do not have a Microsoft software product license key, purchase it on their official website in the "Purchase a license" section, or in various online stores. It is also possible to purchase from a reseller, but the most reliable way is directly through Microsoft.
