IS MY MICROSOFT PRODUCT KEY GENUINE
I recently purchased an online product key for Windows 10. The key successfully activated, so does that automatically guarantee genuine? Otherwise is there another way to confirm the legitimacy of the key? Is there a method to do an audit test?
Hi Lance McGrew,
As per Microsoft:
If you're seeing notifications that the copy of Windows that is installed on your PC might not be genuine, or that you might be a victim of counterfeit software, it's likely that your copy of Windows was not properly activated or is otherwise not genuine. To fix this, click the notification and follow the steps to either repair Windows or—if you have inadvertently obtained counterfeit software—buy genuine Windows.
Until you correct the issue, you'll receive periodic reminders that Windows is not genuine. In addition, to more clearly display these messages, your desktop might turn black. You can reset it, but every 60 minutes, it will return to black until the issue is resolved.
Regardless of genuine status, Windows will still be able to get critical security updates. However, access to optional updates or benefits available exclusively to genuine Windows customers, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, might be restricted.
For More details about genuine Windows Please check the below Page:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/genuine/faq#
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Software.aspx
As per Microsoft:
If you're seeing notifications that the copy of Windows that is installed on your PC might not be genuine, or that you might be a victim of counterfeit software, it's likely that your copy of Windows was not properly activated or is otherwise not genuine. To fix this, click the notification and follow the steps to either repair Windows or—if you have inadvertently obtained counterfeit software—buy genuine Windows.
Until you correct the issue, you'll receive periodic reminders that Windows is not genuine. In addition, to more clearly display these messages, your desktop might turn black. You can reset it, but every 60 minutes, it will return to black until the issue is resolved.
Regardless of genuine status, Windows will still be able to get critical security updates. However, access to optional updates or benefits available exclusively to genuine Windows customers, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, might be restricted.
For More details about genuine Windows Please check the below Page:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/genuine/faq#
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Software.aspx
Open Computer, Properties. If it is activated, you will see a valid Product Key and if you do, it is all good to go.
@Lance McGrew - Did you purchase your key from Microsoft? I don't think there are many retail channels for Windows 10 one day after.
ASKER
Yesterday I received an email from gabe.aul@e-mail.microsoft.
I got the Gabe emails and I am on the Fast Track, so that is all legitimate. If you got a good paid key from Microsoft, you are good to go. All is well.
ASKER
As stated above, the key was purchased online from 3rd party not MS. So this we know, the ISO was downloaded from Microsoft making it genuine. I would think if the key was somehow counterfeit, it would not activate and as a post test, the updates would not install. Right?
The key and the download are different things. I am sure the download is good. However that will not make the key genuine at all.
You need to somehow check out the third party to make sure your purchase was genuine. Windows 10 has a retail price of about $120. If you paid significantly less (or even if not), you need to check out whether the key is legitimate.
Go to Microsoft.com and search for "Is my Windows genuine". That should take you to a Microsoft site where you can test your key.
You need to somehow check out the third party to make sure your purchase was genuine. Windows 10 has a retail price of about $120. If you paid significantly less (or even if not), you need to check out whether the key is legitimate.
Go to Microsoft.com and search for "Is my Windows genuine". That should take you to a Microsoft site where you can test your key.
ASKER
Can you provide a link? I searched all over MS for such a validation test and find nothing.
Start here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows/genuine
And also contact the vendor you purchased the key from.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows/genuine
And also contact the vendor you purchased the key from.
ASKER
Already researched the link you provided. Seriously, you think asking the vendor if they are legitimate would yield anything but "of course we are" answer? :)
ASKER
Seems like there should be a simple online form field to plug in your product key and have it tested.
The plug in links precede Windows 10 and the majority of Windows 10 systems are upgrades, not purchased.
Try this page.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/activation-errors-windows-10
Where did you purchase the key? Post the link.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/activation-errors-windows-10
Where did you purchase the key? Post the link.
ASKER
John, the link you provided is for activation errors. I did not experience any activation error(s).
http://www.microsoftonlinestores.com/
http://www.microsoftonlinestores.com/
Where did you purchase. I do not yet see a database for Windows 10 keys. It was only out yesterday.
Link for purchase please.
Link for purchase please.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Why don't you just post the link to the place you bought the key from?
@Lance McGrew - Thanks and I hope all is well with validation.
Since windows 10 just showed up I guess there's no need to worry.