Windows update without genuine advantage

Was this information helpful? Yes No. Thank you! Any more feedback? The more you tell us the more we can help. Can you help us improve? Resolved my issue. They have a search tool built specifically for finding updates. Updates from Windows fix security holes, improve performance, and add features. It scans your computer for any outdated programs and provides an easy way to update them to the latest versions.

Finding updates and applying them is still really easy and straightforward. Instead of scanning your computer for any necessary updates, you can browse Microsoft Update Catalog to manually download Windows updates.

Microsoft Update Catalog includes driver updates , hotfixes, and software updates. Microsoft may kid itself into believing that WGA has some sort of security aspect, but many knowledgeable computer users aren't buying that. WGA Validation is the component that checks Windows to make sure it's a properly licensed copy of the software. It first appeared prior to the download of Microsoft AntiSpyware beta 1 later renamed Windows Defender.

WGA Validation has been required for access of these types of downloadble software from Microsoft since July It directs people who experience this to resources to learn more about getting what Microsoft calls "genuine" software. WGA Notifications was rolled out this spring. You can choose not to install it, but figuring out how to keep it from slipping in with high-priority security patches is not that easy see later in this story for precise instructions on how to do that. Opting out does not stop a user from receiving security updates via Automatic Updates.

WGA Notifications has appeared in several beta versions, with slightly different behaviors. And Microsoft appears to be actively developing this tool. For many people, the fact that the software giant is delivering WGA Notifications, and also continues to deliver WGA Validation as needed — as high-priority security updates — is a strong note of insincerity on the part of the software giant.

Microsoft may be kidding itself that WGA has some sort of security aspect, but most knowledgeable computer users aren't buying it. At press time, when WGA detects a problem, it lets you keep running Windows, periodically popping up WGA Notifications nag screens to make sure you know that your Microsoft software may be counterfeit. If this happens to you, you should pursue WGA Notifications process; it may provide you with information that will help you rectify the problem.

WGA Notifications may be annoying, and it does directly contact Microsoft's servers on its own, but it is WGA Validation that actually makes the determination about whether you're in license compliance.

WGA Notifications is primarily a messenger, and some of its messages may be helpful. For example, in my tests I was able to make the WGA "counterfeit" warning appear by changing the date of the system clock one month later.

The Web-based WGA program was able to determine that was the problem and it suggested I reset the system date. When I did that, the WGA warnings disappeared. While most WGA detections don't resolve that easily, it can't hurt you to learn as much as you can about why WGA believes your copy Windows is illegitimate.

So what could happen? I've received several detailed reports from readers about their experiences with WGA that involves purchases of full retail copies of Windows XP from reputable dealers like Fry's, Staples, and BestBuy.

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.

If you got an error when you were activating Windows, you can find what it means. For details, go to Get help with activation errors.

To learn more, go to Find a product key. Windows 11 Windows 10 Windows 8. Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. I see messages that Windows might not be genuine.

How do I fix this? If my PC is running non-genuine Windows software, can it still receive critical security updates? What are the most common reasons Windows fails validation? Need more help? Join the discussion. A subscription to make the most of your time. Try 1 month free.