How to Know Your Windows Product Key is Genuine or Not

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Are you running Windows 10, Windows 7 or Windows 8.1? Wanna know if your Windows is genuine and activated. Do you need to know if activated Windows copies are genuine as well? Read this article if the answer is 'yes'.

Windows constantly checks for authenticity, so there's a chance your copy will be genuine. Microsoft, however, is constantly learning new ways of catching those who install illegal copies. I've seen a device pass the Windows check and then fail to pass months later after Microsoft deleted the key that was used to turn it on. There is thus no guarantee, sadly, that your copy is legal.

The best thing to do is get the copy from a trusted source and ask, so you know with which authorization it will be installed. Most small computer shops use cracked versions of Windows 7 because it's simple, but honest ones will always allow you to license or buy a copy at full retail price. If I update someone's machine, when they purchase a license from me at full retail price, they'll need to provide one. Even now, the Windows 7 key will function to enable Windows 10 so I usually use that. (And if I remember correctly when you do that, it doesn't appear as the user key, because it's NOT a Windows 10 key.)

Windows has 3 types of licensing

OEM is an original equipment manufacturer which is provided by our machine manufacturer like Dell, HP, etc. preinstalled on laptop.

RETAIL is the one which is purchased, from Microsoft via any seller and usually comes within CD with a key. Though it can be downloaded officially from Microsoft, the 'key' is key here.

VOLUME is for corporate users having a licensing agreement for their devices in their network.

How to Check Windows Is Genuine or Cracked

1. Click the Windows logo and R key on the keyboard in Windows 10 to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cmd to open Comand prompt.
3. Now Type slmgr.vbs /dli and Press Enter
4. The Next pop up box will tell your windows is activated or not and via which channel
5. 
6. The Licenced Version Will Show Only 4 Things: Name, Description, Partial Product Key and Licensed Status
7. If you see Volume Activation Expiration Time, Then Your Windows is activated using activator software and it is cracked
8. To Check Your Windows Expiration Date, Use This Command on Command Prompt: slmgr.vbs /xpr
9. 
10. If Your Windows is Genuine Then It Will give you this Message: "The Machine is Permanently Activated"

The pirated versions of windows are typically enabled through Key Management Service tools such as KMS spico etc.

How KMS spico operates is that it builds a server in that computer instead of moving to a remote server, and replaces the 30-day trial code with another one. Windows is disabled as Volume in this way, and you get full window functionality.

Therefore, if the person is not a corporate individual, it can be easily detected by getting a form of VOLUME licensing means the person has a pirated version.

Though, even if your Windows is activated when you get it from a trusted source, you can't be 100 per cent sure it's also genuine To educate consumers and ensure they are not scammed into purchasing non-genuine hardware and software.

Sometimes, laptop sellers trick people by giving OEM windows to a laptop and installing any other, so it's important to check it after purchasing.