How do I know if my Windows 7 is pirated or original?

The first way to validate that Windows 7 is genuine is to click on Start, then type in activate windows in the search box. If your copy of Windows 7 is activated and genuine, you will get a message that says “Activation was successful” and you will see the Microsoft Genuine software logo on the right hand side.

What happens if I use pirated Windows 7?

Even Windows pirates get the security support from Microsoft. Microsoft earlier this week clarified that all versions of Windows, both legitimate and illegitimate, receive security updates – and that policy will carry over to Windows 7.

What is pirated version?

/ˈpaɪrətɪd/ us. used to describe software, films, recordings, etc. that have been illegally copied to be sold at much cheaper prices: pirated goods/movies/music.

Is using Windows 7 illegal?

Microsoft issued a friendly reminder in a blog post earlier this week that if you installed Windows 7 on a blank hard drive using an upgrade disc, your Windows installation is illegal. That’s a tricky move since it will save you at least eighty bucks, but Microsoft says it’s a no-no. …

Is Pirated Windows illegal?

Legality. It’s illegal. No one should use a pirated copy of Windows. While consumers may escape, Businesses have no excuse if caught.

Should I reformat and clean install Windows 7?

You will save yourself a lot of grief with a clean install. I strongly suggest you reformat and do an clean install of Win 7. You do not how the pirated version has been hacked or what little “goodies” may be hidden there. You will save yourself a lot of grief with a clean install. I couldn’t agree more.

Are windows Pirates playing cat-and-mouse with Microsoft?

Indeed, Windows pirates have been playing a cat-and-mouse game with Microsoft for years. In the Windows XP era, pirates focused most often on stealing legitimate product keys, especially Volume License keys.

How did Windows XP become a target for pirates?

In the Windows XP era, pirates focused most often on stealing legitimate product keys, especially Volume License keys. Beginning with Windows Vista, Microsoft has begun building anti-piracy components directly into the operating system, and pirates have aimed their hacking skills at those components with increasing sophistication.