How to Check If Windows Product key is Genuine? 2024 Guide

Ensuring that your Windows product key is genuine is crucial for unlocking all features, receiving security updates, and avoiding potential legal issues. Thanks to phoney software being easily accessible on the internet, the veracity of your Windows license needs to be confirmed prior to the activation of your operating system. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through various methods to check if your Windows product key is genuine, the risks of using non-genuine licenses, and how to purchase verified keys from Affordablesoftware.co.uk.

1. Why It’s Important to Verify Your Windows Product Key

A genuine Windows product key ensures that your operating system is legally licensed, allowing you to access all features and receive critical security updates. Running a non-genuine version of Windows can lead to several issues, including:

• Limited functionality: Pirated versions of Windows actually have a lot of their functionality turn off; things like customizing Windows, or installing updates.
• Security vulnerabilities: In case this is not done, the system can be infected with malware, ransomware and other related cyber suspense criticisms.
• Legal risks: PENALTIES/FINES are likely to be given when one uses counterfeit software in his or her computer system.
• Unstable performance: Pirated or otherwise non-legitimate Windows releases are very likely to fail, or have problems with software operability.
• Verifying the authenticity of your Windows product key protects your device and data, ensuring that you're running a fully licensed, secure version of the OS.

2. Methods to Check If Your Windows Product Key is Genuine

There are multiple ways to check if your Windows product key is genuine and properly activated. Both for use on Windows 10 and Windows 11 there are the following methods of creating shortcuts. Let’s explore them:

2.1 Using Windows Settings

Checking your activation status is the quickest method of ascertaining whether your copy of Windows is genuine or not.

Steps:

1. To open the settings use Windows Key holding along with the ‘I’ key.
2. To that, navigate to Update & Security.
3. This will help a user to get on the Activation from the left sidebar option.

When you go to the Activation section, you will get the current activation of the Windows you are using. If it says Windows is activated with a digital license your product key is valid for use. If you read messages such as “Windows is not activated” or “Activate Windows?” it means that your product key is not genuine.

2.2 Using Command Prompt (CMD)

You can also use the Command Prompt to check if your Windows product key is genuine and activated.

Steps:

1. Click on the start menu button, type cmd, then right-click the command prompt and select run as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
3. Launching the Windows Activation UI will cause a small dialogue box to appear which indicates the activation status of your Windows installation.

If the message states "The machine is permanently activated", it means your Windows product key is genuine. If not, you will have a problem with your key, perhaps it is a faulty one or the lock is bad.

2.3 Always using Product Key Finder Software

Another reliable way to verify your Windows product key is by using third-party software that specializes in recovering and verifying license keys. Using such utilities as Belarc Advisor, ProduKey, or NirSoft’s KeyFinder you obtain the current product key and check whether it is valid.

Steps Using ProduKey:

1. You can obtain a tool called ProduKey from the website belonging to NirSoft.
2. Open the application and it will show you the product key which is used for the Windows installation.
3. After this, compare it with the one you got when buying your license for the gun shop. In case it matches, then your key is genuine.

3. Most Common Windows Activation Error Messages and What They Imply

When checking the activation status of your Windows product key, you might encounter some error messages. Here’s what they mean and how to resolve them:

3.1 Windows is not activated

This error occurs when you are trying to activate Windows through the product key but Windows does not recognize this key as genuine. It can be that the input key was wrong or else the key which was input was not a real one.

Solution: Please verify that the product key is proximal correctly; If the software was bought online then it should have been from a reputable website such as Affordablesoftware.co.uk.

3.2 Information: ‘ Your product key is already in use on another device

This message usually appears when the product key has been used to activate the Windows operating system on another computer. OEM or retail keys in Windows license mean that the key can only operate on one computer at a time.

Solution: You are actually going to want to buy a new product key for the current device that you are currently using. To purchase genuine and cheap products, use this link http://www.affordablesoftware.co.uk.

3.3 This version of Windows is Illegitimate.

This message means either that the product key is fake or simply not valid for the version of Windows which you are currently using.

Solution: Purchase a new, genuine Windows product key from a trusted vendor like Affordablesoftware.co.uk to resolve the issue.

4. Risks of Using Non-Genuine Windows Product Keys

Using a counterfeit or non-genuine Windows product key comes with several risks, both in terms of performance and security. Here’s why you should avoid using non-genuine keys:

4.1 Security Vulnerabilities

Pirated copies of Windows will not normally come with updates issued to protect from viruses, malware and other internet threats. Microsoft releases patches and updates frequently this rectifies the weaknesses in the system and if you are using a PC without these patches, you are a prime target.

4.2 Limited Features

Fraudulent versions of Windows are usually characterized by restricted functionality. For instance, customization options, which include changing wallpaper and themes, may be deactivated. Moreover, you can only notice permanent watermarks on your desktop, which informs you that your Windows copy is not legal.

4.3 No Access to Support

Microsoft maintains and assists its customers who are using its products and services within the applications covered by a genuine license. If you have certain problems, for example, if something is wrong with your system or if you need help in this sphere, only those people who have the right license can get help from Microsoft.

4.4 Legal Consequences

Piracy is a crime and will attract penalties or fines and one should always ensure they use genuine software. Organizations, especially business entities, are required to check every license of the software purchased to avoid legal implications.

To avoid these risks, always purchase genuine Windows product keys from trusted sources, like Affordablesoftware.co.uk, where you’ll find affordable and verified licenses.

5. How to Buy Genuine Windows Product Keys

To avoid using fake product keys it is advised to purchase the product keys from genuine sources. At Affordablesoftware.co.uk, we specialize in providing genuine Windows product keys at unbeatable prices.

5.1 Why choose to buy products from Affordablesoftware.co.uk?

Verified Keys: All Windows product keys are verified by Microsoft to ensure they are genuine and valid for activation.

Affordable Prices: Our prices for the product keys are flexible based on the OEM, Retail and Volume license options.

Customer Support: You can always contact our support team when it comes to any complication likely to arise with the product key or even installation.

No matter whether you require a Windows 10 license, Windows 11 license or license for any previous version of Windows we have a lot of products to offer. Visit Affordablesoftware.co.uk today to purchase your genuine Windows product key.

6. How to Enter and Activate Your Windows Product Key

If you bought your product key from Affordablesoftware.co.uk then you probably have a legitimate copy of the real thing and need to activate Windows. Here’s how to do it:

6.1 Activation During Installation

If you are doing a Windows clean copy then you will be asked to enter the product key as you enter your license details. All you have to do is type in the 25-character key like most of you got in the mail when purchasing Windows, and when connected to the internet, Windows will activate on its own.

6.2 Activation After Installation

If you’ve already installed Windows and need to activate it afterwards, follow these steps:

Press ‘Windows Key + I’ to open Settings.

Follow it up by navigating to Update & Security and then Activation.

Hmm, click the Change product key hyperlink, and type the 25-character product key.

Next would make Windows activation to be done automatically.

When you have activated your system, it works to the fullest, and you can install any update and or feature.

7. Conclusion

Verifying the authenticity of your Windows product key is essential for unlocking all features and ensuring the security of your device. In addition to the ways mentioned above, one can use the parenthesis menu, Command Prompt as well as third-party softlots to check the status of an activated Windows key.

For the best experience, always purchase genuine Windows product keys from reputable vendors like Affordablesoftware.co.uk, where we offer affordable and verified keys for all versions of Windows.

They can be dangerous and open the door to lots of security issues and problems so why risk it, get a real license to protect your device. After reading this article go to Affordablesoftware.co.uk today.