Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications

Used Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffMay 26, 2017

This free utility determines whether your installed version of Windows is an authentic copy from Microsoft or a pirated version. Because its primary purpose is to provide information to Microsoft, some users may not see any real benefit to running this standalone executable.

On installation, Windows Genuine Advantage displays a small box while it runs a check on your system to authenticate your OS. While running this check, it connects to the Internet (but opens no browser window) to share information with Microsoft's corporate systems, verifying that your PC's license data matches stored information. After validation is complete, you're prompted to visit the Microsoft site for counsel on the benefits of running authentic Microsoft software--essentially a marketing ploy.

If the utility determines you have a pirated version of Windows, you'll be prompted to take steps to purchase an authentic version. (We didn't encounter this scenario in our tests, so we can't report exactly what occurs.) Following the initial check, Windows Genuine Advantage will automatically launch and connect to the Internet whenever you boot your PC.

Some users, already confident about the status of their operating system or simply not desiring to share info with Microsoft, may not want to install Windows Genuine Advantage at all. Other users may want Microsoft's stamp of approval and will be pleased with this utility's results.

What’s new in version 1.7.0018

Version 1.7.0018.1 includes unspecified updates.

Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications

Used Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 22, 2007

Latest update: May 26, 2017

Version: 1.7.0018

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows XP

Additional Requirements: Windows XP

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 210,671

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

2.2/5

6 User Votes

Tired of continually being suspected of piracy
thetroutmanSeptember 14, 2010
Pros
Nothing in particular
Cons
Doesn't know when to quit, like a pit bull that doesn't quit biting
Summary
Once is enough. If you've sniffed my hardware, and find new microsoft products...that's fine, but enough is enough
A "Need To Know" Tool That either,Can give you a "Head-Acke" or...Ease,Your Mind!
nighttrackerAugust 1, 2008
Pros
For someone that may Truly Need to know just in-case you made a 2nd-Hand purchase of your PC,this will show you if your Windows Program is "BOOT-LEGGED".And; You can be sure that some "ARE".
Cons
...Can shadder some "nerves" If, your program is Bad.But...Atleast you will know...
Summary
hmm
asjatakoJuly 25, 2007
Pros
becouse i dont have, when i turn on the computer, wour computer is at risk....
Cons
everything is good
Summary
Phoney Genuine Advantage. BEHIND EVERY GREAT FORTUNE THERE IS CRIME
Professor_NEGATIVEMay 15, 2007
Pros
Dear Mr.***** <p> <p>Sorry, no one here or in the world has originals but bulk purcases and the person from whom I purchased does not talk to me as I threw him out last year for stealing my other legitimate software which is European and has computer cognizance sense. I contacted one reseller and others and all say that microsoft is a rip off which made it so rich and buying licences from them is a foolish thing to do since once bought you have to keep buying and this Genuine Adantage is a big hoax especially when microsoft is makes money from bulk selling as well individual ripping off. Your own office says that microsoft doesn't pay all taxes and hence smuggling through Taiwan. I am told by all from your country as well, that switch to Apple Macintosh, Linux and others but avoid microsoft totally if you are so concerned about legitimate software and support. I know by now that Genuine Advantage key which I purchased fizzled out after a few hours and I know by now that the CD is a hoax too as it won't work. . Some Attorneys have adviced to move the Supreme Court and get a permamnent injunction on Microsoft offices [Indian Courts don't use Microft products and nether does the Indian government] and get them sealed. I won't do it but others will.All the trouble started after I installed IE7. which is horrible. Defender is as good as useless. I don't know where the truth lies but certainly Genuine Advantage has proved to be very troublesome for me causing me a considerable monetary loss. I don't need a computer but because of certain health problems I spend time browsing. I'm auctiong off this PC ,if I get a sensible price . I might add that microsoft is world's only site which doesn't offer support after legitamate purchases but just collects money. I know you'll block my PC from operation as told by your guys out here who warned me not to contact MICROSOFT. However I'm not bothered for obvious reasons. <p> <p>Note: I bought one license key and they want me to keep buying after any necassary formatting.
Cons
All Cons
Summary
Necessary but offensive
galaxicaMarch 4, 2007
Pros
Cons
It may be necessary for updates, and for users who have legitimate Microsoft products, there is no problem. But the file description (Protect yourself against counterfeit and pirated Windows products) is simply doublespeak. This is strictly for Microsoft's benefit. Anyone with Microsoft software on their PC knows if it's legit or not.
Summary
Avoid At All Costs
Stefan.March 2, 2007
Pros
It's possible to not have this installed on your computer.
Cons
This is for the benefit of Microsoft, not for the PC user. There are a very large number of "false positives" (a PC marked as having a counterfeit version of Windows when it does not). If you know you have a counterfeit version of Windows installed on your computer, you'd be an idiot to install this. If you bought your copy of Windows from a computer store (e.g., Circuit City, CompUSA, etc.), then you have nothing to prove.
Summary

Developer’s Description

Protect yourself against counterfeit and pirated Windows products.

Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications is a tool to help reduce software piracy. This tool will confirm that the copy of Windows installed on the PC is genuine and properly licensed. If it is not genuine, the tool will provide periodic reminders to help you take the appropriate action. Version 1.7.0018.1 includes unspecified updates.