Table of Contents
Video Tutorial:
Background
Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and it comes with many new features and improvements. However, like any other software, there are also illegitimate copies of Windows 11 out there. These copies either do not work or are illegal, which means you will not get any support or security updates from Microsoft. Therefore, it is important to know how to check if your copy of Windows 11 is genuine or not.
What’s Needed
To check whether your copy of Windows 11 is genuine or not, you do not need any special tools or software. Everything you need is already built into Windows 11. Therefore, you only need a working computer with Windows 11 installed.
What requires your attention is…?
Before we start with the methods to check whether your copy of Windows 11 is genuine or not, it is important to note that you should only use genuine copies of Windows 11 for security reasons. Illegitimate copies may include viruses or malware that can harm your computer or steal your personal information.
Method 1: Check the Activation Status
Windows 11 needs to be activated to work properly. Activating Windows 11 means that you have a genuine license for the operating system. To check the activation status of your Windows 11, follow the steps below:
1. Click on the Start Menu and go to Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Activation in the left panel.
4. Here, you will see the activation status of your Windows 11 installation. If it says "Windows is activated with a digital license", it means your copy of Windows 11 is genuine.
Pros:
– This method is simple and easy to use
– It is built into Windows 11
Cons:
– This method only shows the activation status, not whether your copy of Windows 11 is legitimate or not
Method 2: Use the Command Prompt
You can also use the Command Prompt to check whether your copy of Windows 11 is genuine or not. To use the Command Prompt, follow the steps below:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. Type the following command: slmgr /xpr
4. Press Enter to execute the command.
5. A new window will appear, showing the activation status of your Windows 11 installation. If it says "This machine is permanently activated", it means your copy of Windows 11 is genuine.
Pros:
– This method is built into Windows 11
– It provides more detailed information about the activation status of your Windows 11 installation
Cons:
– It requires using the Command Prompt, which may be intimidating for some users
Method 3: Use the Settings App
Another way to check whether your copy of Windows 11 is genuine or not is to use the Settings app. To use the Settings app, follow the steps below:
1. Click on the Start Menu and go to Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Security in the left panel.
4. Scroll down and click on Open Windows Security.
5. Click on the App & browser control option.
6. Under the Reputation-based protection section, you will see the status of your Windows Defender SmartScreen. If it is set to On, your copy of Windows 11 is genuine.
Pros:
– This method is easy to use
– It provides more detailed information about the security status of your Windows 11 installation
Cons:
– It doesn’t directly show whether your copy of Windows 11 is legitimate or not
Why Can’t I Check If Windows 11 is Genuine?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to check whether your copy of Windows 11 is genuine or not. Some of these reasons include:
1. Your copy of Windows 11 is not activated.
2. You are not running Windows 11 on a genuine device.
3. Your copy of Windows 11 is illegitimate.
To fix these issues, you need to activate your copy of Windows 11, run it on a genuine device, or purchase a legitimate license from Microsoft.
Implications and Recommendations
Using an illegitimate copy of Windows 11 can be risky, as you may not get security updates or support from Microsoft. Therefore, it is recommended that you use only genuine copies of Windows 11. If you are not sure whether your copy of Windows 11 is genuine or not, you can use the methods described above to check its activation status and security status.
FAQs
Q: What happens if my copy of Windows 11 is not genuine?
A: If your copy of Windows 11 is not genuine, you will not get security updates or support from Microsoft. This can put your computer at risk of viruses and malware.
Q: Why do I need a genuine copy of Windows 11?
A: A genuine copy of Windows 11 provides security updates and support from Microsoft, which is important for keeping your computer secure.
Q: Can I still use Windows 11 if my copy is not genuine?
A: Yes, you can still use Windows 11 if your copy is not genuine. However, you will not get security updates or support from Microsoft.
Q: Can I activate my copy of Windows 11 if it is not genuine?
A: No, you cannot activate an illegitimate copy of Windows 11. You need to purchase a legitimate license from Microsoft.
Q: How do I get a legitimate license for Windows 11?
A: You can purchase a legitimate license for Windows 11 from Microsoft’s website or from an authorized reseller.
Conclusion
Checking whether your copy of Windows 11 is genuine or not is important for keeping your computer secure. Using the methods described above, you can easily check the activation status and security status of your Windows 11 installation. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of your copy of Windows 11, it is recommended that you purchase a legitimate license from Microsoft.
