What is windows genuine, and will it affect my computer?

Question

My anti virus, is telling me to go to Microsoft update and install the missing updates for windows.

When i go to windows update i get this message saying that i
need to download and install windows genuine to use microsoft update. I remember i got windows genuine some other time and it completely screwed my computer up.
Do i really need to download windows genuine!??!

My automatic Updates is turned n, and it hasn't advised me to install windows genuine. Does this mean it is not necessary to get windows genuine??

Answer 1

Windows Genuine Advantage is an anti-piracy measure used by Microsoft to detect and then block unlicensed copies from getting updates.



If you have a genuine copy then download it, it will give you access to all Windows utilities and add-ons such as "active X". It's not essential, but it is advisable to install it.



If you do not have a genuine copy then don't download it.

There are pirate copies that can pass WGA but I can't mention them on the public forum.

Answer 2

windows genuine is a microsoft tool that...once installd..it checks to see if ure version if windows is lisenced..or it its a copied one...so if u install it and it turns out ure version of windows is not genuine..it wont screw up ure comp but u wont b able to get any further microsoft/windows updates..

furthermore..it cant b removed!

Answer 3

http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Genuine_Advantage

This is to keep people from using counterfeit copies of windows.

IF YOUR COPY IS COUNTERFEIT IT WILL SCREW UP YOUR COMPUTER.

Some people that build and sell computers cheap use counterfeit copy to load there computers.

Answer 4

Your antivirus wouldn't be telling that you are missing updates



A virus might