I was assured that my computer came with an original lifetime license of Microsoft Office. But after a few years from usage, I started getting messages asking me to get a new license, which made me take that question to myself: was the installed software original or not? Through experience and time, I learned how to verify it, and within this manual, I will show you easy steps on how to verify if your Microsoft Office is original or not.
Why do we need to check if the MS Office is genuine?
In the digital world of today, Microsoft Office remains the backbone for productivity. Be it crafting documents, crunching numbers, or creating presentations, Office truly empowers you to get things done. But using a genuine licensed version goes beyond functionality. Herein lies why it is so important that your MS Office is indeed real:
1. Avoid the pitfalls of pirated software.
There is an alluring temptation toward attraction with free, cracked versions of MS Office. However, the associated risks far outweigh perceived savings. Pirated software may contain security vulnerabilities that allow malware attacks to compromise your data or the entire system. Imagine losing important documents or having your computer compromised because of some faulty crack!
2. Full Functionality Ensured:
Cracked versions usually come without some of the functionalities or key features that are part of the genuine MS Office. This can seriously dent your productivity, be it with formatting, collaboration tools, or even filing. You might be working on an important presentation and then find that the very feature you need is lacking in your cracked software.
3. Professional Image:
Businesses and organizations require genuine MS Office to ensure a professional presentation. Pirated versions can be unstable and may crash at the time when one is in the middle of presentations or discussing something with clients. This will result in an adverse impression for your clientele, undermining your credibility.
4. Seamless Collaboration with Partners & Clients:
Genuine MS Office means seamless collaboration. Complete compatibility with colleagues and clients who use the same version of software means one thing: better communication and workflow within a team and none of those headaches over the format conversion troubles.
5. Access to Updates and Support:
A valid license means that you get security updates and bug fixes on time, which helps to keep your software up to date and secure. You also get excellent technical support in case things go wrong. Cracked versions don't offer any safety net in such cases, so you are on your own. Putting it in a nut, having genuine MS Office secures your data, provides full access to features and updates, and protects professional integrity.
How to check if MS Office is genuine?
Knowing that you have genuine MS Office gives you peace of mind and helps you to be sure you actually reap the full benefits of the software. Here are two major ways through which you can validate your Office installation:
Method 1: Check Product Activation Status in Office
This is quite easy and can be done directly within your Office program. Here is how:
Step 1: Launch any of the Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and so on.
Step 2: Click File on the top-left corner.
Step 3: On the left-hand menu, find the Account section, and click on it.
Step 4: Look for the Product Activation section. This will show you information about your license status.
When it says "Product Activated", this means that you actually have a licensed version of MS Office.
When it says "Activation Required" or when any error message appears, that could mean you're working with an unlicensed version.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt
While this involves a bit more technical know-how, it will provide very detailed information on your Office license.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt through the search bar in Windows.
Open the Command Prompt
Step 2: Right-click on the Command Prompt window and run as administrator. This gives the program elevated privileges.
Step 3: Inside the Command Prompt window, enter the following command:
cscript.exe "%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office16\ospp.vbs" /dstatus
Note: The path may be slightly different due to your Office version.
Step 4: Press Enter. This command will pop up, showing a series of information about your Office installation and the status of its license.
Step 5: Find the line that says "License Status". This should read "Licensed" if your Office is genuine. Anything else, and you may have a problem.
Method 3: Check the Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
Step 1: Check your product packaging or installation CD/DVD for the COA label or sticker.
Step 2: Check the hologram image on the COA. It should exist and at least it should appear authentic.
Step 3: Check the product key on the COA against the one you typed during installation.
Method 4: Validate the Product Key
Step 1: Open any of the Office applications. For instance, you can start Word or Excel.
Step 2: Now click on the "File" tab and then on "Account".
Step 3: In the "Product Information" section, you will find an "About" button; click on it.
Step 4: A small dialog box will appear, showing you the detailed version of your installed Microsoft Office along with the product key.
Method 5: Use Microsoft's Genuine Software Checker
Step 1: Open the Microsoft website.
Step 2: Look for Genuine Software Checker tool.
Step 3: Save the utility to your hard drive and install it.
Step 4: Run Genuine Software Checker and follow the on-screen steps to check your system for authentic software installations.
By performing these steps, adding several other methods discussed here, you will have a clear picture about MS Office licensing status. Remember, genuine means secure, full-featured, and safe for your data.
Download genuine MS Office
If you happen to have realized that the Microsoft Office installed on your computer is not genuine, or you just want to switch to a genuine version, here is how you download and install genuine Microsoft Office.
1. Uninstall the Pirated Copy
First and foremost, before downloading and installing the genuine version of Microsoft Office, you need to uninstall any pirated copies you may be in possession of. The reason for this is that you are assured of an uncontaminated installation free from possible conflicts.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel:
Step 2: Go to Programs and Features.
Step 3: Find Microsoft Office in the list of installed programs.
Step 4: Select and click Uninstall: Follow the on-screen instruction to uninstall the pirated software from your computer.
2. Purchase a Genuine One
You can buy MS Office directly from Microsoft or from any of the 'Authorized Retailers'. Following is an overview regarding prices:
MS 365 Personal: About $69.99 a year.
Microsoft 365 Family, for approximately $99.99 annually: Accommodates up to 6 people.
Office Home & Student 2021, one-time purchase: About $149.99.
For the latest pricing and plans, visit the Microsoft Office pricing page.
3. Genuine Microsoft Office Download and Installation
Step 1: Open any browser and go to the Microsoft Office official download page; click on Microsoft Office to start downloading the application.
Step 2: Use your Microsoft account to log in; if you don't have one, you'll need to create it. This will be associated with the licensing of your Office.
Step 3: Product key: If you bought a physical copy, just put in the key given inside the box. In case of online purchases, sometimes a product key can be mentioned inside confirmation mail or inside your account.
Step 4: When prompted, choose which Office version to install: You can choose Microsoft 365 or even Office 2021.
Step 5: Download the installation file: Just click on the download button and save the file on the computer.
Step 6: Run the installer: Double-click on the downloaded setup and follow the on-screen prompts to complete it.
Step 7: Activating Office Once installed, open an Office application, such as Word or Excel. It will immediately ask you to activate your software. You may need to input your product key, if requested. Then, click through the activation process.
This will ensure your copy of Microsoft Office is genuine and fully functional, you avoid all risks coming with counterfeit software, and get all features and support provided by Microsoft.
Finding a free and powerful alternative— WPS Office
While genuine MS Office comes with a heavy price tag, it provides you with an excellent set of features. Thankfully, there is also an amazing alternative for this cost barrier that brings the power of creating and editing documents into your hands without burning a hole in your pocket.
What is WPS Office?
WPS Office is an integrated suite of productivity tools that comprises:
Writer: A word processor with which you can make beautiful documents containing all the functionality you would expect, including formatting tools, spell check, and even collaboration options. This is akin to Microsoft Word.
Spreadsheets: A strong spreadsheet program in which you are able to analyze and manipulate data, much like Microsoft Excel.
Presentation: A way to create slick-looking presentations, complete with adjustable templates and animations, similar to Microsoft PowerPoint.
Why Choose WPS Office?
WPS Office also brings forth some lofty benefits for individuals, students, and even small businesses, including:
Free Offline Use: This means you can use WPS Office for free, right on your desktop computer, without any hidden costs or limitation of features.
Compatible with MS Office: As with most modern office suites, it supports opening, editing, and saving files made in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. That way, one can easily collaborate with other people using Microsoft Office.
Multi-format support: Work on multiple document, spreadsheet, and presentation formats including but not limited to DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.
An integrated office suite to make your work easy with tools meant for each and every task arising in your day-to-day life.
Multi-platform support: Working with WPS Office will be extended on various operating systems, whether it be Windows, macOS, or Linux. Besides, its mobile versions support productivity on the go for Android or iOS-driven smartphones.
With WPS Office, you avoid the risks and other limitations that come with cracked MS Office versions. You get a secure, reliable, and absolutely free solution for all your document creation and editing needs.
How to Download WPS Office?
Downloading WPS Office is as easy as pie! Here it goes:
Step 1: Go to the official website of WPS Office: https://www.wps.com/download/
Step 2: Click the free download for your operating system: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Step 3: Follow the wizard to complete the installation process.
Alternatively, you can also download WPS Office mobile versions directly from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Get ready for a secure, robust, and absolutely free office suite. Now, enter the world of WPS Office!
FAQs
Are There Any Other Ways to Determine If My Microsoft Office Is Genuine?
Yes, you can:
Step 1: Packaging-Check the Microsoft Genuine hologram on the box.
Step 2: Activation Wizard-Go to File > Account in any Office app and try to activate your product key therein.
Step 3: Microsoft Support-They will verify if your key is genuine.
What Should I Do If I Discover That My Microsoft Office Is Not Genuine?
Contact Microsoft Support: Let them guide you through validating your key and substituting it with a real one.
Uninstall the Bogus Software: Purge the fake Office from your computer.
Buy an Authentic Copy: Purchase a valid license for Office from Microsoft's store or any other licensed vendor.
Seek Free Alternatives: Explore free options such as WPS Office.
How to Know If MS Office Is Licensed or Not?
Step 1: Launch any Office application, such as Word or Excel.
Step 2: Click on File followed by Account. In the section for Product Information, click License Status.
Step 3: Find License ID: This is the Product key that commences with "EWW." for Microsoft 365.
Summary
Throughout this guide, I have touched upon the problem of verifying the legitimacy of your Microsoft Office software in order to avoid any type of potential risk concerning fraudulent office software. I have shown how to check if your MS Office is genuine. If you are in the market for an alternative, one of the best out there is WPS Office, free, powerful, and fully compatible with Microsoft Office. WPS Office keeps you away from the risks of cracked versions and saves money.
