Developer: Microsoft
Latest release: 1.7.0017.0 / February 16, 2007
OS: Windows XP series
Windows Vista
Platform: Microsoft Update, Windows Update, selected components in Microsoft Download Center
Use: Software validation
License: Proprietary
Website: www.microsoft.com/genuine/

Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is a controversial anti-piracy program initiated by Microsoft that requires users of Microsoft Windows to validate the authenticity of their copy of several recent Microsoft operating systems when accessing several Microsoft Windows services, such as Windows Update, and downloading from the Microsoft Download Center. Previously voluntary, it became mandatory for use of these services in July 2005. Users who have automatic updates set to "Notify", and do not put a check mark next to the WGA download, are not affected.

[edit] Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool
When a user installs WGA, an Internet Explorer add-on is added entitled "Windows Genuine Advantage". In early releases, this could be readily disabled with the IE Add-on Management feature. A Windows Group Policy was added by later updates, causing this option to be unavailable by default - but still accessible if the policy were removed. As of July 2006, the latest update blocks management by some other means, possibly hard-coding WGA as an exception in the Add-on Manager.

The program uses either a stand-alone program to generate a key or an ActiveX control to discover if the license key is valid. If WGA determines that a user's copy of Windows is unauthorized, and the CD appeared genuine (including the holographic emblem present on real copies of Windows), then Microsoft will supply the user with a new CD. Microsoft also offers discounts to people who want to purchase a legitimate copy of Windows, but do not have a valid CD. Microsoft has indicated that they will continue to deliver critical security updates through their Automatic Updates service as well as on the Microsoft Download Center. The company does plan to make installation of WGA a requirement for use of Automatic Updates in part to be sure that customers who use support resources of the company are aware when their software is unlicensed or counterfeit. Although installation of WGA will be required for use of Automatic Updates, all systems including those that fail to pass validation will receive critical security updates.


[edit] Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
Beginning April 25, 2006, Microsoft began distributing Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications[1] as "critical update" KB905474 to Windows users. Users with pirated copies were exposed to alerts[2] at startup, login and during use of the Windows OS stating that they do not have a genuine copy of Windows. Users with legitimate copies are not supposed to see the alerts (although some with legitimate copies have received the alerts[citation needed]). On May 23, 2006, Microsoft updated the program, closing some forms of circumvention, but reportedly not all.[3] It was updated again on May 30, June 6, and June 27, 2006 though some forms of circumvention are still usable. The latest versions do not roll out world wide at the same time - the dates given are the earliest dates on which the versions appeared, so the actual version being offered in some places will be an earlier version than the latest release. It is still possible to opt-out of receiving this update using the "do not show" option at the Windows update site.

The latest version of Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications, released November 29, 2006, has a changed install process, to inform the user of what the program does, and can also be set to automatically update to newer versions of Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications. It also informs users that may have a non-genuine version of Windows, more information on why their Windows isn't reported as genuine. However, unlike previous releases, it is currently only automatically delivered to Windows machines that are using four widely distributed product keys. It will be distributed to all other machines in the coming weeks.[4]


[edit] Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Library
Microsoft includes the Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Library in several products like Windows Defender, Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Media Player 11 to validate about the Windows installation.

Microsoft has also launched the Office Genuine Advantage program, which validates installations of Microsoft Office.