The workings of the Windows Genuine Advantage validation

WGA process is quick and easy. WGA does not collect information that can be used by Microsoft to identify or contact the user. The validation process includes the following steps:

• At the first visit to the Microsoft Download Center site, Windows Update or Microsoft Update, you will receive a message asking you to validate your copy of Windows.
• You are asked to download an ActiveX control that checks the authenticity of Windows software. If Windows validation is successful, control is saving a special license file on the computer for verification in the future.
• The validation process electronically checks several methods of piracy would be recognized. Generally, you should not enter any information during this step.
• Upon successful validation, you can resume downloads.
• WGA Notifications anti-piracy tool that WGA validation check and let you know if you're not running genuine Windows.

NOTE: Automatic Updates feature is not affected by the WGA validation check. Therefore, you can use the Automatic Updates feature to ensure that you receive critical Windows updates.