Packaged Software
Learn more about features included with genuine Microsoft software, including the packaging, installation CD/DVD/USB, product key labels, and the Certificate of Authenticity (COA). When you purchase software such as Windows, Office, or Windows Server on its own (not preinstalled on a PC), this is called packaged software. Typically, packaged software can be purchased from a retail store, an authorized reseller, or an online reseller. Here are some quick things you can look for when purchasing packaged software:
Microsoft Retail Box Top COA prior to April 2021:
The Certificates of Authenticity (COA) label is used on the outside of retail boxed software and explains what the product is, its country of intended use and country of origin. The label has the following anti-counterfeit security features:
1) Holographic Feature
2) Color-Shifting Feature
Retail Box COA
Effective April 2021, Microsoft released a new COA for the Retail Box Top label. To view the features of this new label click on the video below.
Effective April 2022, Microsoft released a new COA for the Retail Box Top label. To view the features of this new label click on the video below.
In April 2022 Microsoft has released a new authentication label which will replace the prior label in these same countries and more. For a short video that shows the features of this new label click below.
In Addition, as of May, 2020, for Southeast Asia, India and Korea Microsoft has deployed a unique authentication label on Retail product. In those countries this label can be found next to the Retail Box COA as shown in the image here:
Product key label
The product key label is a white or orange label that accompanies the installation CD/DVD/USB and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for a product and contains a 25 character product key. The product key label should not be purchased separately.
This product key label is a white label that accompanies the installation CD/DVD/USB and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for a product and contains a 25 character product key. In addition to the barcode and product key there is a small amount of print on the left edge and the top right corner. On close inspection (a magnifying glass may be required) the name “MICROSOFT” can be seen in blue in the left side and in green on the right side. The product key label should not be purchased separately.
Before April 2021:
Your Windows 10 Microsoft packaged software product is delivered with Windows on a USB device which includes vibrant color and 3D effects as the USB device is tilted. This hologram is embedded within the plastic molded component of the USB; it is not a label.
April 2021 and After:
New USB image Deployed February 2024
Office 2016
In limited countries and regions worldwide, you may receive your Office 2016 backup software on a USB device that includes vibrant color and 3D effects as the USB device is tilted. This hologram is embedded within the plastic molded component of the USB; it is not a label.
Many Microsoft products on CD, DVD and USB include holographic security features to help ensure you receive authentic product and to protect against counterfeiting.
Earlier version of Windows
Microsoft packaged software products prior to Windows 10 such as Windows, Office, and Windows Server are delivered on a CD or DVD, which includes vibrant color and 3D effects on the inner hub of the disc, as the disc is tilted. This hologram is embedded within the disc; it is not a label.
There is also an inner mirror band hologram located on the inner part of the back (data) side of the DVD. It changes color as the disc is tilted.
Note: The copper holographic material is embedded within the DVD and is not a sticker. If the hologram peels away, you may have received counterfeit software (report counterfeit software to Microsoft).
Hologram
With the latest product releases on CD or DVD from Microsoft, additional optical security features can be seen from both sides of the disc, near the inner hole of the disc and along the outer edge. The features are embedded within the disc; they are not on a sticker. When the disc is flipped over, any text or numbers will be seen as a mirror image of the reverse side.
On the thin Outer Mirror Band (OMB) ring, there is an area that shows “Microsoft” changing to the word “Genuine” as you slightly tilt the disc from left to right.
In the Inner Mirror Band (IMB) area there is an indicator arrow with a point towards the outer edge of the disc. There is also a small corresponding indicator arrow on the thin OMB band, facing the much larger IMB version. These two elements should be in direct alignment with each other.
Packaging
When viewing packaging, simple things like spelling errors, blurry text and images, or poor print quality can help you identify counterfeit software. Incorrect logos and photos that don’t quite correspond to the product you’re purchasing can also provide clues that something isn’t quite right.