How to Remove the 'Get Genuine Office' Counterfeit Warning in Office 2019
Question details
The user is experiencing a 'Get genuine Office' counterfeit warning in Office 2019 after an update, despite the software showing as activated in account settings.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Launching or using Office 2019 applications after a recent software update.
- Observed behavior
- A banner or pop-up warning stating 'Get genuine Office' appears, indicating that the installed software license may be counterfeit or not genuine.
Ensure you have your original Office product key or digital purchase receipt accessible before contacting support, as you will need it to verify your license.
Verify Your License with Microsoft Support
If you purchased a legitimate copy of Office 2019, you should verify your license with Microsoft Support to remove the error.
Microsoft occasionally updates its software validation processes. These updates can sometimes mistakenly flag genuine volume licenses or third-party retail keys. Contacting support allows you to validate your key.
Find your 25-character product key, digital email receipt, or the original packaging from your Office 2019 purchase.
Go to the official Microsoft Support website and log in with the Microsoft account associated with your Office installation.
Open a support chat or ticket, explain the counterfeit warning you are receiving, and provide your proof of purchase to the support agent for validation.
Uninstall and Install a Genuine Version of Office
If your current software is confirmed to be counterfeit, you will need to replace it with a genuine version to resolve the warnings and ensure security.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Licensing Issues
If you are dealing with counterfeit software warnings and expensive license renewals, WPS Office is a fantastic free alternative. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible office suite without the hassle of activation errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the application: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup in just a few minutes.
- 3. Open your Office files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without any format conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the 'Get genuine Office' warning appear suddenly after an update?
Microsoft periodically updates its software validation processes. An update may have introduced new checks that flagged your installation's product key as invalid, leaked, or unauthorized, triggering the warning.
Can I just ignore the counterfeit warning and keep using Office?
While you may be able to use the software temporarily, ignoring the warning can lead to restricted functionality, constant banner interruptions, and a lack of critical security updates.
How do I know if the Office software I bought is genuine?
Genuine Office software is typically purchased directly from Microsoft or authorized retail partners. If the price was unusually low or you bought a standalone product key from a third-party marketplace, it may be a volume license not intended for consumer resale.
