Remove “You may be a victim of software counterfeiting” notification
Recently, I received more emails from users who are using my servers to activate your Microsoft products asking to solve a problem that has become increasingly common in recent days. It is related to the emergence of a yellowish notification bar with the words “GET GENUINE OFFICE You may be a victim of software counterfeiting. Avoid security risks and get genuine Office now” or “Your license isn’t genuine, and you may be a victim of software counterfeiting. Avoid interruption and keep your files safe with genuine Office today” on their apps.
I have tried my best to reply to all your emails but I could not because the number of emails I receive each day is a large amount. Sometimes you might not get any answers, I also feel sorry about that. That is why that I decided to write this article.
The reason
One thing for sure that the question “what is the cause of the problem?” would be raised. Actually, this problem is not serious. I think it is just a notification used to warn clients who purchased digital activation scripts of Office from eBay, Alibaba or any online shopping sites on the internet that you activated your Office with a trial license instead of a genuine product key. Many placed dependence upon sellers’ words and thought that they bought at a bargain. In fact, they have been ripped off because what they got exactly is the KMS script and it is shared on my blog for free. But sadly, most people are still unfamiliar with it.
The solution
A detailed solution was introduced in a recent article on the Microsoft website. Besides, if you usually follow the MSG community you may already know that there was a heated discussion on this issue. Active members have suggested various solutions for several days and finally we find the best one. I would like to extend my grateful thanks to DrVlaming, Vanchester90 and other ones for your kind support.
We had the answer though there are still a lot of people asking me to confirm the authenticity of the solution. That is why today I decide to put the solution on the MSG homepage instead of the MSG forum.
Method 1. Change KMS server
Step 1: Open the command prompt app on your Windows with admin rights.
Step 2: Change your KMS server address then reactivate your Office app.
Run the command below to go to the Office folder.
cd /d "%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office16"If you see the error “The system cannot find the path specified”, please try this one.
cd /d "%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Office\Office16"Run the following command to extend your Office KMS license.
cscript //nologo slmgr.vbs /ckms >nul&cscript //nologo slmgr.vbs /ckms >nul&cscript //nologo ospp.vbs /setprt:1688 >nul&cscript //nologo ospp.vbs /sethst:kms8.msguides.com >nul&cscript //nologo ospp.vbs /actFinally, please open your Office app then check that the notification was removed.
Method 2. Disable optional connected experiences
Time needed: 1 minute.
How to disable the annoying notification bar on Microsoft Office apps.
- Open your Office app
Just start the Office program which has annoying notification.
- Open Privacy Settings
Goto File > Options > General > Privacy Settings or Home > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Privacy Options > Privacy Settings.
At this dialog box, uncheck the “Enable optional connected experiences” option.
- Restart your Office app
Close your app and reopen it to apply changes to the settings.
After completing the above steps, the notification should be gone.
If you would have any questions or concerns, please leave your comments. I would be glad to explain in more details. Thank you so much for all your feedback and support!
There is a problem with KMS server?
Thanks
Just get a “Something went wrong” when applying the updates, previous methods didn’t work either
For those that doesn’t work, i figured out how to make it work with version 2204
1- go to windows/system32 and copy slmgr.vbs to microsoft office/office16 folder
2- copy and paste the command separately
cscript //nologo slmgr.vbs /ckms
cscript //nologo slmgr.vbs /ckms
cscript //nologo ospp.vbs /setprt:1688
cscript //nologo ospp.vbs /sethst:s8.uk.to
cscript //nologo ospp.vbs /act
check it out!
System32 doesn’t contain the address ” microsoft office/office16″ folder on my Windows 10 Laptop
I tried, this did not work. Still getting the same notification on getting genuine office
I found a later version that worked for me as well.
It is the April 29th version 16.0.13929.20296
cd “\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun”
OfficeC2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.13929.20296
Using the latest version without the nag screen should provide the most “features” before disabling updates.
Thanks Garfield, it worked.
Thanks Garfield. It worked for me too.
both the methods didnt work for me . any other options to diable the message
Method One worked. Thank You
method 1 and method 2, not work for me
neither me
Great, It’s work.
Thanks it works
Thanks,method number One worked like charm.You saved me lot of time.Thanks bro
I working with method (1)
It useful, thanks alot
Change your KMS server address It worked for me
Thank you
It worked for me, Shoukran (Thank you)
Your fix worked for me also, Thank you
Hi Guang,
The best way to fix the issue is to install a Volume License edition of Office in the first place, which can be obtained easily from the Office Deployment Tool (ODT), and for custom configurations to be used in ODT people can visit config.office.com for testing. The KMS licenses will then apply properly without Microsoft thinking it’s counterfeit (since KMS should not be used in retail editions)
Can you elaborate on the solution please?
Adjunct’s solution is the proper way to get rid of the banner. However, I’m blocked from posting my more in-depth version of the solution, for what ever reason. Go with adjunct’s tutorial (and some additions here and there) and Office 2019 will be properly activated without the annoying yellow banner.
MS announced Office 2021 available.
Have you tested this?
(Self-Reply)
I have downloaded pure .img file of office 2021 from MS, information below:
hxxps://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/16-office-2021-direct-download-links
The information here is still useful for 2021.
No annoying message appeared at all.
hello ! !
a few months ago i purchased office 2019 from you. I installed on my windows 10 Dell laptop and everything was working fine. I was sick and hospitalized for a few months and y laptop was turned off. when i started using it again it automatically updated windows and now I get a big screen message everytime I start office telling me that it is not genuine . I tried both your methods listed… but they dont seem to work. I have also re-run the activation command and that returns a message saying it is now registered….
I see that you stated that you are working on a new version of activation code, have you completed it yet ? or is there something else I can do.
Kevin, check the older comments here, they offer a good solution for now
I am worried that if i disable updates, some security breach may appear….
If you still get the yellow box, all you need to do is to follow the below steps
– CMD with selection Admin access
– cd “\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun”
– OfficeC2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.13801.20266
A dialog box will appear to downgrade the Office 2019 to 16.0.13801.20266, just till it completes all the necessary application of changes.
– Launch any application e.g Excel or Word or PowerPoint
– Select Account from left plane
– On the right side under Office Updates
– Click on Office Options for more options
– Select “Disable Updates”
After that all will be gone without any yellow box or message.
For me it works with version 20404 as well.
Thank you, Garfield! Your fix worked for me!
Thanks. Worked.
I am worried that if i disable updates, some security breach may appear….
Then buy a subscription to office 365.
(facepalm)
This is very funny LOL.
You’re Boss, Resolved. Thank You.
Garfield you’re a genius. Thank you!!
thank you. It works.
Thanks, only thing that worked for me.
Hi Mr Garfield, Super your commands helps me to clear the issue” MS OFFICE IS NOT GENUINE” Thanks a lot bro.