Microsoft has quietly discontinued its Genuine Advantage Validation for Office. Earlier when users want to install new add-ons or templates they have to go through the online Genuine Advantage Validation to make sure that their copy of Office is genuine.

Microsoft dropped the OGA without making much noise, but ZDNet managed to dig up a notice announcing it:

Notice
The Office Genuine Advantage (“OGA”) program has been retired. For more information about the benefits of genuine Office, please visit the following website:

Benefits of genuine Office

It is not clear why Microsoft has dropped this but it is sure to make genuine user's life a lot less annoying.

This affects only the installation of add-ons and templates to Office. Microsoft Office's authentication method which requires a password and direct activation from Microsoft's server however remains in place.

Further Readings:

1. Microsoft quietly shuts down Office Genuine Advantage program

2. Office Genuine Advantage

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