At the end of the past week Microsoft has begun rolling out a new release of its anti-piracy tool Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications. Alex Kochis, a senior licensing manager WGA team, announced the new release on February 23, 2007, but the actual publishing date of the new WGA release is 21 February, according to the tool's download page.

The updated WGA Notifications tool builds on Microsoft's efforts to counteract Windows piracy. In terms of fundamental functionality the upgraded release brings nothing new. The tool will assess if the Windows copy installed on user's machines is genuine and properly licensed. If the software is found to be non-genuine, the WGA Notifications will inform Microsoft and periodically prompt the user in taking appropriate action.

"If you'll remember back in November we made available a preview of a new installation experience for WGA Notifications. After a few tweaks based on feedback we have begun to roll this out more broadly. We are beginning the deployment process of this new installer to at least 20 additional languages with a few more expected in March," Kochis revealed.

As the November 2006 release, the updated WGA Notifications tool made available last week delivers evolved anti-piracy capabilities as well as enhanced user installation and validation experiences. "This is the most current release of Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications. We encourage you to upgrade to this version. This release includes enhanced features that reflect ongoing input from customers, as well as Microsoft's continually improving anti-piracy technology," Microsoft informed on the WGA's download page.

Among the specific features of this version Microsoft enumerated:

Improved Setup - A new installation wizard provides an overview of the tool, and shows validation results immediately at the end of the installation process. No reboot is required following installation.

Redesigned User Interface - The system tray notifications have been redesigned to make them more visually appealing with clear links to full details of each message and further options for resolving any problems.

Improved User Assistance - Improved messaging for users who are unable to complete validation, along with links to more and better self-help tools.

Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications 1.7.0017 was tested by Softpedia as being 100% Free and is available for download here.