Holographic logo on USB stick doesn't change colors properly

Question

Purchased a new Win11 Home.

Microsoft webpage "Packaged Software" for "New USB image Deployed February 2024" shows that the logo on the USB stick should change colors when tilting:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/software-packaged

In my case, it doesn't change to the shown colors when tilting, rather it stays mostly gray.

The holographic logo looks embedded into the plastic (it's NOT a sticker).

When I use a strong flashlight directed onto the gray logo, then sometimes I notice glimpses of colored reflections and rarely I notice "rainbow colors" (not exactly as the colors that should exist). I need to make a big effort to make these colored reflections to appear.

In contrast, both the COA label and the new authentication label easily display color variation and holographic effect when tilting the package.

Is this considered normal?

Answer 1

Hello,

If the product was purchased at a normal price and from an authorized retailer, slight variations in the hologram on the USB installation media can occur. The holographic effect on USB sticks is often less pronounced than on COA labels or the new authentication label, so it may not show the same strong color‑shifting effect as shown on Microsoft’s webpage.

However, if you are unsure, the most reliable approach is to send a photo of the hologram to the retailer where you purchased the product and ask them to confirm that it is genuine. Authorized sellers can verify this directly with their distributor.

Answer 2

In general: The only way to be 100% sure that you have purchased genuine Windows is to buy it from Microsoft. Many popular vendors sell Windows, but you are only guaranteed of the real thing when you buy from Microsoft.

Microsoft does not offer discounts on Windows. A significantly discounted price is your tip-off that the product may not be genuine or not legal. If you're going to pay full price, may as well get it from Microsoft.

Answer 3

Hi Neil,

From an official retailer (and very popular in my place).