Has your Microsoft Office license expired, and are you considering getting a new free license from a friend? Or did you find an incredible deal on the third page of Google search?

You might be tempted to get a pirated Office version if you don’t use it every day as part of your work or school assignments, and you don’t think it’s worth the money.

The truth is, you might end up having to deal with more serious problems than just a “Product Activation Failed” message. Here’s what you should know about the dangers of using a pirated copy of Microsoft Office:

1. You’ll Get No Updates

Microsoft tries to offer the best user experience to customers who purchase genuine Microsoft products. This is why the company constantly releases new features and security updates to keep the Office apps running smoothly.

If you install a pirated Office pack with plenty of faults, there’s no chance you can fix it, as you will not get any updates.

2. You Might Not Get Office’s Full Functionality

While you may have no trouble using Office for personal assignments, it may not go that smoothly when you have to share Office docs with other people. With a pirated license, you might have a hard time trying to edit or even open the documents.

Additionally, because your Office version doesn’t get any updates, you’ll miss new features that you'll need to finish your work. So every time you’re working together with anyone, you’ll have to use Free Microsoft Office Online to open and edit the documents.

3. There’s No Technical Support

With a pirated Office version, you’ll get no technical support from Microsoft. Of course, there are plenty of online tutorials to help you fix most common Office issues, but if you don’t succeed, there’s no additional help.

4. Pirated Software Represents a Security Threat

Hackers might use pirated software to hide malware which may have serious effects on your system. Once your computer is infected with malware, hackers might use it to track your activity and capture your passwords, steal your files and ask for ransomware, damage your system, or install even more malware.

If you’ve been using a pirated Office license, you should check your computer for malware to avoid any unwanted consequences.

5. It’s Illegal

You already know that piracy is illegal, but does Microsoft know about your pirated Office apps? Yes, Microsoft knows that you’re using a pirated Office copy. Microsoft assigns one IP address for a single installation, so the company detects a cracked version if the same IP address is used for multiple installations.

This is how Microsoft can purchase legal actions against, especially if you spread pirated software. In the end, you may have to pay a hefty fine or even face jail time. If you decide to get a genuine version, there’s one thing you should do before installing it: uninstall the pirated Office pack.

This way, you’ll remove any trace of the counterfeit version and avoid software conflict. If the counterfeit version contains malware, you may have a difficult time trying to remove it from your computer. However, there are a few tricks you can try.

6. It Builds Distrust

If you’re a business owner and your employees have to work with pirated software, they might question your decision-making skills. The same goes for clients.

Let’s say you’re pitching them a business idea, and they notice the “Product Activation Failed” message before you begin your PowerPoint presentation. If you don’t want, or can’t afford to get genuine licenses, why should they give you their money?

Getting a Genuine Office License Is Worth It

While you may save a few bucks with a pirated Office pack, it’s not worth the risk. Chances are that Microsoft will not take any legal action against you, but you may still be a victim of malware attacks. If you want to get a genuine Microsoft Office copy, you can get it for a discounted price.