The best way to detect unauthorized copies of licensed software on systems is to conduct periodic software scanning. Software scanning is a process of using specialized tools or programs to scan the systems and identify the software installed, the license status, the usage, and the compliance with the software policies and agreements. Software scanning can help to detect any unauthorized, unlicensed, or illegal copies of software on the systems, as well as any discrepancies or violations of the software licenses. Software scanning can also help to optimize the software inventory, reduce the software costs, and improve the security and performance of the systems12.

Some examples of software scanning tools are:

Microsoft Software Inventory Analyzer (MSIA): A free tool that scans Windows-based computers and servers and generates reports on the Microsoft products installed, such as operating systems, applications, and updates3.

Belarc Advisor: A free tool that scans Windows-based computers and generates reports onthe hardware and software installed, including license keys, versions, usage, and security status4.

Lansweeper: A paid tool that scans Windows, Linux, Mac, and other network devices and generates reports on the hardware and software inventory, license compliance, configuration, and vulnerabilities5.

To conduct periodic software scanning, you need to:

Choose a suitable software scanning tool that meets your needs and budget.

Define the scope and frequency of the software scanning, such as which systems to scan, how often to scan, and what information to collect.

Configure and run the software scanning tool according to the instructions and settings.

Review and analyze the software scanning reports and identify any unauthorized copies of licensed software on the systems.

Take appropriate actions to remove or regularize the unauthorized copies of licensed software on the systems.

Document and report the results and findings of the software scanning.