The “Activate Windows” watermark is a constant reminder that you are using an unlicensed copy of Windows. This watermark can be annoying and make your desktop look cluttered and unprofessional in a meeting or presentation.
There are several methods to remove the “Activate Windows” watermark from your Windows 11 desktop. This guide will take you through each method.
Use your Product Key
The first and easiest method to remove the watermark is using a valid, genuine Windows product key.
- Open Settings.
Open the Settings app. - Go to System > Activation.
Go to System > Activation. - Next to the Change product key section, click Change.
Click Change. - Enter a valid product key for your operating system and select Next. If the product key is valid, the watermark will disappear.
Enter a valid product key and select Next.
Registry Editor
Registry Editor can temporarily remove the watermark, but after a while, it will reappear. However, this method is repeatable, so you can use it as often as needed.
- Search for “regedit” in the Start Menu and open the app.
Open regedit. - In the Registry Editor, go to the following key:
ComputerHKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop - In the right pane, look for PaintDesktopVersion. Double-click it and change the value from 1 to 0, then click OK.
Change the value from 1 to 0, then click OK. - Restart your computer.
Run Batch File
A batch file is a text file that contains a sequence of commands for a computer operating system. It’s a handy way to remove the watermark without editing the registry.
- Search for “Notepad” in the Start Menu and launch it.
Open the Notepad. - Copy and paste the following code into Notepad:
@echo off taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe explorer.exe exit
Type the command. - Save the file as “RemoveWatermark.bat” and select All Files in the Save as type dropdown menu.
Save the file. - Close Notepad.
- Right-click the batch file and select Run as administrator.
Run the batch file as administrator. - Restart your computer to see the changes. If the watermark appears again, you can re-run the batch file to remove it.
Disable Tips and Suggestions
Many individuals report that this approach worked for them, although it is not guaranteed.
- Open Settings.
Open the Settings app. - Go to System > Notifications.
Go to System > Notifications. - Scroll down and disable Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device and Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows. This may remove the watermark.
Disable the options.
Use a Third-Party Utility
If the methods above don’t work, you can try using a free third-party utility like the Universal Watermark Disabler.
- Download Universal Watermark Disabler from here.
Click the download link. - Extract the ZIP file.
- Open the folder and run uwd.exe as an administrator.
Run the uwd file as administrator. - Click Install.
Click Install. - You’ll get a warning message. Select Yes. And you’re finished.
Select Yes.
Back in 1966 when I was born, technology as we know it today was drastically different. In my lifetime, I witnessed the word of computing change from the giant ENIAC machine, to the supercomputers of today.
Since a young age, I have been obsessed with technology, and it was only natural that I continued my career path to study computer science. I graduated from NYU Computer Science in 1990.
I went on to work for IBM as a software engineer where our team pioneered a what would later become IBM Cloud. From 2001, I worked as an IT recruiter for one of the top tech firms.