Seeing the “Activate Windows” watermark on your desktop can be annoying. It constantly reminds you that your Windows 11 copy isn’t activated, even if you’re just trying to focus on work or gaming. The good news is there are safe ways to remove or hide the watermark. This guide will show you step-by-step how to remove the “Activate Windows” watermark in Windows 11.
What Is the “Activate Windows” Watermark?
The watermark appears when your Windows 11 operating system is not activated. It usually shows at the bottom-right corner of your screen with the message:
“Activate Windows – Go to Settings to activate Windows.”
Why Does It Appear?
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You haven’t entered a valid Windows product key.
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Your Windows license has expired.
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The system didn’t detect a previous activation after reinstalling Windows.
Is It Safe to Remove the Watermark?
Yes, you can safely remove or hide it without activating Windows, but:
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Windows will remain unactivated, meaning some personalization options will be disabled.
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The watermark may reappear after system updates.
Method 1: Activate Windows (Recommended)
The permanent solution is to activate Windows 11 with a valid product key.
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Press Windows + I → Open Settings.
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Go to System > Activation.
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Click Change product key.
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Enter your valid Windows 11 key → Click Next → Activate.
Once activated, the watermark will disappear permanently.
Method 2: Using Settings to Hide the Watermark Temporarily
Windows 11 doesn’t provide an official “hide” button, but you can try minor tweaks:
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Open Settings > Personalization > Themes.
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Switch to a different theme.
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Change your desktop background.
Note: This may not remove the watermark entirely but can make it less noticeable.
Method 3: Use Registry Editor to Remove the Watermark
Warning: Be careful while editing the registry. Back up your system first.
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Find the PaintDesktopVersion entry.
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Double-click it → Change the value from 1 to 0 → Click OK.
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Restart your PC.
The watermark should be gone.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party Tool (Optional)
There are reliable tools that can hide the watermark temporarily:
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Universal Watermark Disabler
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RemoveWAT
Make sure to download from reputable sources to avoid malware. Always back up your data first.
Method 5: Troubleshoot Activation Issues
If you have a valid key but the watermark persists:
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Go to Settings > System > Activation.
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Click Troubleshoot.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to resolve licensing issues.
Sometimes the watermark appears due to corrupted activation files.
FAQs
1. Can I permanently remove the watermark without activating Windows?
Yes, registry tweaks or third-party tools can hide it, but Windows remains unactivated.
2. Is removing the watermark illegal?
Hiding the watermark isn’t illegal, but using pirated product keys is against Microsoft’s terms.
3. Will the watermark reappear after updates?
Yes, temporary methods may revert after Windows updates.
4. Does removing the watermark affect system performance?
No, it only hides the visual message; performance stays the same.
5. Can I activate Windows later if I hide the watermark now?
Absolutely. Hiding the watermark does not prevent activation in the future.
Conclusion
The “Activate Windows” watermark can be distracting, but Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to deal with it. The best solution is activating Windows with a valid product key, which permanently removes the watermark. Temporary methods like registry tweaks or third-party tools can hide it, but updates may restore it.