You likely already know the activation watermark I'm referring to—the one in the bottom right corner of your screen that says "Activate Windows". Not only is it annoyingly distracting, but it also doesn't look very professional, especially during presentations or screen-sharing.
While the watermark itself is harmless and only restricts access to a few personalization features, having it off your screen makes for a far more comfortable and clean experience when using your desktop. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to remove the activation watermark in the desktop, so you can work in peace and enjoy a distraction-free environment.
What is the Activation Watermark?
The "Activate Windows" watermark is a notification that appears on the bottom right of your desktop screen when your Windows operating system is not activated. This watermark can be quite annoying because it constantly stays on your screen, even when you're working on other applications. The purpose of this watermark is to remind users that their copy of Windows is either not activated or that the activation process did not complete properly.
Why Does the Activation Watermark Appear on the Desktop?
Before the activation watermark appears, a prompt usually comes up indicating why activation is required. This prompt serves as an early warning to resolve the issue. However, if you missed it or it didn’t show up for some reason, here are the potential reasons why the "Activate Windows" watermark might be showing on your desktop:
Unlicensed or expired version of Windows: The watermark appears if you're using a version of Windows that hasn’t been activated with a genuine product key.
Incompatible Windows version: If you're running an unofficial or pirated copy of Windows, the system will not recognize the product key and will prompt you to activate it.
Expired trial period: When you install a trial version of Windows, the system provides a limited time for full usage. After this period ends, the watermark appears to prompt you to activate the product.
Changes in hardware: Significant hardware changes (like a new motherboard or hard drive) can sometimes cause Windows to think it is no longer activated, triggering the watermark.
Failed Windows activation: Sometimes, an internet connection issue or other technical problem can prevent successful activation, leading to the watermark.
Methods of Removing the Activation Watermark
There are many answers to the question, "how to remove the activation watermark permanently on the desktop". Each solution has its unique advantages, making it more suitable for different users. The methods I've chosen have been carefully filtered to exclude those that could pose potential risks to your system. Let’s go through the safest and most effective solutions for removing the activation watermark on Windows, based on this selection.
The steps are written for Windows 11 Pro, but if you have a different version of Windows installed, the steps are more or less the same with only a few variations. All the solutions are valid for all Windows versions.
Using Product Key
This is the most straightforward and legitimate method. By activating Windows with a valid product key, you permanently resolve this issue. It’s a long-term solution that ensures no problems with updates or system restrictions in the future. Here are the steps you need to follow to change your product key using a valid one.
Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard and search for "Settings".
Step 2: Click on "Open" to launch Windows Settings.
Step 3: In Windows Settings, go to "System", and then click on the "Activation" option.
Step 4: In the Activation window, simply click on the "Change" button in the Change Product Key field.
Step 5: A new window will pop up where you can enter your new product key in the "Product key" field.
Step 6: Click on "Next" and follow the prompts to activate your Windows using the new product key.
Using this method, you can activate your Windows legitimately. However, many users try to find a valid product key online, which often leads them into scams or downloading viruses that can corrupt their system entirely. The most reliable way to purchase a new Windows for your system is by visiting the official Microsoft Windows page. Windows pricing varies for each system, so select the plan that best suits your system requirements and make your purchase.
Using Ease of Access
I found this method to be a quick workaround, especially for those who prefer not to deal with technical settings. It uses Windows' built-in accessibility options to mask the watermark by adjusting the display settings. However, this solution might only temporarily hide the watermark.
Step 1: Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard and type "Control Panel" into the search bar.
Step 2: Select "Open" to access the Control Panel.
Step 3: In the Control Panel, select the "Optimize visual display" option under the Ease of Access category.
Step 4: Scroll down and enable the "Remove background images (where available)" option, then click the "Apply" button.
Step 5: The system will apply the settings, which may take a few moments.
Step 6: Once the changes have been applied, click the "OK" button.
Using Windows PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful tool that many often rely on for system configuration. With the right commands, you can easily disable the watermark without having to manually adjust system settings. This method is more technical, but if you're comfortable with command-line interfaces, it's an efficient way to address the activation watermark issue.
Step 1: Press the “Windows” key and enter "Windows PowerShell" in the search field.
Step 2: Click "Open" to open the Windows PowerShell.
Step 3: The Windows PowerShell window will now pop up. Simply enter the following SLMGR command and press “Enter”.
slmgr/renew
Step 4: To make the changes effective, restart your computer.
Using Regedit
Modifying the registry (using Regedit) can directly alter system settings to disable the watermark. It offers a more technical but precise method for dealing with the problem. However, I always make sure to be cautious when editing the registry because incorrect changes can affect system stability.
Step 1: Press the "Windows + R" keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: In the Run dialog, type “regedit” and then press the "Enter" key to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3: In the Registry Editor, enter the following Registry Path to navigate to your Desktop path.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Step 4: Simply scroll down and double-click on the "PaintDesktopVersion" registry value.
Tip: Press the "P" key on your keyboard to quickly navigate to the PaintDesktopVersion registry value.
Step 5: The Registry Value Editor dialog will open. Change the value to "1" and then press "OK".
Step 6: To ensure the changes take effect, restart your computer.
Using Script
Automating the removal process with a script provides a hands-off approach. It’s particularly helpful for tech-savvy users who want to repeat the process easily without diving into manual settings each time.
Step 1: Tap the “Windows” key and search for "Notepad".
Step 2: Choose "Open" to bring up the Notepad.
Step 2: In your Notepad, type the following text:
@echo off
taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe
explorer.exe
Exit
Step 3: Next, save your notes by clicking on the "File" button and then selecting the "Save As" option.
Step 4: Make sure to save the Notepad file as "All Files" and change the file name to "Active.bat".
Step 5: Now, simply right-click on the saved Notepad file and select "Run as administrator" from the context menu.
Step 6: Finally, restart your computer to remove the Activate Windows watermark from your desktop.
Disabling Windows 10 Tips
The watermark might sometimes be connected to system notifications and tips. By disabling Windows 10 tips, you can reduce the number of reminders and system messages, potentially minimizing or hiding the watermark. This is a great non-intrusive option if you're looking for an easy fix without altering much in your system.
Step 1: Use the “Windows” key on your keyboard to look up "Settings".
Step 2: Click on "Open" to display the Windows Settings.
Step 3: In Windows Settings, navigate to "System" and then select the "Notifications" option.
Step 4: Scroll down to find the "Tips" option below and ensure both options are unchecked.
Step 5: The system will deactivate the tips and tricks for Windows. Simply restart your computer to make these changes effective.
FAQs
1. Why does the Activate Windows 11 watermark keep coming back?
The watermark appears because your Windows 11 installation has not been activated with a valid product key. It typically occurs when the system is running on a trial version or an unlicensed copy. To remove the watermark permanently, you must purchase a genuine product key and complete the activation process. Until activation is completed, certain system features may remain restricted, and the watermark will continue to display.
2. Does the Activate Windows watermark go away?
The Activate Windows watermark won’t vanish on its own over time. It will remain visible until you properly activate your Windows system using a valid digital license or product key. Without activation, the watermark stays on your screen, and you might face restrictions on certain features or customizations in the system. To remove it permanently, ensure your device is activated through an official method.
3. What are the best third-party tools to remove the activation watermark?
Numerous third-party tools are available to eliminate the "Activate Windows" watermark. Here are two tools that can help you remove the activation watermark from your Windows system:
Universal Watermark Disabler (Winaero): Universal Watermark Disabler by Winaero is a tool designed to remove the "Activate Windows" watermark from your system.
KMSAuto: KMSAuto is a utility that provides activation services for Windows and other Microsoft products, including removing the watermark associated with unlicensed versions.
However, it is advisable to avoid using such tools and instead opt for a legitimate Windows license to ensure full functionality and compliance with licensing terms.
Restore Your Desktop Experience
If an activation watermark is appearing on your screen, it simply means your system has an issue with its activation status. Understanding why it's there can save you from the hassle of going through trial-and-error methods to fix it. In this article, you'll find all the methods you need on how to remove the activation watermark in the desktop and restore your system's functionality.
These activation issues are not limited to Windows alone—they’re also common in Microsoft Office productivity suites. If you're looking for a hassle-free, cost-effective alternative, consider WPS Office. This powerful, free option eliminates activation problems entirely, offering a smooth, budget-friendly solution without the complications.
