The "Activate Windows" watermark reminds you that your Windows license isn't activated. It doesn't actually stop you from doing anything, but it is very distractive and not professional at all. Since I have already helped several users get rid of this issue, I will also help you go through safe and legal ways to remove the watermark.
What is the "Activate Windows" watermark?
The Activate Windows watermark appears when your Windows operating system is not activated, or your Activation has expired. It prompts you to activate your Windows copy to access all features, ensuring that your system is genuine and properly licensed.
If you have ever encountered the "Activate Windows" watermark, let me remind you that Microsoft enforces it to ensure the authenticity of the operating system copy that a user is working on. As much as this function does not hamper the functionalities of your computer system, it is an irritation of some sort.
Once, I had to work with a freelance designer who couldn't remove the watermark before a client presentation. It looks tacky and will make her work look amateurish. That's when I understood the importance of addressing this issue promptly.
Why You Should Activate Windows Legally
Before jumping into the solution part, one must know why the Activation of Windows is essential:
1. Updates Access: The active system automatically gets many crucial security patches and feature updates.
2. Full Personalization: personalize wallpapers and themes, amongst others.
3. Professional look- no annoying features, like the watermark, interfering with your screen or cluttering the working area.
Note that it does not recommend using illegal activators or cracks since they will inject malware into your system in several cases and infringe certain kinds of laws in most cases.
Remove the "Activate Windows" Watermark
Following are a few methods to remove the "Activate Windows" watermark from your screen.
1. Activate Windows
The simplest and most effective way to remove the watermark is to activate your Windows copy. If you’ve purchased a valid license but haven’t activated it yet, follow these steps:
Steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings menu by pressing Windows + I.
Step 2: Click on Update & Security.
Step 3: From the left-hand menu, select Activation.
Step 4: If your Windows isn't activated, click on Activate and sign in with a product key. The product key is available in packaging or as a digital receipt for buying Windows online.
Step 5: Activation will be finalized by following a wizard.
That's the watermark that vanishes.
2. Using Product Key from the Microsoft Store
If you still can't find one, you are free to purchase it directly through the Microsoft Store. Here are the steps in detail:
Steps:
Step 1: Tap on Settings from Windows + I.
Step 2: Press Update & Security, then go to Activation.
Step 3: Tap to open the Go to Microsoft Store app.
Step 4: Choose only one version from the available window that best serves your needs and budget.
Step 5: Once you finally get a key, buy the product and try to activate it.
The watermark disappears only once you purchase and activate it.
3. Command Prompt (Only for Advanced Users)
You can use the command prompt method, but this, too, will get you out of the watermark display without Activation. Remember, it's just a trick, not an actual activation; it just removes the watermark for some time.
Steps:
Step 1: Run your Command Prompt as an administrator through the Start menu by searching "cmd," right-clicking, and then choosing Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Give the following command: slmgr.vbs /upk This command uninstalls the product key from your system.
Step 3: Then, give the following command: slmgr.vbs /rearm. This will reset the activation status and temporarily remove the watermark; it usually stays for 30 days.
Step 4: Reboot your computer.
Note that the above is a temporary procedure and not long-term. After a month, Microsoft may request that you activate your Windows copy again.
4. Using Third-Party Tool (Not Recommended)
Some third-party tools and key generators claim to remove the watermark on the web. Using those, though, is extremely dangerous. Most programs are unauthorized and could harm your computer or disclose your private data.
Why Choose WPS Office for Unactivated Windows Systems
Windows cannot let you fully customize or update itself if it has not been activated. WPS Office runs excellent on systems, whether their version of Windows is activated or unactivated; in fact, they offer all kinds of functionality you might hope for from a Microsoft Office free alternative.
Features of WPS Office
1. Free Use: No subscription and no other hidden charges.
2. Fully Compatible: Open and Edit.docx,.xlsx and.pptx
3. PDF Tools: Merge, Split, Annotate, and Convert PDF easily.
4. Cloud Integration: Save files in WPS Cloud (1GB free) for seamless device access.
5. Feather-Light Design: Installs in seconds and feather-light on system resources.
Support if you're facing any activation issues.
How to Install WPS Office
If you are looking to easily avoid all the hassles related to the Activation of Microsoft Office, here is how you can get started with WPS Office using the following steps:
Step 1: Download WPS Office from the official website or directly through your device
Step 2: Open the software by following any in-app instructions on the screen.
Step 3: Launch WPS Office and start working on your documents when it installs. Everything is enabled within the WPS Office, from document creation to spreadsheet and presentation work, none of which requires Activation.
I have used WPS Office on both activated and unactivated systems, and it works perfectly each time. The PDF tools alone have saved me hours of work.
FAQs
Q1: Is removing the watermark using registry hacks safe?
Using registry hacks may be risky and can often lead to problems with your system. Safer ways include activating Windows legally or through other means.
Q2: Can WPS Office be used on an unactivated Windows system?
Yes, WPS Office can be used on an unactivated Windows system. Since WPS Office is free and fully functional, it will work fine without the Windows activation. However, some of its features involving Windows may get restricted once the operating system is not activated.
Q3: Does the watermark affect the performance of the system?
The "Activate Windows" watermark does not impact system performance. Still, the reminder can be a source of irritation or distraction for some users. Fundamental problems in running an unlicensed copy of Windows are much more likely to stem from an inability to access system updates and features.
Summary
You may find the "Activate Windows" watermark annoying, but it is not that tricky to get rid of it, provided you know the steps. Be it the legal or temporary Activation of Windows, WPS Office helps connect your system seamlessly and makes it productive. Feature-rich, cross-platform compatible, and free to use, WPS Office is the ultimate productivity suite for users of all kinds.
Download WPS Office today for distraction-free work!
