How to Get Rid of Windows 11 Watermark: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed an annoying little message in the corner of your screen—the “Activate Windows” watermark. It constantly reminds you to activate your copy of Windows, even if everything else is working fine. The good news? There are several ways to remove the Windows 11 watermark and reclaim a clean, distraction-free desktop.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain why the watermark appears, the official way to remove it, and some temporary workarounds if you don’t want it hanging around.

Table of Contents

Why Does the Windows 11 Watermark Appear?

The watermark shows up when your Windows isn’t properly activated. Here are a few common reasons:

You’re using an unactivated version of Windows.
Your license key expired.
You installed Windows on a new PC without a valid key.
The system detected an invalid or pirated product key.

The watermark is Microsoft’s reminder to activate Windows legally for full functionality.

Is It Safe to Remove the Watermark Without Activation?

Yes, it’s safe in the sense that it won’t break your computer. However:

You’ll lose customization options (like changing wallpaper).
Some features may be restricted.
The watermark may reappear after updates.

👉 For a permanent fix, the best method is to activate Windows with a genuine license key. Temporary fixes only hide the watermark.

Methods to Get Rid of Windows 11 Watermark

Let’s go through both permanent and temporary solutions.

1. The Official Way: Activate Windows

The cleanest way is simply activating Windows.

Step 1: Buy a Genuine Product Key

You can purchase one directly from Microsoft Store or authorized retailers.

Step 2: Enter the Product Key

Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Activation.
Click Change product key.
Enter your 25-character license key and hit Next.

Windows will verify the key, and the watermark disappears permanently.

2. Using Command Prompt (Temporary Solution)

If you just want the watermark gone temporarily:

Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Type the following command and hit Enter:

slmgr /renew
Restart your PC.

⚠️ This doesn’t activate Windows—it only refreshes your license status, which may remove the watermark temporarily.

3. Edit the Registry (Temporary Fix)

You can trick Windows into hiding the watermark:

Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
On the right side, look for PaintDesktopVersion.
Double-click it and change the value to 0.
Restart your PC.

No more watermark—for now. It may return after updates.

4. Use a Third-Party Tool (Not Recommended)

Some apps claim to remove the watermark instantly. While they work, they’re risky:

They may contain malware or viruses.
They can mess with system files.
Updates may bring the watermark back anyway.

Stick to safe methods unless you know what you’re doing.

Why Activation Is the Best Long-Term Solution

While hiding the watermark works, it’s like covering a crack in the wall with paint—the issue is still there. Activation:

Removes the watermark permanently.
Unlocks all personalization settings.
Keeps your PC secure and updated.
Ensures you’re running a legal version of Windows.

If you use your PC daily, investing in a genuine license is worth it.

Troubleshooting Activation Issues

Sometimes activation doesn’t work as expected. Here’s what you can try:

Check your internet connection – Activation requires online verification.
Run the Activation Troubleshooter – Go to Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot.
Check if your key matches your edition – A Windows 10 Home key won’t activate Windows 11 Pro.
Contact Microsoft Support – If nothing else works.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 watermark can be distracting, but you have options. The best and permanent solution is to activate Windows with a genuine product key. If you’re not ready to do that yet, you can use temporary fixes like registry edits or commands to hide it. Just keep in mind that these workarounds won’t last forever.

At the end of the day, activation not only removes the watermark but also ensures you get the best and safest Windows experience.

FAQs

Q1: Does removing the watermark activate Windows 11?
No. Removing the watermark only hides the message. You still need a valid key to activate Windows.

Q2: Can I use Windows 11 without activation forever?
Yes, but with limitations—like no personalization and the constant watermark.

Q3: Will updating Windows bring back the watermark?
Yes, if your system is not activated, the watermark usually returns after updates.

Q4: Is using third-party tools safe to remove the watermark?
Not always. Many third-party tools can contain malware or harm your system.

Q5: How much does a genuine Windows 11 license cost?
It varies, but generally around $100–$140 depending on the edition.