How to Get Rid of the Activate Windows Watermark in Windows 11 Effectively

By / September 16, 2025

If you’ve been using Windows 11 without activating it, you’ve probably seen the persistent “Activate Windows – Go to Settings to activate Windows” watermark on the bottom-right corner of your screen. It can be distracting, unprofessional, and annoying when you’re working, gaming, or watching videos.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to get rid of the Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11 effectively. We’ll cover why it appears, what options you have, legal methods to remove it, and even temporary workarounds. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to deal with it — once and for all.

Key Takeaways

  • The watermark appears when Windows 11 isn’t properly activated.

  • The best solution is to activate Windows with a genuine product key.

  • You can temporarily hide the watermark using Registry tweaks, CMD commands, or third-party tools.

  • Some methods are temporary; you may need to repeat them after updates.

  • For a permanent fix, activation is the most effective and secure option.

Why Does the “Activate Windows” Watermark Appear in Windows 11?

Microsoft uses this watermark as a reminder to activate Windows. If your system is not activated or has lost activation, Windows 11 will display the watermark to encourage you to validate your license.

Common reasons include:

  • You installed Windows 11 without entering a product key.

  • Your trial period has expired.

  • You replaced major hardware (like the motherboard), causing Windows to deactivate.

  • You used a non-genuine or expired product key.

Is It Safe to Remove the Watermark Without Activation?

Yes — removing the watermark is safe if you use system settings, commands, or registry tweaks. However, keep in mind:

  • These methods only hide the watermark; they don’t activate Windows.

  • Some customization features (like personalizing your desktop background) remain locked.

  • Using unofficial activators or pirated keys is risky and could expose your PC to malware.

👉 The most reliable and secure method is still to activate Windows with a genuine key.

Methods to Get Rid of the Activate Windows Watermark in Windows 11

Here are the most effective methods you can use. We’ll start with the permanent fix (activation) and then cover temporary workarounds.

1. Activate Windows Using a Genuine Product Key (Permanent Solution)

The surest way to remove the watermark permanently is by activating Windows.

Steps to activate Windows 11:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Activation.

  3. Under Change product key, click Update product key.

  4. Enter your 25-character product key (XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX).

  5. Click Next and follow the prompts to complete activation.

✅ Once activated, the watermark disappears permanently.

2. Use Command Prompt (Quick Workaround)

You can use the Command Prompt to temporarily disable the watermark.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S and type cmd.

  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

  3. Type the following command and hit Enter:

    bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF

  4. Restart your PC.

👉 This usually removes the watermark. However, it may return after an update.

3. Tweak the Registry Editor

A small Registry tweak can disable the watermark display.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

  3. Find the value named PaintDesktopVersion.

  4. Double-click it, set its value to 0, and click OK.

  5. Restart your PC.

⚠️ Always back up the registry before making changes.

4. Disable the Watermark Using Services

Another method is to stop the process that checks activation.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Locate Windows License Manager Service.

  3. Right-click and select Properties.

  4. Change Startup type to Disabled.

  5. Click Apply and OK.

  6. Restart your system.

👉 This may not work on all builds but is worth trying.

5. Create a Batch File to Automate the Fix

If you don’t want to repeat steps manually, you can use a batch file.

Steps:

  1. Open Notepad.

  2. Paste the following script:

    @echo off
    taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe
    explorer.exe
    exit

  3. Save the file as remove_watermark.bat.

  4. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.

This refreshes the desktop and often hides the watermark.

6. Use Third-Party Tools (With Caution)

There are watermark remover tools available online, but:

  • They may not be safe or reliable.

  • Some can contain malware.

  • They only hide the watermark, not activate Windows.

👉 Use them only as a last resort and download from trusted sources.

Comparison: Permanent vs Temporary Solutions

Method Removes Watermark Permanently? Safe? Difficulty
Genuine product key activation ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Easy
Command Prompt tweak ❌ No (temporary) ✅ Yes Easy
Registry Editor tweak ❌ No (temporary) ⚠️ Caution Medium
Disable Windows License Manager ❌ No (temporary) ⚠️ Caution Medium
Batch file ❌ No (temporary) ✅ Yes Easy
Third-party tools ❌ No (temporary) ⚠️ Risky Easy

How to Check If Windows 11 Is Activated

Before you try workarounds, check your activation status.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to System > Activation.

  3. Under Activation state, check the status:

    • Active → No watermark.

    • Not active → Watermark will appear.

What Happens If You Don’t Activate Windows 11?

If you continue using Windows 11 without activation:

  • You’ll see the watermark.

  • Some personalization options are locked (wallpapers, themes).

  • Microsoft may restrict access to some updates.

  • Your PC is still usable, but it looks incomplete.

Tips to Avoid the Watermark in the Future

  • Always use a genuine license when installing Windows.

  • Link your license to your Microsoft account — this way, activation can be restored after hardware changes.

  • Avoid pirated activators; they may cause malware or permanent damage.

Conclusion

Getting rid of the Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11 can be done in several ways.

  • If you want a permanent and safe fix, activate Windows with a genuine key.

  • If you’re looking for a temporary solution, you can try Registry tweaks, CMD commands, or batch files.

  • Remember, only genuine activation unlocks full customization and ensures long-term stability.

👉 Our recommendation: Invest in a valid Windows license. It saves you time, hassle, and security risks.

FAQs About Removing the Activate Windows Watermark

1. Can I use Windows 11 without activation forever?

Yes, but you’ll see the watermark, and some features will be restricted.

2. Is it illegal to remove the watermark without activation?

No, hiding the watermark is not illegal. But using pirated keys or activators is against Microsoft’s terms.

3. Will the watermark come back after updates?

Yes, temporary fixes may stop working after a major update.

4. Do I need to reinstall Windows to remove the watermark?

No, reinstallation isn’t required. Activation or tweaks can handle it.

5. Where can I buy a genuine Windows 11 product key?

You can buy directly from Microsoft Store or authorized retailers for security and authenticity.

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