Remove “Activate Windows” Watermark on Any Windows Version

If you’ve recently installed or updated your Windows operating system, you might have noticed an “Activate Windows” watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen. This watermark appears if your copy of Windows isn’t activated or if there’s an issue with your product key. It can be distracting, especially when you’re trying to focus on your work or enjoy your content. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove the Activate Windows watermark.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove the “Activate Windows” watermark:

Method 1: Activate Windows with a Genuine Product Key

The most reliable way to remove the Activate Windows watermark is to activate your copy of Windows using a genuine product key.

1. Go to Settings:
   • Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.
2. Navigate to the Activation Settings:
   • Go to Update & Security > Activation.
3. Enter the Product Key:
   • Click on the “Change product key” link.
   • Enter your 25-character product key.
   • Click Next, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
4. Restart Your PC:
   • After successful activation, restart your PC. This should remove the Activate Windows watermark.

Note: If you don’t have a product key, you’ll need to purchase one from the Microsoft Store or another authorized seller.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Temporary Solution)

If you’re unable to activate Windows immediately, you can use the Command Prompt to temporarily remove the Activate Windows watermark. This method is more of a workaround and might not be permanent.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + S, type cmd, and right-click on Command Prompt to select “Run as administrator.”
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Command Prompt, type the following command:bashCopy codeslmgr /renew
   • Press Enter.
3. Restart Your PC:
   • After the command is executed, restart your computer. This should temporarily remove the Activate Windows watermark.

Note: This method may only last for a few hours or until the next reboot.

Method 3: Modify the Registry (Advanced Users)

For more advanced users, modifying the Windows Registry can help you remove the Activate Windows watermark. However, editing the registry is risky and can cause system instability if not done correctly.

1. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Required Key:
   • Go to the following path:mathematicaCopy codeHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
3. Modify the Registry Value:
   • Find the entry PaintDesktopVersion in the right pane.
   • Double-click it and change the Value data from 1 to 0.
   • Click OK to save the changes.
4. Restart Your PC:
   • Restart your computer to see if the changes successfully remove the Activate Windows watermark.

Warning: Incorrectly editing the registry can lead to serious system issues. Make sure to back up the registry before making any changes.

Method 4: Using a Third-Party Tool

There are several third-party tools available that claim to remove the Activate Windows watermark. However, using these tools can be risky as they may contain malware or violate Microsoft’s terms of service. It’s generally recommended to avoid using third-party software for this purpose.

Conclusion

While there are several ways to remove the Activate Windows watermark, the best and most reliable method is to activate your copy of Windows with a genuine product key. This ensures your operating system is fully functional and secure. If you’re unable to activate Windows immediately, the temporary methods listed above can help you remove the Activate Windows watermark until you’re able to obtain a valid product key.

Remember to always back up your data and system settings before attempting any of the more advanced methods to avoid potential issues.