Seeing that little “Activate Windows” watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen can be annoying, especially when you’re trying to keep your desktop clean and professional. While the watermark is there to remind you to activate your copy of Windows, there are ways to temporarily hide or remove it without buying a license immediately.
This guide will walk you through simple methods to hide the watermark in Windows 11.
Why Does the “Activate Windows” Watermark Appear?
The watermark appears when:
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Your Windows 11 isn’t activated with a valid license.
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You upgraded to a new version but didn’t enter a product key.
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The activation server couldn’t verify your license.
Think of it as Windows’ polite way of saying, “Hey, finish setting me up!”
Is It Legal to Remove the Watermark?
Hiding the watermark is not illegal, but it doesn’t activate Windows. It’s a temporary workaround—activation is the proper way to remove it permanently.
Method 1 – Use Command Prompt (Temporary Solution)
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Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
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Enter the following command and press Enter:
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Restart your computer to see if the watermark disappears.
Method 2 – Edit the Registry (Caution: Advanced Users)
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Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
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Navigate to:
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Find the PaintDesktopVersion entry and set its value to 0.
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Restart your PC.
Tip: Always back up your registry before making changes.
Method 3 – Use Ease of Access Settings
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Accessibility → Visual effects.
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Turn on or off Transparency effects, then sign out and back in.
Sometimes this refresh removes the watermark temporarily.
Method 4 – Third-Party Tools (Use With Caution)
Some tools claim to hide or remove the watermark, such as:
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Universal Watermark Disabler
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My WCP Watermark Editor
However, always download from trusted sources to avoid malware.
The Permanent Solution – Activate Windows
If you want to remove the watermark for good:
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Go to Settings → System → Activation.
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Click Change product key.
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Enter a valid Windows 11 license key.
Once activated, the watermark will disappear permanently.
Why Not Ignore the Watermark?
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It’s distracting when working or gaming.
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Some personalization features (wallpapers, themes) stay locked.
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It may show in screenshots or screen recordings.
Final Thoughts
Hiding the “Activate Windows” watermark on Windows 11 is possible using temporary tricks like registry tweaks or command prompt commands, but these aren’t permanent fixes. The best and safest way to remove it is to activate your copy of Windows with a genuine license.
FAQs
1. Can I still use Windows 11 without activation?
Yes, but with limited features and a persistent watermark.
2. Is removing the watermark the same as activation?
No, hiding it doesn’t activate Windows—it just hides the message.
3. Will these methods harm my PC?
No, if done correctly. But always back up before editing the registry.
4. Can I get a free Windows 11 license key?
Not legally—Microsoft only provides free keys under specific upgrade programs.
5. Does the watermark come back after updates?
Yes, temporary methods may stop working after major updates.