Windows

How To Remove Activate Windows Watermark Windows 11

In today's digital age, owning a computer is essential. However, one issue that can be quite bothersome is the "Activate Windows" watermark that appears on the screen of Windows 11. Not only can it be distracting, but it can also make you feel like you don't have full ownership of your device. Fortunately, there are methods to remove this watermark and regain control over your Windows 11 experience.

To remove the "Activate Windows" watermark on Windows 11, you can follow a few simple steps. First, open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, then typing "regedit" and hitting Enter. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Find the DWORD value named "PaintDesktopVersion" and double-click on it. Change the value data from 1 to 0, then click OK. Finally, restart your computer, and the watermark should no longer be visible on your screen. By following these steps, you can remove the Activate Windows watermark and enjoy the full functionality of your Windows 11 operating system.



How To Remove Activate Windows Watermark Windows 11

Why is the Activate Windows Watermark Appearing in Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the latest operating system released by Microsoft, offering users a modern and improved user interface. However, some users may encounter the "Activate Windows" watermark appearing on their desktops. This watermark is displayed when Windows 11 detects that the operating system has not been activated with a valid license or product key.

Activating Windows 11 is essential to access all the features and functionalities provided by the operating system. It ensures that you are using a genuine, licensed version of Windows, and it also allows you to receive important updates and security patches.

While the "Activate Windows" watermark can be a minor inconvenience, removing it is relatively simple. In this guide, we will explore various methods that you can use to remove the Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11 and enjoy an uninterrupted computing experience.

Method 1: Activate Windows 11 with a Product Key

The most straightforward way to remove the Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11 is to activate your operating system with a valid product key. Here's how you can do it:

  • Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting "Settings" or by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard.
  • In the Settings app, click on the "System" category.
  • Click on the "Activation" tab in the left sidebar.
  • Under the "Activation" section, click on the "Change product key" option.
  • Enter your valid product key and click on the "Next" button.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.

Once you have successfully activated Windows 11 with a product key, the Activate Windows watermark should disappear from your desktop.

Method 1.1: Activating Windows 11 with a Digital License

If you upgraded to Windows 11 from a previous version of Windows (such as Windows 10) and had a digital license associated with your hardware, you can use that digital license to activate Windows 11. Here's how:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Go to the "System" category and click on the "Activation" tab.
  • Under the "Activation" section, click on the "Troubleshoot" option.
  • Select the option that says "I changed hardware on this device recently" or "This is the device I'm using right now."
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in with your Microsoft account and activate Windows 11 using the digital license associated with your hardware.

This method allows you to activate Windows 11 without entering a product key manually.

Method 1.2: Contact Microsoft Support

If you are unable to activate Windows 11 using a product key or a digital license, you can contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They will be able to help you troubleshoot and resolve any activation issues you may be facing.

Remember to provide the necessary details, such as the error message you received or any other relevant information, to help Microsoft Support efficiently resolve your issue.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Activation Tool

If you are unable to activate Windows 11 using the methods mentioned above, you can consider using a third-party activation tool. These tools can help bypass the activation process and remove the Activate Windows watermark. However, it is important to note that using third-party tools may violate Microsoft's terms of service and can pose security risks. Proceed with caution and use these tools at your own discretion.

There are various third-party activation tools available, such as KMSpico and Microsoft Toolkit. These tools utilize key management services to activate Windows and remove the watermark. Keep in mind that we do not endorse or promote the use of these tools, and we encourage users to activate Windows using legitimate methods.

Method 2.1: Using KMSpico

KMSpico is a popular third-party activation tool that can be used to activate Windows and remove the Activate Windows watermark. Here's how you can use KMSpico:

  • Download KMSpico from a trusted source. Be cautious of downloading from unofficial or potentially unsafe websites.
  • Disable your antivirus software temporarily, as it may flag the tool as potentially harmful.
  • Run the KMSpico executable file as an administrator.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to activate Windows.

Once the activation process is complete, the Activate Windows watermark should no longer be visible.

Method 2.2: Using Microsoft Toolkit

Microsoft Toolkit is another popular third-party activation tool that can activate Windows and remove the Activate Windows watermark. Here's how you can use Microsoft Toolkit:

  • Download Microsoft Toolkit from a trusted source.
  • Disable your antivirus software temporarily.
  • Run the Microsoft Toolkit executable file as an administrator.
  • Click on the "Activation" button.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to activate Windows.

Again, we caution against the use of these third-party tools due to potential security risks and violation of Microsoft's terms of service.

Method 3: Modifying the Registry

Modifying the Windows registry can be an advanced method to remove the Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11. It is recommended only for experienced users who are comfortable with editing the registry. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows key + R, typing "regedit," and pressing Enter.
  • Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
  • Look for a registry value named "PaintDesktopVersion" on the right pane.
  • Double-click on "PaintDesktopVersion" and change its value from "1" to "0".
  • Click "OK" to save the changes.
  • Close the Registry Editor.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After restarting your computer, the Activate Windows watermark should be removed from your Windows 11 desktop.

Method 4: Disable or Uninstall Watermark Removal Tools

If you have previously installed any watermark removal tools or software, they may be causing the Activate Windows watermark to persist. Try disabling or uninstalling these tools to see if it resolves the issue. Follow these steps:

  • Open the Control Panel by pressing Windows key + X and selecting "Control Panel."
  • Click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features".
  • Locate any watermark removal tools or software that you have installed.
  • Right-click on the tool/software and select "Uninstall" or "Uninstall/Change".
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the tool/software.

After uninstalling the watermark removal tool, restart your computer and check if the Activate Windows watermark is still visible. If it is, try the other methods mentioned in this article.

Understanding the Importance of Activating Windows 11

Activating Windows 11 is crucial to ensure that you are using a genuine, licensed version of the operating system. Here are some key reasons why you should activate Windows 11:

Access to All Features and Functionalities

Activating Windows 11 unlocks all the features and functionalities provided by the operating system. It allows you to customize settings, personalize your desktop, access advanced security features, and utilize productivity tools. Without activation, you may be limited in terms of what you can do with your Windows 11 installation.

Receive Important Updates and Security Patches

By activating Windows 11, you ensure that your system receives important updates and security patches from Microsoft. These updates help protect your computer from potential vulnerabilities and keep it running smoothly. Without activation, you may miss out on critical updates, exposing your system to potential risks.

Compliance with Microsoft's Terms of Service

Activating Windows 11 is also essential to comply with Microsoft's terms of service. Using an unactivated copy of Windows or employing unauthorized methods to bypass activation can lead to violations of Microsoft's licensing agreement. It is important to use legitimate methods to activate Windows to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions set by Microsoft.

Enjoy a Seamless Computing Experience

Finally, activating Windows 11 allows you to enjoy a seamless computing experience without the interruptions caused by the Activate Windows watermark. It provides peace of mind and ensures that you can fully utilize all the features and benefits offered by Windows 11.

In conclusion, removing the Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11 is achievable through various methods, such as activating with a product key or digital license, utilizing third-party activation tools (with caution), modifying the registry, or uninstalling watermark removal tools. Remember to activate Windows 11 to access all features, receive updates, comply with Microsoft's terms of service, and enjoy an uninterrupted computing experience.


How To Remove Activate Windows Watermark Windows 11

Removing the Activate Windows Watermark on Windows 11

If you are using a non-genuine version of Windows 11, you may notice an irritating "Activate Windows" watermark on your desktop. Luckily, there are several methods you can try to remove this watermark and enhance your desktop experience.

Method 1: Activation using a Genuine Product Key

The most straightforward way to remove the watermark is to activate Windows using a genuine product key. You can purchase a license key from the Microsoft Store or through authorized retailers. After obtaining the key, follow these steps:

  • Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 system.
  • Navigate to the "System" category and click on "Activation" from the left-hand menu.
  • Click on "Change product key" and enter the genuine key in the provided field.
  • Click on "Next" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Activation Tool

If you do not have a genuine product key, you can use third-party activation tools to remove the watermark. These tools are available online and offer alternative methods to activate Windows 11. However, be cautious when using such tools and ensure to download from reliable sources.

Method 3: Applying a Windows 11 Activator

Another method is to apply a Windows 11 activator, which bypasses the activation process and removes the watermark. Keep in mind that using activators is not recommended as it violates Microsoft's terms of service and can introduce security risks to your system.

Key Takeaways: How to Remove Activate Windows Watermark Windows 11

  • You can remove the Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11 by activating your copy of Windows.
  • To activate Windows 11, go to Settings, click on Update & Security, and then click on Activation.
  • If you don't have a product key, you can purchase one from the Microsoft Store or use a third-party tool to activate Windows 11.
  • Another way to remove the watermark is by using a Windows activator tool, but this is not recommended as it may violate Microsoft's terms of service.
  • If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting your PC or reinstalling Windows 11 to remove the watermark.

Frequently Asked Questions

A watermark indicating the need to activate Windows can be bothersome and visually distracting. Here are some commonly asked questions on how to remove the Activate Windows watermark on Windows 11.

1. How can I remove the Activate Windows watermark on Windows 11?

To remove the Activate Windows watermark on Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "regedit" and pressing Enter.

2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

3. Locate the "PaintDesktopVersion" entry in the right pane and double-click on it.

4. Change the value from "1" to "0" and click OK.

5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

2. Will removing the Activate Windows watermark affect the functionality of my operating system?

No, removing the Activate Windows watermark will not affect the functionality of your operating system. It is simply a visual reminder to activate your copy of Windows. However, it's important to note that using an unactivated version of Windows may restrict access to certain features and updates.

3. Can I remove the Activate Windows watermark without activating my copy of Windows 11?

Yes, you can remove the Activate Windows watermark without activating your copy of Windows 11. However, it is recommended to activate your copy of Windows to ensure you have access to all the features and updates.

4. Why does the Activate Windows watermark appear on my screen?

The Activate Windows watermark appears on your screen when your copy of Windows is not activated. This could be due to various reasons such as using an unlicensed version of Windows or the expiration of your product key.

5. Are there any other methods to remove the Activate Windows watermark on Windows 11?

Yes, there are alternative methods to remove the Activate Windows watermark on Windows 11. One method is by using third-party software or tools specifically designed for this purpose. However, it's important to exercise caution when using such tools and ensure they are from reputable sources to avoid any security risks.



In summary, removing the Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be done using various methods. First, you can try activating Windows through the settings menu by entering a valid product key or purchasing a license. If that doesn't work, you can utilize third-party software or applications specifically designed to remove the watermark. One popular option is using the Windows Activation Toolkit, which offers a simple and efficient solution. Remember to download software only from trusted sources to ensure the safety of your device.

If you prefer a manual approach, you can modify the registry settings to suppress the watermark. However, please exercise caution when dealing with registry editor as any incorrect changes can cause system instability. It's important to always back up your data before making any modifications. Additionally, keep in mind that removing the Activate Windows watermark without a valid license is not recommended and may be a violation of the End User License Agreement. It's always best to ensure you have a legitimate copy of Windows to avoid any potential issues or security vulnerabilities.


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