How do I permanently remove Windows Activation watermark?

The Windows Activation watermark can be annoying. It sits on your screen like an uninvited guest, constantly reminding you to activate Windows. But don’t worry! There are ways to remove it permanently. Let’s go through the best methods, step by step.

Why Is the Activation Watermark There?

Microsoft wants users to activate Windows to get full access to features and updates. If you see the watermark, your copy of Windows is either not activated or not genuine.

Ways to Remove the Windows Activation Watermark

There are both official and unofficial ways to remove the watermark. Let’s explore them.

1. Use a Genuine Windows License

The best and safest way to remove the watermark is by activating Windows with an official license key. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings (Press Win + I).
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Click on Activation.
4. Enter a valid Windows product key.

This will permanently remove the watermark and ensure you get full Windows updates.

2. Use the Registry Editor

If you are not ready to buy a license, you can try removing the watermark through the Windows registry. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform\Activation
3. Find the entry named Manual and change its value from 0 to 1.
4. Restart your computer.

This might remove the watermark, but it does not activate Windows permanently.

3. Use a Command Prompt Trick

There’s a hidden trick that may help.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type this command and hit Enter: taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe
3. Then enter: explorer.exe and press Enter again.
4. Restart your PC.

This method works temporarily. If the watermark comes back, you may need to try a different solution.

4. Use a Third-Party Tool

If you don’t want to mess with commands and settings, you can use a third-party tool.

There are apps like Universal Watermark Disabler that can remove the watermark in just a few clicks. Here’s how:

1. Download Universal Watermark Disabler from a trusted source.
2. Run the file and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Restart your computer.

5. Modify the Ease of Access Settings

Another simple trick is to use the “Ease of Access” section in Settings:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Ease of Access.
3. Click on Make the computer easier to see.
4. Check Remove background images.
5. Restart your PC.

This might hide the watermark, but it may also affect other background elements.

Final Thoughts

If you want to permanently remove the Windows Activation watermark, the best way is to use a genuine Windows license. Other methods might work, but they don’t provide full access to Windows updates and features.

Try the method that works best for you and enjoy a clean, watermark-free screen!