Getting rid of the “Activate Windows” watermark on Windows 11 is pretty straightforward with a few simple tricks. Honestly, it’s a bit odd that Windows even puts this watermark up, especially if you’re just testing things out or using your PC temporarily without a full license. The good news? You can hide it without actually activating Windows, which is handy if you’re troubleshooting or waiting for a legit key. Just keep in mind, these tweaks only hide the watermark — they don’t make Windows fully genuine.
How to Remove the Activate Windows Watermark in Windows 11
Step 1: Open Settings
Hit Windows key + I to open Settings. Or, click the Start button and select the gear icon. Once you’re in, you’re ready to poke around in your system settings. That’s the first step if you want to mess with what Windows displays, including that annoying watermark.
On some machines, it pops up quickly, but on others, it might take a moment. Classic Windows doing its thing.
Step 2: Head to Ease of Access
In Settings, look for and click Ease of Access. It’s usually near the bottom of the menu. Windows tends to make hiding the watermark a bit of a workaround rather than a straightforward toggle, so this is the place to start.
This section is mainly for accessibility stuff, but it also has some display controls you can use to hide the watermark indirectly.
Step 3: Click on Display
From the menu on the left inside Ease of Access, select Display. Here, you can change how things look and behave on your screen. Weirdly, changing some display options can hide the watermark — it’s a bit of a hack, but it works.
Step 4: Turn Off Show Desktop Background Image
Scroll down to find the toggle named Show desktop background image. Flip it off. It’s not a perfect fix, but for most setups, it removes the visual overlay that makes the watermark obvious. Think of it like a quick paint job — it’s not a permanent fix, but it gets the job done visually.
Just a heads up: this toggle might reset after updates or a reboot, so you may need to do it again later. Windows has a habit of resetting these little tweaks without warning.
Step 5: Restart Your PC
Close all your apps and restart your computer. That way, all the display adjustments kick in properly. Once it’s back up, check your desktop — the watermark should be less noticeable or gone altogether. Sometimes, Windows needs a reboot just to apply these changes.
On some machines, the watermark might stubbornly stick around, but on others, it disappears after a restart. It can be a bit inconsistent, but worth a shot.
So, after these steps, the “Activate Windows” watermark should be hidden from sight. No crack or activation required — just a visual fix, not a genuine license. It’s a handy way to tidy up your desktop without messing around too much.
Tips for Hiding the Activate Windows Watermark in Windows 11
- If you want the full features, consider activating Windows properly down the track — these tricks are just a visual fix.
- Remember, these steps don’t patch the actual license, so don’t expect to dodge updates or get full functionality.
- Back up any important files before tweaking display or system settings. Better safe than sorry.
- If the watermark pops back after a Windows update, just repeat these steps.
- If you plan to use Windows long-term, it’s worth picking up a legit key. Better for stability and future updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiding the watermark legal?
Yeah, changing display settings to hide it isn’t illegal, but it’s not a substitute for a genuine license. It’s just a visual trick, not actual activation.
Will my PC work differently without activation?
Most features will still work, but you might miss out on some updates or premium options. It’s a partial workaround, not a real fix.
Can fiddling with settings damage my PC?
Nah, these are mainly cosmetic tweaks. The risk is pretty low, but always back up your stuff — Windows can be a bit unpredictable sometimes.
Why does the watermark even show up?
It’s there to remind you to activate Windows properly. Apparently, Microsoft really wants you to buy a legit licence.
Will I need to do these steps again after updates?
Most likely, yes. Major updates can reset some display settings, so keep the steps handy just in case.
Summary
- Open Settings with Windows key + I and go to Ease of Access.
- Select Display.
- Toggle off Show desktop background image.
- Restart your PC.
Hope this helps save a bit of mucking around. Windows can be a pain with these things, but a quick visual fix usually does the trick to keep things looking tidy.