Turning off that annoying Activate Windows watermark in Windows 11
That overlay in the corner saying “Activate Windows”? So bloody annoying, right? If you’re sick of looking at it but don’t want to splash out for a license, there are a few tricks up your sleeve. Just a heads up: these “hacks” won’t give you a legit activation; they just hide the message. But hey, a cleaner desktop never hurt anyone.
Righto, let’s get started. The idea is to use the Registry Editor, which might seem a bit daunting, but if you do it carefully, things will look heaps better. Just remember: messing around in the registry can cause issues, so treat this as your unofficial warning.
First thing, dive into your Windows settings. The quickest way? Hit Windows key + I. Can’t do that? No worries — just click the Start menu and find the gear icon. It’s all your usual settings, where Windows keeps everything it thinks you’ll need.
Once that window pops up, click on System. It’s a bit of a catch-all for your device info, including activation details — just in case you forgot what’s what while you were looking for something else.
Scroll down and find About. Here you’ll see what you’re working with — specs, Windows version, and yep, that watermark you’ve been trying to ignore. It’s usually pretty noticeable here, which is a bit of a joke, really.
Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. Ready yourself for this part. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R, typing regedit, and hitting Enter. If a User Account Control prompt pops up, click Yes. Just a heads-up: changing the wrong bits can really mess your system up, so go easy on it.
Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Or, you might also try:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WinTrust\Trust Providers\Software Publishing
These spots store Windows’ visual preferences, including that pesky watermark.
Find the key called PaintDesktopVersion. Easy as! Double-click it and change the value to 0. Basically, you’re telling Windows, “Don’t bother showing me that watermark anymore.” Once you close the editor and restart or log out, the change should kick in — Windows loves a good reboot, after all.
If all went smoothly and you didn’t stuff it up, you should now see a watermark-free desktop. Just keep in mind: this isn’t the same as actually activating Windows. Updates or patches can sometimes bring that watermark back, so it pays to check now and then.
Stuff to Consider Before Making Changes
Always back up your registry first — no kidding. You can do this by going to File > Export in the Registry Editor, or by running reg export in PowerShell. Better safe than sorry — one wrong move could cause headaches. Also, keep an eye on Windows updates. Patches often sneak in and reset your tweaks. If you’d rather not deal with that, check for updates manually under Settings > Windows Update.
And just a heads-up: third-party apps claiming to remove the watermark can do more harm than good. If you go down that path, be aware of the risks involved.
Common Questions
Will this slow my PC down?
Nope, changing this setting is purely cosmetic. Usually, any delay after restarting isn’t anything to worry about.
Am I actually activating Windows now?
Nope. Hiding the watermark isn’t the same as activating. You’ll still need a proper license for full features.
Will the watermark come back after updates?
Most likely. Windows updates can reset your tweaks, so you might have to do this again if you want to keep it tidy.
Is it okay to hide the watermark?
That’s a personal call. Technically, it’s not illegal, but running Windows without an official license isn’t exactly playing by the rules.
Can I access all of Windows’ features without activating?
Kinda. Some custom stuff like themes might be unavailable, but everyday use should be fine unless you’re in a trial period.
This trick can tidy up a cluttered desktop without too much fuss — if you’re up for a bit of fiddling. But remember, it’s a quick fix. For a proper, hassle-free experience, buying a legit license is the way to go. Long term, it’ll save heaps of headaches.
Anyhow, there you go. Hide that watermark and make your workspace look better. Feel free to share this around — saving mates from frustration is what we’re here for!