Getting rid of the “Activate Windows” watermark in Windows 11 is pretty straightforward. You need to enter a valid product key, use the activation troubleshooter, or tweak your system settings. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have that pesky reminder gone in no time.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Get Rid of Activate Windows Watermark Windows 11
This step-by-step guide will help you remove the “Activate Windows” watermark from Windows 11 by using various methods, from entering a product key to more technical system adjustments.
Step 1: Enter a Valid Product Key
First, click on the Start menu and go to Settings.
In the Settings window, navigate to System > Activation. Here, you can enter a valid product key if you have one. A genuine product key will activate your Windows and remove the watermark.
Step 2: Use Activation Troubleshooter
Next, open the Start menu and go to Settings again, but this time, click on Update & Security.
Under the Update & Security section, you’ll find the Activation tab. Click on it and then select Troubleshoot. The troubleshooter will attempt to activate Windows for you, which may resolve the issue without needing a new product key.
Step 3: Use Command Prompt
Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Type the following command: slmgr /renew and press Enter. This command will attempt to renew your system’s activation and can remove the watermark if successful.
Step 4: Edit Registry
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionSoftwareProtectionPlatform. Here, change the value of the key named “SkipRearm” to 1. This tweak can sometimes remove the watermark.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Finally, restart your computer to apply any changes made.
By restarting your computer, you ensure all settings and commands take effect. Once your system reboots, the watermark should be gone.
After you complete these steps, the watermark should disappear from your screen, providing you with a cleaner desktop experience.
Tips for How to Get Rid of Activate Windows Watermark Windows 11
- Always check for Windows Updates before attempting activation issues. Sometimes, updates resolve these problems.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable when trying to activate Windows.
- Keep your product key safe. You’ll need it for future installations or repairs.
- Use genuine software. Using cracked versions can lead to more issues.
- Contact Microsoft Support if all else fails. They can guide you through advanced troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Get Rid of Activate Windows Watermark Windows 11
What if I don’t have a product key?
You can still use the activation troubleshooter or contact Microsoft for support.
Will using the registry editor harm my computer?
No, as long as you follow the steps correctly and only change the specified keys.
Can I ignore the watermark?
Yes, but it will keep reminding you to activate Windows, which can be annoying.
Do I need an internet connection to activate Windows?
Yes, a stable internet connection is required to activate Windows online.
What if the watermark doesn’t go away after following these steps?
In that case, contacting Microsoft Support is your best option for further assistance.
Summary of Steps
- Enter a valid product key in Settings.
- Use the Activation troubleshooter in Update & Security.
- Run the command slmgr /renew in Command Prompt.
- Edit the registry and change the SkipRearm key.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the “Activate Windows” watermark in Windows 11 can seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, it’s entirely manageable. By entering a valid product key, running the activation troubleshooter, using Command Prompt, or even tweaking the registry, you can say goodbye to that annoying reminder.
Make sure to follow the steps carefully and always back up important data before making any significant changes to your system. If all else fails, Microsoft Support is there to help you out.
For more detailed troubleshooting, delve into Microsoft’s support pages or tech forums where many users share their experiences and solutions. Removing the watermark will give you a cleaner, distraction-free workspace, allowing you to focus on what really matters. So go ahead, take the steps today to make your Windows 11 experience as smooth as possible!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.