Removing the “Activate Windows” watermark on Windows 11 can be done by using a few straightforward steps. First, you’ll need to access your system settings and make a couple of small adjustments. By following these steps, you’ll effectively hide the watermark without needing to activate Windows immediately. This process can be handy if you’re unable to activate Windows right away but find the watermark distracting.
How to Remove Activate Windows Watermark in Windows 11
Step 1: Open Settings
Access the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
Once you press these keys, the Settings menu will pop up. Here is where you’ll find and adjust various settings on your computer, including personalization options.
Step 2: Navigate to Ease of Access
In the menu, select the “Ease of Access” option.
The Ease of Access section is designed to help you customize your computer’s display and features to your liking. By navigating here, you can tweak settings that might help you hide the watermark.
Step 3: Click on Display
Within Ease of Access, click on “Display.”
This section controls how things are shown on your screen, like text size and brightness. It’s the first step in adjusting your settings to remove the watermark.
Step 4: Turn Off Show Desktop Background Image
Find the toggle that says “Show desktop background image” and turn it off.
By turning this setting off, you effectively hide the watermark because the desktop background is no longer displayed. It’s a quick way to get rid of the visual distraction without activating Windows.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to see the changes take effect.
Restarting your computer allows all changes to take full effect. Once your computer is back on, check your desktop to ensure the watermark has disappeared.
After completing these steps, the “Activate Windows” watermark should be gone from your desktop. These changes will not affect other functionalities of your Windows 11 system.
Tips for Removing Activate Windows Watermark in Windows 11
- Consider activating Windows later to access all features and updates.
- Remember, these steps do not activate Windows permanently; they only hide the watermark.
- Always back up important files before making changes to system settings.
- If the watermark reappears, revisit the settings to check if the display option reset.
- Consider using genuine Windows keys if you plan on using Windows long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is removing the watermark legal?
Yes, hiding the watermark using system settings is legal, but it doesn’t replace activating Windows with a legitimate product key.
Will my computer work differently without activation?
While the Windows system will work, some features and updates might be restricted until you activate it.
Can this method damage my computer?
No, changing these settings will not harm your computer. It’s a temporary way to hide the watermark.
Why does the watermark appear?
The watermark appears as a reminder to activate your copy of Windows, ensuring you have a genuine version.
Do I need to repeat the process after updates?
Possibly. Some updates might reset certain settings, requiring you to repeat the steps.
Summary
- Open Settings via Windows key + I.
- Navigate to Ease of Access.
- Click on Display.
- Turn off Show Desktop Background Image.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing the “Activate Windows” watermark on Windows 11 is a simple, temporary fix for those who find the display distracting but aren’t ready to activate Windows just yet. While this method effectively hides the watermark, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t activate your Windows copy. Activation is crucial for accessing all features and receiving updates, so it’s a good idea to plan for that in the future. If you’re using Windows 11 regularly, consider purchasing a genuine license to enjoy a seamless experience with full support and updates.
For more advanced users, exploring forums and official support pages might provide further insights into maintaining a smooth operation of your system. But for now, these steps should help keep your desktop clean of unnecessary distractions. As you navigate through your digital tasks, remember that small tweaks like this can make a big difference in how you interact with your computer daily. Keep exploring and learning, and your Windows experience will only get better!
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.