Are you getting an “Activate Windows- Go to settings to activate windows” watermark on your desktop? The “Activate Windows” watermark appears when your windows license has expired. This issue has made several people’s experience with their computer unpleasant as it blocks your view across applications and also can be rather embarrassing having it floating on your screen. And as a result, you will have to remove the Windows 10 watermark from the bottom-right corner of the screen.
If you have a product key then you can activate it directly and remove activate Windows watermark. But if you don’t have, here is how to remove activate windows watermark with and without a product key.
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What Is “Activate Windows” Watermark?
Like any other business, Microsoft doesn’t appreciate it when their hard work gets pirated, exploited, and redistributed for free. Hence, They came up with the plan of placing a watermark in the corner before the user legitimately unlocks Windows to avoid the misuse of their newest operating system, Windows 10.
It might not seem like a big issue, because the watermark doesn’t get in your way. It’s on top of every window, app, and even your cursor. While this is not a ground-breaking method of stopping piracy, it was enough to drive you here and see how you can get rid of it. Don’t worry — other than telling you the obvious solution, we’ve put together some methods to help those who don’t want to spend money to remove the watermark.
How To Remove Activate Windows Watermark?
It is worth noting that most of these methods simply remove the “Activate Windows” watermark and do not activate your system. You will still not be able to remove limitations such as not being able to customize your PC at all.
With this clarified, let’s get to work and remove activate Windows watermark on your Windows 10 system.
Method 1: Using The Notepad
One of the easiest and most sure-fire ways of removing the pesky little watermark in the corner of your screen is doing a simple trick with the pre-installed Notepad app.
Here’s how to do it using the notepad:
- Launch the Notepad application and create a new note.
- Copy and paste the following text into your Notepad.
@echo off
taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe
explorer.exe
exit
- Go to “File”, then click on “Save as”.
- Name the file Activation.bat and change the file format to “All files”.
- Choose the location where the file becomes easily reachable, and click the Save button.
- Right-click on the file and choose Run as administrator. If you don’t have this option, you’re not signed into an account with admin permissions.
- Restart your device and the watermark-free system should now be available.
Method 2: By Modifying The Registry
The registry is a part of the system that most casual Windows users generally don’t meddle with unless it’s instructed in an online guide like this one! It’s a way to customize your Windows 10 experience on a deeper level, allowing you to meddle with system configuration and application settings.
We’ll be using this tool to modify registry values.
Here’s how to do it using registry edits:
- Press Windows + R keys simultaneously. This will bring up a window called Run.
- Type in regedit and press the OK key to bring up the Registry Editor.
- Locate and select HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
- On the right side of the window, select the Desktop and Double-click on the PaintDesktopVersion value.
- Change the Value from 1 to 0, then click the OK button to save the modifications.
- Restart your PC and the watermark-free system should now be available.
You may not know, the registry is like the heart of a Windows system. Honestly, any changes in the registry are very risky and not recommend but this method will get the job done as long as it is carried out with precaution.
Method 3: Changing Ease Of Access Settings
Did you know that changing a simple setting in your Windows 10 will immediately get rid of the watermark? If you answered no, you’re not alone. By simply disabling background images with Ease of Access, you can also remove the watermark that comes with Windows 10.
- Press the Windows + S keys simultaneously to open Search, then type in Control Panel.
- Launch Control Panel.
- Click on Ease of Access Center.
- Click on the Make the computer easier to see link under the Explore all settings section.
- Enable remove background images (where available).
- Click Apply.
Method 4: Using A Windows 10 Watermark Remover
There are several apps available online that easily erase the Windows 10 watermark for you. Such apps are sometimes illegal and come from all corners of the internet — make sure you access them with caution while looking on your own.
Our watermark remover framework recommendation is Universal Watermark Disabler. We have selected a system that will make sure you never see “Activate Windows” again in the corner of your screen. Follow the on-screen directions when you download it and the issue should be fixed.
Method 5: Activating Your OS By Purchasing The Key
Sure, it would be unprofessional not to provide the real, easiest way to get rid of the “Activate Windows” watermark — activate Windows. If you already have a way to test your copy of the operating system, look forward to it! You can disable your program, remove restrictions, and never see “Activate Windows” again.
You can buy Windows 10 from the official website or get hold of it from some third-party resellers, online retailers, and individuals selling a license or device key.
Method 6: Using Others Product Key
- Acquire a product key. It’s a 24-character long alphanumeric code, which you can find depending on where and how you purchased Windows 10. Look for it:
- In your email inbox.
- On the retailer’s website where you purchased Windows 10 from.
- On a physical piece of paper or sticker.
- Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to bring up the Settings window.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Choose Activation from the menu on the left, then click on Change product key.
- Enter your product key and click Next. Wait for Windows 10 to activate then the watermark-free system should be available.
Method 7: By Using A Digital License
- Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to bring up the Settings window.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Choose Activation from the menu on the left, then click on the Go to Microsoft Store or search for Windows 10 in the store.
- You’ll see one of two messages on this page:
- Install. Click on the button to get Windows 10 on your computer with a digital license activated.
- Buy. Purchase Windows 10 and have it activated right away. If you’ve already made a purchase, log into your Microsoft account which was used.
- Complete the installation and the watermark-free system should now be available.
To Conclude
Though these methods will remove the “Activate Windows” watermark, it’s possible for this watermark to periodically reappear — in this case, just come back and repeat any of these processes.
Though these methods are a little tedious, they are safe and sure to work. Hopefully, this guide will come in handy for all of you who wanted to know how to remove activate windows watermark from your computers.
Please let us know which one of these methods worked for you in the comments section below!
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