Have you installed Windows 10 on your computer, but haven't activated your license yet? Do you see a "Activate Windows - Go to settings to activate Windows " watermark in the bottom right corner of your screen? This watermark can be annoying, especially if you use your PC for work or entertainment. Fortunately, there are solutions to remove it permanently and fully enjoy your operating system. In this article, we'll explain what Windows , why it's important, and how to remove the "Activate Windows " watermark from your screen.
What is Windows activation?
Windows activation is a process that verifies your copy of Windows is genuine and not used on more devices than the license allows. Activating Windows Windows enables you to receive system updates , security features, and technical support from Microsoft.
There are two main Windows licenses : product keys and digital licenses. A product key is a 25-character code you receive when you purchase a copy of Windows from Microsoft or a reseller. You must enter this key when installing or reinstalling Windows Windows To activate your license . The digital license is an activation right that is linked to your device and your Microsoft account. You get a digital license when you upgrade to Windows 10 for free from an activated copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, or when you buy a new PC with Windows 10 pre-installed.
You can check your PC's activation status by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If your PC is activated, you'll see the message " Windows is activated." Otherwise, you'll see the message " Windows is not activated, Windows watermark will appear on your screen.
Why activate Windows ?
Activating Windows has several advantages:
– You can be certain that your copy of Windows is legal and complies with Microsoft's terms of use.
– You can access all Windows customization features , such as changing the wallpaper, accent color, Start menu layout, etc.
– You receive system updates that improve the performance, stability, and security of your PC.
– You can benefit from Microsoft technical support if you have a problem with your PC.
– You can link your digital license to your Microsoft account , which makes reactivating Windows in case of hardware changes or system reinstallation.
If you do not activate Windows, you risk:
– Seeing the “Activate Windows ” watermark appear on your screen , which can be annoying and unsightly.
– Not being able to access Windows personalization , which limits your ability to customize your PC according to your tastes and needs.
– Not receiving system updates , which can make your PC vulnerable to bugs, viruses, and malicious attacks.
– Not having access to Microsoft technical support, which can complicate the resolution of Windows problems you may encounter with your PC.
– The inability to link your digital license to your Microsoft account, which can make reactivating Windows difficult if you change your hardware
How to delete the "activate Windows " watermark from your screen?
There are several ways to remove the "Activate Windows " watermark from your screen. The simplest and most recommended is to activate Windows with a valid product key or digital license . If you don't have a product key or digital license, you can purchase one from Microsoft or a reseller. Alternatively, you can try other solutions, but these are not guaranteed and may pose risks to your PC.
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Activate Windows with a product key
If you have a Windows Windows settings to activate your license and permanently remove the "Activate Windows " watermark. Here are the steps to follow:
– Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
– Click on Edit product key.
– Enter your 25-character product key and click Next.
– Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
– Restart your PC if necessary.
Activate Windows with a digital license
If you have a Windowsdigital license, you can activate it by linking your license to your Microsoft account. This will also allow you to easily reactivate Windows if you change your hardware or reinstall the system. Here are the steps to follow:
– Go to Settings > Accounts > Your information.
– Click on Sign in to your Microsoft account
– Enter your Microsoft email address and password and click Sign in.
– Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
– Click on Add an account.
– Enter your Microsoft email address and password again and click Sign in.
– Your digital license is now linked to your Microsoft account and your PC is activated.
Remove the "Activate Windows " watermark using the command prompt
If you don't have a product key or digital license , you can try removing the " Activate Windows " watermark using the command prompt. This method doesn't actually activate Windows , but it temporarily hides the watermark. It may not work on all versions of Windows 10 and can be undone by system updates. Here are the steps:
– Click the Start button and type cmd.
– Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
– If UAC asks for your permission, click Yes.
– In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF
– Restart your PC to apply the changes.
Remove the "Activate Windows " watermark using the registry editor
Another method to remove the "Activate Windows " is to use the Registry Editor. This method also doesn't actually activate Windows , but it modifies a registry value to hide the watermark. It may not work on all versions of Windows 10 and can be undone by system updates. Furthermore, it poses risks to your PC's stability and security if you don't manipulate the registry carefully. Here are the steps to follow:
– Click the Start button and type regedit.
– Right-click on Registry Editor and choose Run as administrator.
– If UAC asks for your permission, click Yes.
– In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
– Right-click on an empty space in the right pane and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
– Name the new value PaintDesktopVersion and double-click on it.
– In the window that opens, change the Data value from 1 to 0 and click OK.
– Restart your PC to apply the changes.
Comparative table of methods to remove the "Activate Windows " watermark
| Method | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Activate Windows with a product key | – This is the simplest and safest method – The watermark disappears permanently – Windows is fully activated – All Windows features are accessible | – You must have a valid product key |
| Activate Windows with a digital license | – This is the most practical and flexible method – The watermark disappears permanently – Windows is fully activated – All Windows features are accessible – Reactivating Windows is easier in case of hardware changes or system reinstallation | – You must have a valid digital license – You must have a Microsoft account |
| Remove the watermark using the command prompt | – This is the fastest and easiest method – The watermark disappears temporarily – No product key or digital license is required | – This is not a permanent or reliable method – The watermark may reappear at any time – Windows is not actually activated – Some Windows features are limited – This method may not work on all versions of Windows 10 – This method may be overridden by system updates |
| Remove the watermark using the registry editor | – This is the most advanced and customizable method – The watermark disappears temporarily – No product key or digital license is required | – This is not a permanent or reliable method – The watermark may reappear at any time – Windows is not actually activated – Some Windows features are limited – This method may not work on all versions of Windows 10 – This method may be overridden by system updates – This method poses risks to PC stability and security |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I tell if my copy of Windows is activated?
You can check your PC's activation status by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If your PC is activated, you'll see the message " Windows is activated ." Otherwise, you'll see the message " Windows Windows watermark will appear on your screen.
Where can I find my product key or digital license?
If you purchased a copy of Windows from Microsoft or a reseller, you should have received a 25-character product key by email or on a sticker. If you purchased a new PC with Windows 10 pre-installed, you should find the product key on a sticker affixed to the PC case or in the included documentation. If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free from an activated copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you have a digital license that is tied to your device and your Microsoft account.
Is there any risk if I don't activate Windows ?
If you don't activate Windows, you won't face legal repercussions from Microsoft, but you risk compromising the security and stability of your PC. Without activation, you won't receive system updates that fix bugs, vulnerabilities, and threats. Furthermore, you won't be able to access Microsoft technical support if you encounter problems with your PC.
Can I use a product key or digital license on multiple PCs?
No, you cannot use a product key or digital license on multiple PCs. Each product key or digital license is associated with a single device and can only be transferred under certain conditions. If you attempt to use a product key or digital license on multiple PCs, you may see the " Activate Windows " watermark appear on all affected PCs.
Can I activate Windows with a product key or a digital license from another version of Windows ?
No, you cannot activate Windows with a product key or digital license from another version of Windows. For example, you cannot activate Windows 10 with a product key or digital license from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. You must use a product key or digital license that matches the version and edition of Windows you have installed on your PC.
