If you are using a computer with Windows 10, you might have noticed a small, semi-transparent message in the bottom right corner of your screen. It says: “Activate Windows. Go to Settings to activate Windows.”
This is known as the “activation watermark.” It appears because your copy of Windows 10 has not been officially activated with a product key. While Microsoft allows you to use Windows 10 almost normally without paying, this watermark is their way of reminding you to buy a license.
For many people, especially students or those on a tight budget, buying a key for $100+ isn’t an option. The watermark can be distracting, especially when watching movies, playing games, or recording your screen.
In this guide, we will show you safe, manual methods to remove this watermark for free in late 2025. We will also explain why you should avoid “activator software” and how to check your activation status.
Important Warning: Avoid “Activator” Software
Before we start, please do NOT download third-party tools like “KMSPico” or “Windows Activator.” In 2025, these tools are extremely dangerous. Hackers use them to hide malware, steal passwords, and infect your PC.
The methods in this guide use only built-in Windows tools (like Notepad and Registry Editor). They are safe because you are not downloading anything from the internet.
Method 1: The “Batch File” Method (Most Popular)
This is often the easiest way to remove the watermark. It involves creating a simple script that resets the activation status.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Notepad: Click the Start button, type “Notepad,” and open it.
- Paste the Code: Copy the following command exactly as it is written below and paste it into your empty Notepad file:Code snippet
@echo off taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe explorer.exe exitNote: This command simply restarts your Windows Explorer process, which refreshes the desktop and often clears the watermark temporary or permanently. - Save the File:
- Click File > Save As.
- In the “Save as type” dropdown, choose All Files.
- Name the file
remove.bat(the.batpart is very important). - Save it to your Desktop.
- Run as Administrator:
- Go to your Desktop and find the
remove.batfile you just made. - Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator”.
- A black window will appear and disappear quickly. Your screen might flicker for a second.
- Go to your Desktop and find the
- Restart Your PC: Restart your computer to see if the watermark is gone.
Method 2: The Registry Editor Trick
The Windows Registry is like the “brain” of your computer’s settings. We can tell the brain to stop showing the watermark by changing a single number.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Registry Editor:
- Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
- In the box that pops up, type
regeditand press Enter. - Click Yes if asked for permission.
- Navigate the Folders: On the left side, click the arrows to open these folders in order:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop
- Find “PaintDesktopVersion”:
- Look at the list of files on the right side.
- Find the one named PaintDesktopVersion.
- Double-click on it.
- Change the Value:
- A box will open with a number in it (usually
1). - Change the
1to a0. - Click OK.
- A box will open with a number in it (usually
- Restart Your PC: Close everything and restart your computer. The watermark should be hidden.
Method 3: Ease of Access Settings
Sometimes, simply telling Windows to remove background images can glitch the watermark away.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Control Panel: Click Start, type “Control Panel,” and open it.
- Go to Ease of Access: Click on Ease of Access Center.
- Make Computer Easier to See: Click on the link that says “Make the computer easier to see.”
- Check the Box: Scroll down to the bottom and verify the box that says “Remove background images (where available)” is checked.
- Apply: Click Apply and then OK.
Note: This will remove your desktop wallpaper and make the background black, but it often takes the watermark with it. You can try changing your wallpaper back later to see if the watermark stays gone.
Does Removing the Watermark Activate Windows?
No.
It is important to understand that removing the watermark is cosmetic. Your Windows is still technically unactivated.
- You still cannot change your “Personalization” settings (like colors and lock screen) through the Settings menu.
- You might still miss out on some specific updates.
If you want to check your true status:
- Open Command Prompt (type
cmdin Start). - Type
slmgr /xprand press Enter. - A small window will pop up telling you if you are activated permanently or in “Notification Mode”.
The Permanent Solution (Legal & Cheap)
If the methods above stop working after a Windows update (which happens often), the only permanent fix is to activate Windows.
In 2025, you don’t always have to pay $200.
- Student Email: If you have a
.eduemail address, you can often get Windows 10/11 Education Edition for free through your school. - Old Keys: If you have an old laptop with a Windows 7 or 8 sticker on the bottom, that key often still works to activate Windows 10/11. Try typing it in!
Conclusion
You don’t have to live with that annoying text on your screen. By using the Batch File or Registry Editor methods, you can hide the “Activate Windows” watermark safely and for free. Just remember that these are visual fixes—your computer is still unlicensed under the hood.
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