Welcome to our article on how to remove Windows watermark! If you’ve ever stumbled upon a pesky watermark on your computer screen and wondered how to get rid of it, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to remove the watermark on Windows 10.
Steps to Remove Windows Watermark
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
The first step to removing Windows watermark is to open the Registry Editor. This can be done by pressing the Windows key + R, typing in “regedit”, and hitting enter.
Step 2: Backup Registry
Before making any changes to the registry, it’s important to create a backup. This can be done by clicking on “File” in the top left corner of the Registry Editor, selecting “Export,” and saving the backup file to your desktop.
Step 3: Navigate to the Registry Key
Next, navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform\Activation.
Step 4: Edit the Registry
Double-click on “Manual” under the Activation folder and change the value data from “1” to “0.”
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
After editing the registry, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Step 6: Use Command Prompt
Another way to remove the watermark is by using the Command Prompt. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type in “slmgr -rearm,” then hit enter.
Step 7: Restart Your Computer
After using the Command Prompt, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Step 8: Use a Third-Party Tool
If you prefer not to edit the registry or use the Command Prompt, there are several third-party tools available online that can remove the watermark for you.
Step 9: Remove Windows Update KB4497935
Some users have reported that removing Windows Update KB4497935 can remove the watermark. Open Control Panel, select “Programs,” then “Programs and Features,” and click on “View Installed Updates.” Find KB4497935 and uninstall it.
Step 10: Modify System Files
Another option is to modify system files by replacing the files “basebrd.dll,” “basebrd.dll.mui,” and “shellbrd.dll” with modified versions that do not have the watermark.
Step 11: Disable Windows Ink Workspace
Disabling Windows Ink Workspace can also remove the watermark. This can be done by going to Settings, selecting “Devices,” then “Pen & Windows Ink,” and toggling off “Show recommended app suggestions.”
Step 12: Activate Windows
Lastly, if all else fails, you can activate Windows to remove the watermark. This can be done by going to Settings, selecting “Update & Security,” then “Activation,” and clicking “Activate Windows.”
Explanation
Now that we’ve covered the steps to remove Windows watermark, let’s delve into some explanations. Editing the registry, using the Command Prompt, and activating Windows are all legitimate ways to remove the watermark. However, it’s important to note that modifying system files or using third-party tools can be risky and may cause damage to your system. Additionally, some of these methods may only temporarily remove the watermark and it may reappear after an update.
Tips and Tricks
1. Backup your Registry
As mentioned earlier, before making any changes to the registry, create a backup. This can save you a lot of trouble if anything goes wrong.
2. Keep Windows Updated
Staying up to date with Windows updates can help prevent watermark issues.
3. Consider Activating Windows
If you use your computer frequently, it may be worth the investment to activate Windows and avoid watermark issues altogether.
4. Be Cautious with Third-Party Tools
If you choose to use a third-party tool to remove the watermark, make sure to research the tool and read reviews beforehand to avoid any potential harm to your system.
5. Use Microsoft Support
If you’re having trouble removing the watermark, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance.
6. Be Patient
Some methods may take longer than others to remove the watermark, so be patient and don’t rush the process.
7. Consult with Tech Support
If you’re hesitant about removing the watermark or are unsure of which method to use, consider consulting with tech support for advice.
8. Avoid Pirated Software
Using pirated software is illegal and can lead to watermark issues and other problems on your computer.
9. Read User Reviews
If you’re considering using a third-party tool, read user reviews to get a sense of how well the tool works and whether it’s safe to use.
10. Keep Your Computer Clean
Regularly cleaning your computer can help improve its performance and prevent system issues, including watermark problems.
In conclusion, removing Windows watermark can be done through various methods, including editing the registry, using the Command Prompt, and activating Windows. However, some methods may pose potential risks to your system, so it’s important to be cautious and patient. Additionally, keeping your computer clean and updated can help prevent watermark issues in the first place.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Removing Windows Watermark
Advantages:
1. Aesthetically pleasing – Removing the Windows watermark from the desktop can improve the overall aesthetics of the desktop, making it look cleaner and more professional.
2. Improved customization – Once the Windows watermark is removed, users can customize their desktops as much as they want without any limitations.
3. Enhances user experience – Constantly seeing the Windows watermark on the desktop can be annoying, removing it will make the user experience better.
4. Improves privacy – In some cases, people may want to hide the fact that they are using a certain version of Windows. Removing the watermark can help with that.
5. Personal satisfaction – For some people, removing the watermark is a matter of personal satisfaction and it gives them a sense of ownership over their computer.
6. Makes it easier to take screenshots – Removing the watermark from the desktop makes it easier to take screenshots without the watermark distracting from the content.
7. No legal consequences – Removing the watermark is not illegal, as long as you have a genuine copy of Windows.
8. Lowers the chance of piracy – Some people may remove the watermark to sell pirated copies of Windows, by removing the watermark, you are not contributing to this illegal activity.
9. Eliminates frustrations – Seeing the Windows watermark on the desktop may cause frustration for some users, which can be eliminated by removing it.
10. Cost-efficient – Instead of buying a full version of Windows just to get rid of the watermark, removing it can be a cost-efficient solution.
Disadvantages:
1. May void warranty – Removing the watermark may lead to voiding the warranty on your computer.
2. No technical support – If you face issues with Windows after removing the watermark, you may not be able to get technical support from Microsoft.
3. Risk of damaging the system – If you are unfamiliar with the process of removing the watermark, you may accidentally damage the system.
4. May break Windows updates – Removing the watermark may cause issues with Windows updates, which can lead to other issues down the line.
5. May not work on all versions of Windows – Some methods of removing the watermark only work on certain versions of Windows.
6. May be illegal – If you are using an illegal copy of Windows, removing the watermark can lead to legal issues.
7. May interfere with system processes – Removing the watermark may interfere with certain system processes, leading to other issues.
8. Malware risk – Some methods of removing the watermark may involve downloading third-party software, which can be a potential risk for malware infections.
9. May cause instability – Removing the watermark can cause instability in some cases, leading to crashes and other issues.
10. May lead to reduced functionality – In some cases, removing the watermark may lead to reduced functionality of certain Windows features.
FAQ
1. What is a Windows watermark?
A Windows watermark is a semi-transparent message that appears on the bottom-right corner of the screen. It indicates that your copy of Windows is not genuine or not activated.
2. How can I remove the Windows watermark?
You can remove the Windows watermark by using third-party software or by activating your copy of Windows.
3. Is it legal to remove the Windows watermark using third-party software?
No, it is not legal to remove the Windows watermark using third-party software. It violates the terms of the Microsoft software license agreement.
4. Can I remove the Windows watermark without activating Windows?
No, you cannot remove the Windows watermark without activating Windows. The watermark exists to remind you that your copy of Windows is not genuine or not activated.
5. How do I activate Windows?
You can activate Windows by entering a valid product key or by purchasing a copy of Windows from Microsoft or an authorized retailer.
6. How can I check if my Windows is activated?
You can check if Windows is activated by going to the Settings app > Update & Security > Activation. If Windows is activated, it will say “Windows is activated with a digital license” or “Windows is activated with a product key.”
7. Can I activate Windows for free?
There is no legal way to activate Windows for free. However, you may be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10 if you have a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
8. What are the consequences of using an unactivated copy of Windows?
Using an unactivated copy of Windows may result in limited access to Windows features and updates, and may also expose your computer to security risks.
9. Can I buy a product key for Windows online?
Yes, you can buy a product key for Windows online from Microsoft or an authorized retailer. However, be wary of buying product keys from untrusted sources, as they may be counterfeit or invalid.
10. How do I enter a product key in Windows?
You can enter a product key in Windows by going to the Settings app > Update & Security > Activation and clicking on “Change product key.”
11. Can I transfer my Windows license to a new computer?
Yes, you can transfer your Windows license to a new computer, as long as the old computer is no longer in use.
12. How do I activate Windows after transferring my license to a new computer?
You can activate Windows after transferring your license to a new computer by entering your product key or connecting to your Microsoft account that is linked to the digital license.
13. What should I do if I encounter issues with activating Windows?
If you encounter issues with activating Windows, you can try troubleshooting using the Activation troubleshooter in the Settings app > Update & Security > Activation. You can also contact Microsoft support for assistance.
How to Remove Windows Watermark
Windows watermark is a text or image that appears in the bottom right corner of your desktop screen. It usually has the text “Activate Windows” or “Windows License Valid for XX days”. This watermark can be quite annoying, especially if you are using a personal or non-commercial version of Windows. The good news is that there are several ways to remove this watermark, and in this article, we will discuss some of them.
Conclusion and Closing
In conclusion, there are several ways to remove the Windows watermark from your desktop screen. You can try using software like Universal Watermark Disabler or editing the Windows Registry manually. However, we highly recommend that you activate your Windows license instead of removing the watermark. This will not only remove the watermark but also ensure that your Windows system is secure and up to date.
Thank you for reading this article on how to remove Windows watermark. We hope that you have found this information useful and informative. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Until next time, goodbye and good luck!