The “Activate Windows — Go to Settings to activate Windows” watermark appears in the bottom-right corner when Windows 11 or Windows 10 isn’t activated with a valid license. The only lasting way to remove it is to activate Windows. The good news: many PCs already have a digital license and just need the right step to reconnect it. This guide covers every legitimate way to get rid of the watermark, in the order most likely to work.
Quick answer
Open Settings > System > Activation (Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Activation). If you see Troubleshoot, run it. Otherwise choose Change product key and enter a valid key for your edition, or buy a license through the Microsoft Store link on the same page. The watermark disappears once activation succeeds.
Why the watermark appears
| Cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|
| Windows was installed without a key | Enter your key, or buy a license |
| You replaced the motherboard or other major hardware | Activation troubleshooter > “I changed hardware on this device recently” |
| The key is for a different edition (Home vs. Pro) | Enter a key that matches, or reinstall the edition you’re licensed for |
| A work or school PC can’t reach its activation server | Connect to the organization’s network or VPN, or contact IT |
| A key bought from an unauthorized seller was blocked | Buy a genuine license |
Step 1: Check your activation status
Go to Settings > System > Activation. The Activation state line tells you whether Windows is active and why not, often with an error code. You can also open Command Prompt and run slmgr /xpr to see whether the PC is permanently activated.
Step 2: Run the Activation troubleshooter
- On the Activation page, select Troubleshoot. It only appears when Windows isn’t activated.
- If you recently changed hardware, choose I changed hardware on this device recently, sign in with the Microsoft account that was linked to the license, and pick this PC from the list.
- Restart when it finishes.
Check that your edition matches your license
A very common cause is installing Windows 11 Pro on a PC that came with a Home license, or the reverse. Settings > System > About shows the edition under Windows specifications. If it doesn’t match your key or the PC’s original license, either enter a key for the installed edition or reinstall the matching edition. Upgrading Home to Pro is done from the Activation page with a Pro key or a Store purchase, without reinstalling.
Step 3: Enter a product key
- On the Activation page, select Change product key.
- Type the 25-character key and select Next, then Activate.
Not sure where your key is? See how to find your Windows product key. Many PCs that came with Windows have the key stored in the firmware and activate automatically after a reinstall of the same edition.
Step 4: Buy a license if you don’t have one
Select Open Store (or Get a new license) on the Activation page to buy Windows 11 Home or Pro from Microsoft. The license is digital and linked to your Microsoft account. You can also buy a boxed or digital key from Microsoft or a recognized retailer.
Work, school, and Enterprise PCs
Organization PCs often activate through a company server. Connect to the work network or VPN and restart. For details on business editions, see activating Windows 10 Enterprise or ask your IT team.
What about registry tweaks and “activators”?
Guides that disable services or edit the registry only hide the watermark; Windows is still unactivated and the watermark often returns after an update. Third-party “KMS activators” and cracks break Microsoft’s license terms and are a common source of malware. Avoid both. Activation is the only permanent fix.
What happens if you don’t activate?
- The watermark stays on screen, including over full-screen apps in some cases.
- Personalization settings such as wallpaper, colors, and themes are locked.
- You’ll see occasional reminders to activate.
- Windows keeps working and receives security updates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Windows 10 key on Windows 11?
Generally yes. Microsoft has accepted valid Windows 10 keys for the matching Windows 11 edition, though it doesn’t guarantee this indefinitely.
Will reinstalling Windows remove the watermark?
Only if the PC has a digital license or firmware key for the edition you install. Otherwise you’ll still need a key.
How do I move my license to a new PC?
Retail licenses can usually be transferred; OEM licenses that came with a PC can’t. Deactivate the old PC first if needed; see how to deactivate Windows 11.
Can I activate from the command line?
Yes. Run slmgr /ipk followed by your key, then slmgr /ato, in an administrator Command Prompt. See activating Windows 10 using CMD.
Is it legal to use Windows without activating?
Microsoft lets you install and run Windows without a key, with the limits listed above. Its license terms still expect you to activate with a genuine license.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.