As Windows enthusiasts, the appeal of being part of the Windows Insider Preview program is undeniable. It’s an opportunity to get a glimpse of the future, to test new features, and to contribute to the development of Windows 11 Pro. However, while participating in this program provides a unique opportunity to influence Windows development, some users may wish to eliminate the watermark for a more polished appearance.

In this guide, we will explore a range of both temporary and permanent methods to bid farewell to this watermark and enjoy a spotless Windows 11 Pro experience.

What is Insider Preview Watermark in Windows 11 Pro

The Insider Preview watermark in Windows 11 Pro is a visible indicator that a computer is running a version of the operating system that is part of the Windows Insider Program. The main reason for the appearance of the Insider Preview watermark in Windows 11 Pro is directly linked to their enrollment in this program. This initiative serves as a platform for users to engage in the evaluation, and individuals to test and provide feedback on pre-release or beta builds of Windows 11 before they are officially released to the general public.

The watermark’s presence conveys a clear message to users – the current installation of Windows 11 Pro on the computer is an Insider Preview build and not the final, fully polished version available for commercial use.

Reason Behind the Watermark

Here are some of the reasons why the Insider Preview watermark appears-

Insider Preview Program:

The watermark signifies active participation in the Insider Preview program. Users get privileged access to test and contribute feedback on pre-release Windows 11 versions.

Testing Ground:

Users become part of a dynamic testing environment. This aids Microsoft in identifying bugs, glitches, and potential improvements before wider distribution.

Feedback Loop:

The watermark serves as a reminder of the ongoing cooperation between users and developers. This promotes a symbiotic relationship that enhances the Windows 11 experience.

Build Identification:

Beyond its visual role, the watermark displays the specific build number of the Insider Preview version installed. This feature serves as a valuable reference point for troubleshooting issues and facilitating effective communication with Microsoft’s development teams.

In essence, the Insider Preview watermark is a badge of active involvement in shaping the evolution of Windows 11. This emphasizes the repetitive and collaborative nature of its development process.

Benefits of Activating Windows

Activating Windows in Windows 11 Pro to remove the Insider Preview watermark brings several benefits-

Watermark Removal:

Activation eliminates the Insider Preview watermark, leaving your desktop free from visual distractions and creating a polished ambiance.This improves the visual charm and professionalism of your desktop environment.

Full Access to Features and Personalization:

When Windows is not activated, some features are disabled. For example, you may not be able to change the wallpaper, personalize your Start menu, or use some apps from the Microsoft Store. Activated Windows provides unrestricted access to all features, functionalities, and updates that Windows 11 Pro offers. This also enables complete personalization so you can customize your desktop, themes, wallpapers, and more.

Official Support:

An activated copy ensures eligibility for official customer support from Microsoft whenever assistance is needed. This delivers a safety net for troubleshooting, guidance, and settling any possible challenges that may occur.

Security Updates:

Activated Windows guarantees regular security updates. It effectively safeguards your system against vulnerabilities and potential cyber threats.  If Windows is not activated, you may not receive these updates.

Stability and Reliability:

An activated copy guarantees a stable and reliable computing experience by minimizing potential glitches or unexpected behavior. This cultivates an environment where your tasks and applications can operate smoothly without interruption.

Seamless Integration:

Activated Windows seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of services. This enhances cross-platform compatibility and workflow efficiency.

App Compatibility and Performance Optimization:

Through activation, your system’s performance is fine-tuned, your hardware resources are utilized efficiently, and improved app compatibility is ensured. Therefore, it provides a smoother and more responsive multitasking experience.

Long-Term Usage:

Activation ensures continued usage without interruptions and eliminates any concerns about recurring activation prompts. Your computing experience remains undisturbed and aligned with your long-term goals.

Temporary Ways to Hide the Watermark

There are a few temporary ways you can use to hide the watermark in Windows 11 Pro. These methods will not remove the watermark permanently, but they can make it less noticeable.

These methods will not terminate the watermark permanently, but they can make it less observable. 

1. Using Ease Of Access Settings:

Step 1: Open the Ease of Access settings by pressing Win + U on your keyboard

Step 2: Within the Ease of Access section, click on, choose Ease of Access Centre.

Step 3: Track down and select Make the computer easier to see In the settings.

Step 4: Activate the option Remove background images under the section titled Make things on the Screen easier to see 

Step 5: Click on both the Apply and OK buttons. This action causes your desktop wallpaper to vanish and leads to a black screen.

[Note- Please be aware that while this method successfully eliminates the evaluation copy watermark, it comes with a drawback. Removing the desktop wallpaper is a necessary trade-off to achieve this result.]

Step 6: The watermark should now be hidden. However, this is a temporary method and the watermark will reappear after you restart your computer or make changes to the system settings.

2. Modify the Registry to Manually Hide the Watermark

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R and typing regedit.

Step 2: Navigate to the following key in the Registry Editor-

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Step 3: Right-click on the right-hand pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and Name the new value PaintDesktopVersion.

Step 5: Click twice on the PaintDesktopVersion value and set the value data to 0.

Step 6: Select the OK button and then close the Registry Editor.

Step-7: Restart your device to apply the modifications. The watermark should be temporarily hidden.

3. Using Third-Party Software

There are a number of third-party tools that can be used to hide the Evaluation Copy watermark in Windows 11. One of the popular tools is called Universal Watermark Disabler. Universal Watermark Disabler is a free and easy-to-use tool that can be used to hide the Evaluation Copy watermark in Windows 11. It is a reliable trustworthy tool and it does not require any changes to the Registry.

Here are the steps on how to employ Universal Watermark Disabler to hide the Evaluation Copy watermark in Windows 11:

Step 1: Download and Install Universal Watermark Disabler:

Visit the official website of Universal Watermark Disabler and download the tool. After that, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your computer.

Step 2: Launch Universal Watermark Disabler:

Once installed, locate and launch the Universal Watermark Disabler application from your computer’s Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Step 3: Disable the Watermark: 

In the Universal Watermark Disabler application, you should see a straightforward interface. Look for the Disable Watermark button or similar options. SELECT it to initiate the process of hiding the watermark.

Step 4: Confirmation and Restart:

The tool will prompt you with a confirmation NOTE indicating that the watermark will be disabled. Confirm your choice by clicking Yes. Afterward, you might be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer: 

Save any ongoing work, close applications, and proceed to restart your computer as prompted. This step ensures that the changes are fully implemented.

Step 6: Check for the Hidden Watermark:

After your computer restarts and Windows 11 Pro boots up, observe the desktop to confirm that the Evaluation Copy watermark is now hidden.

[Note- Ensure that you download the tool from a trustworthy source and make sure your antivirus software does not flag it as malicious.]

Permanent Ways to Remove Insider Preview Watermark

While temporary methods can provide quick relief, you might be seeking a more lasting solution to eliminate the watermark from your Windows 11 desktop. Here are a couple of permanent approaches that ensure the watermark stays gone for good-

1. Activating Windows

Step-1: Open the Windows Settings by pressing Win + I on your keyboard.

Step-2: Move to System in the left-hand menu.

Step-3: select About in the left-hand menu.

Step-4: Scroll down to the Windows specifications section and select the Change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows link.

Step-5: Enter a valid Windows 11 Pro product key and click Next.

Step-6: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.

Step-7: Restart your computer. Once activated, the Insider Preview watermark should be permanently removed, and you’ll have access to all features and support.

2. Opting Out from the Windows Insider Preview Program

Step-1: Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or select the Start menu and select Settings.

Step-2: Inside the Settings window, click on Windows Update located in the left-hand panel.

Step-3: From the right-hand panel, locate and click on Windows Insider Program.

Step-4: Within the Windows Insider Program settings, find the section labeled Stop getting preview builds.

Step-5: Click the Unenroll this device immediately button to affirm your choice to cease participation in the Insider Preview program. Stick to the on-screen instructions to confirm your intention to exit the program.

Step-6: Once you have successfully opted out of the Insider Preview program, proceed to Windows Update and check for updates.

Step-7: Download and install the latest stable release of Windows 11 Pro through the available updates.

Step-8: Following the update installation, observe your desktop to verify that the Insider Preview Evaluation Copy watermark has vanished.

[Note-It’s crucial to acknowledge that discontinuing your participation in the Insider Preview program will result in the forfeiture of early access to upcoming features and developments that are still in progress.] 

3. Clean Install Windows 11 Pro

Clean installing Windows 11 Pro is the process of reinstalling Windows 11 Pro on your computer from scratch. This means that all of your files and settings will be deleted, and you will have a fresh copy of Windows 11 Pro. Here’s the process-

1. Back up all your necessary data and files to an external storage device in case anything goes wrong during the installation process. You can create duplicates of your files on an external hard drive, in cloud storage, or on an alternate computer. 

2. Download the Windows 11 Pro installation media. You can download the installation media from the Microsoft website.

3. With the Media Creation Tool, Create a bootable USB drive with the official Windows 11 Pro installation media with the Media Creation Tool. 

4. Boot your computer from the USB drive and follow the on-screen prompts to install a fresh copy of Windows 11 Pro. You will be informed to accept the terms of service and enter a product key. 

5. Enter a valid Windows 11 Pro product key to activate your copy. Buy your key from trusted sellers to ensure that your product key is genuine.

6. Complete the installation and set up your system.

7. Once the installation is complete and Windows 11 Pro is activated, the Insider Preview watermark should no longer appear.

[Note- Make sure that your computer meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11 Pro. ]

4. Wait for a Stable Release (Potential Permanent Method):

If you’re willing to wait, the Insider Preview watermark will be automatically removed when a stable, non-preview version of Windows 11 Pro is officially released. Keep your system up to date with Windows updates, and you’ll receive the stable release when it becomes available.

This method may require patience, as it depends on Microsoft’s release schedule.

Conclusion:

In wrapping up our guide, we’ve explored the pathways to say goodbye to the insider Preview Evaluation Copy watermark in Windows 11 Pro. Whether you opt for temporary adjustments through third-party tools, accessibility settings, or the Registry modification or choose a permanent solution through activation, clean installing Windows 11 Pro, or opting out of the Insider Preview program, you now have a toolkit to enhance your Windows experience. As you navigate these methods, make sure that each choice reflects your aspirations, preferences, and goals for your Windows experience. With that, we’ve reached the end of this guide, and we hope you find your computing journey on Windows 11 Pro smoother, more personalized, and watermark-free!