How to Remove the Windows 11 Insider Preview Watermark?

Which Easy Solution Clears Up That Pesky Windows 11 Watermark?

Windows 11 Insider builds put a little note on your desktop. It says “Insider Preview – Evaluation Copy,” and sits in the corner. This is just a message that says you are using a preview version made for testing. Sometimes, you want your screen clean. Maybe you are showing your screen to others, sharing a tutorial, or just want your computer to look neat. That watermark can be distracting. Good news: there are safe and simple ways to make it disappear.

What Does That Watermark Mean?

• It shows your Windows is a test version.
• It tells you the build number.
• It helps you remember this version may have problems.
• It does not affect how Windows works.

Simple Steps to Remove the Watermark

Method 1. Stop Getting Preview Builds

One easy way is to leave the Insider Program and update to the regular Windows version.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to “Windows Update.”
3. Click “Windows Insider Program.”
4. Choose “Stop getting preview builds.”
5. Follow the prompts to switch to the stable release.

This will update your system to a normal, stable version. The watermark goes away when you switch to final Windows.

Method 2. Edit Registry to Hide the Watermark

The registry is a list of settings that Windows uses. Changing one value may remove the watermark.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter.
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
3. On the right, find PaintDesktopVersion. If it is not there: right-click, choose “New,” select “DWORD (32-bit) Value,” and call it PaintDesktopVersion.
4. Double-click it and set its value to 0.
5. Close Registry Editor.
6. Restart your PC.

Sometimes, this works right away. Sometimes, nothing changes. It does not hurt your computer.

Method 3. Universal Watermark Disabler (UWD)

This tool is made to help you by removing all watermarks on Windows screens. It works on most versions and on Insider builds as well.

How to Use:

1. Download Universal Watermark Disabler (UWD) from its trusted site.
2. Unzip the file to a folder.
3. Run UWD.exe as administrator.
4. Click “Install.”
5. Your computer will log you out and back in, or you may need to restart.
6. The watermark will be gone.

Features:

• Removes “Evaluation Copy” and edition watermarks.
• No need to mess with system files.

Possible Issues:

• On new test builds, File Explorer might crash while using the tool. Just restart your PC if that happens.
• If your system reboots or Explorer gets stuck, your files remain safe. The watermark will still be removed after reboot.

Want the watermark back?

Open the UWD tool again. Click “Uninstall.” Restart your PC. It reappears.

Method 4. Hide Watermark by Removing Background Images

This is a quick fix but makes your desktop background turn black.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to “Ease of Access.”
3. Head to “Ease of Access Center.”
4. Click “Make the computer easier to see.”
5. Check the box for “Remove background images.”
6. Click Apply.

This hides the watermark, but your background picture disappears too.

Safety Tips

• Back up important files before using third-party tools.
• Be careful not to change other settings in the registry.
• Using UWD is considered safe for Insider and regular builds, but always get it from a source you trust.

Removing the watermark makes screens clearer. Want a clean look for teaching, working, or personal peace of mind? These steps help tidy your desktop quickly. Feel proud of your tidy workspace. It’s your computer—let it feel just right for you.