How to Remove the “System Requirements Not Met” Watermark on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a cleaner interface, better performance optimizations, and stronger security features compared to Windows 10. However, if you installed Windows 11 on hardware that doesn’t officially meet Microsoft’s minimum requirements, you may notice an annoying “System requirements not met” watermark on your desktop and inside the Settings app.

While this watermark doesn’t affect system performance or stability, it can be distracting—especially if you use your PC daily or record screenshots. Fortunately, there’s a simple and safe way to remove it using a small Windows Registry tweak.

Why Does the “System Requirements Not Met” Watermark Appear?

Microsoft enforces strict hardware requirements for Windows 11, including:

• TPM 2.0
• Secure Boot
• Supported CPU generations

If your PC lacks one or more of these features but Windows 11 was installed using a workaround (or via the Windows Insider Program), the operating system flags your device as unsupported.

The watermark serves as a reminder that:

• Your PC is not officially supported
• Some future updates may be limited
• Compatibility issues could occur

That said, many users run Windows 11 perfectly fine on unsupported hardware—and the watermark can be safely hidden.

Remove the “System Requirements Not Met” Watermark Using the Registry

This method works by disabling Windows’ unsupported hardware notification. As long as you follow the steps carefully, it’s safe and reversible.

⚠️ Important Note

Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Always follow the instructions exactly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

• Click the Start Menu
• Type Registry Editor
• Click the app to open it

Step 2: Approve User Account Control

• If prompted by UAC, click Yes

Step 3: Navigate to the Required Registry Path

Copy and paste the following path into the address bar at the top of Registry Editor, then press Enter:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\UnsupportedHardwareNotificationCache

Step 4: Create the Key (If It Doesn’t Exist)

If UnsupportedHardwareNotificationCache is missing:

Right-click Control Panel

Select New → Key

Name it: UnsupportedHardwareNotificationCache

Step 5: Create the SV2 DWORD Value

Select the UnsupportedHardwareNotificationCache key

Right-click in the right pane

Choose New → DWORD (32-bit) Value

Name it: SV2

Step 6: Modify the Value

1. Double-click SV2
2. Set Value data to: 0
3. Make sure Base is set to Hexadecimal
4. Click OK

If the value already exists, simply replace it with 0.

Step 7: Restart Your PC

• Close Registry Editor
• Open the Start Menu
• Click Power → Restart

What Happens After Restart?

Once your PC boots back into Windows 11:

• The “System requirements not met” watermark disappears
• The warning is removed from both:
  • The desktop
  • The Settings app

This tweak suppresses the notification without affecting system updates or performance.

Can Microsoft Re-Enable the Watermark?

Yes. Major Windows updates may restore the watermark, especially feature upgrades. If that happens, simply repeat the same registry tweak—it takes less than a minute.

Conclusion

Running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is more common than Microsoft might like to admit. While the warning watermark doesn’t impact usability, removing it helps keep your desktop clean and distraction-free.

With this simple registry edit, you can enjoy Windows 11’s modern design without constant reminders about hardware requirements.