How to Remove the Windows 11 Insider Preview Watermark

When you install an Insider version of Windows 11, you’ll notice a small watermark in the bottom-right corner of your desktop. It usually says something like “Windows 11 Pro Insider Preview – Evaluation Copy”, along with the current build number. This watermark is completely normal—it’s a reminder that you’re running a non-final version of Windows.

But let’s be honest: the watermark can be visually annoying. Whether you’re taking screenshots for a tutorial, giving a presentation, or simply want a clean desktop, that persistent text can get in the way. Luckily, there are several ways to remove it without damaging your system or spending hours tweaking settings. Here’s how to do it!

Method 1: Remove the Watermark via the Windows Registry

The first method involves editing the Windows Registry to disable the watermark. It’s not the most aggressive solution, but it sometimes works on specific Insider builds.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
3. On the right pane, look for a value called PaintDesktopVersion.
4. If it doesn’t exist, right-click > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it PaintDesktopVersion.
5. Double-click the value and set its data from 1 to 0.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

🔧 This trick disables the version info displayed on the desktop. However, depending on your build, the watermark might still be visible. If that’s the case, don’t worry—there’s a more effective method below.

Method 2: Use Universal Watermark Disabler (UWD)

If the registry tweak doesn’t remove the watermark, you can use a free utility called Universal Watermark Disabler (UWD). This small tool is compatible with all versions of Windows—including Insider builds—and efficiently removes system watermarks.

How to Use Universal Watermark Disabler:

1. Download the tool from its official GitHub page.
2. Extract the ZIP archive to any folder on your PC.
3. Run uwd.exe and click the Install button.
4. File Explorer will automatically restart. Once your desktop reappears, the watermark should be gone.

🖥️ UWD disables watermarks related to evaluation copies, Insider versions, and edition limitations.

⚠️ Important Note

On some of the latest Insider builds (e.g., Build 27881), File Explorer may crash during the process. If this happens, manually restart your computer. While a temporary blue screen or instability may occur if the restart fails, the system remains intact and the watermark will still be removed after reboot.

How to Restore the Watermark

If you change your mind or run into issues, UWD allows you to undo the changes easily:

• Simply run the tool again, and click Uninstall.
• After restarting your PC, the watermark will return as it was.

Final Thoughts

If the Windows 11 Insider Preview watermark is bothering you, you don’t have to live with it. While editing the registry might work in some cases, Universal Watermark Disabler is the most reliable solution for removing it cleanly and safely.

Just keep in mind that, on newer Insider builds, using the tool may briefly disrupt Explorer. It’s nothing serious, but it’s good to know before you proceed.

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