Activate Windows watermark keeps coming back

Question

I have an XPS-15 laptop purchased last November. For the past few months I keep getting the Activate Windows watermark in the lower right corner. If I go to settings and use the Activation Troubleshooter, it successfully activates windows, but the watermark comes back again in a few days.

I have made no changes to the laptop at all.

I have search Microsoft and Google and most hits refer to creating a .bat file to get rid of it. I've done that but it still comes back in a few days. I have not made a change to the registry (also mentioned in Google search) but I will if there's no other way.

Has anyone else run into this and how did you solve it?

Mickey

Techgee · Accepted Answer

Do you have a Microsoft or Local account that you use to sign into the PC?  You can go to Settings -> Accounts to check this.  If a Microsoft account, is Windows 10 Settings -> Account -> Sync your settings on?  If not, turning it on may resolve the issue.  You may or may not need to reboot and/or activate Windows one more time.

MickeyCT · Answer

Has no one else run into this?

I hesitate to use the registry edit that is frequently recommended because I'd rather make sure my activation is correct. I don't want problems in the future.

Anyone?

Mickey

MickeyCT · Answer

I finally gave up and was going to try to regedit solution, but found that the PaintDesktopVersion Value was already set to '0'. I've already reloaded the product key multiple times.

I don't want to reload Windows unless I absolutely have to as a last resort because I don't want to risk needing to reload all my programs and data files.

Any other solutions to try?

Mickey

MickeyCT · Answer

Thanks for this suggestion. I don't have "sync settings" turned on. I'll try that if I still have a problem.

I did find a list of 10 potential solutions on the web and #3 worked for me so far. How to Remove Activate Windows 10 Watermark 2019

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

MickeyCT,   Post back if the above information from the other forum member did not resolve the issue for you.   Dell-Jesse L

DELL-Cares · Answer

Hi, Mickey Just checking if you had a chance to perform the steps as per our last connect, and if that has helped. Arnab

Dell-SimranC · Answer

Hello, Since we have not received a reply from you, we are closing this case. If you decide to continue at a later date, you will need to start a new thread. Dell-SimranCSocial Support Team#iWork4Dell

Darshan Arora · Answer

Another workaround concerns ease of access settings. The main idea underlying this solution is to remove background images. As you might have guessed, the watermark will also disappear. To do this, follow these steps: Click on the next combination of keys Windows Key + S and choose Control Panel from the results shown.     From the list, choose Ease of Access Center.     Choose Options: Make the computer easy to see.     Select the tick box against the variants: Remove the background image (where available) and confirm.   Source: https://techymore.com/how-to-remove-activate-windows-10-watermark/

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Activate Windows watermark keeps coming back

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