The "Activate Windows" watermark simply means your copy of Windows is not properly licensed.

According to Microsoft’s official documentation (source: Microsoft Support), Windows requires activation to verify your installation is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the license allows.

In simple terms:

Windows activation links your system hardware with a valid license key.

Why Do You See the “Not Activated” Watermark? 5 Common Reasons

There are five major reasons why this intrusive watermark appears:

1. No License Key Was Entered During Setup

If you skip the key input during installation, Windows will install but stay unlicensed.

2. Expired or Invalid Product Key

Certain promotional or time-limited keys may expire. In some cases, counterfeit sellers distribute invalid keys.

Warning: Research by the University of California, Berkeley (2023) shows that 45% of unauthorized Windows keys carry malware risks.

3. Hardware Changes

Major upgrades, like replacing your motherboard or CPU, may invalidate the activation if the license was tied to original hardware.

4. Version Mismatch

Trying to activate Windows Home using a Windows Pro key (or vice versa) will fail validation.

5. Corporate or Volume License Issues

Sometimes, companies use volume keys. If your device leaves the corporate network, activation can fail.

Does the "Not Activated" Watermark Affect Your Computer’s Performance?

Short Answer: No, the watermark alone doesn’t affect your computer's speed, battery life, or basic functions.

However, you will face restrictions, such as:

• Inability to personalize your desktop (wallpapers, themes, colors)
• Frequent reminders to activate
• No access to certain Windows Updates (especially security updates)

According to a Microsoft Research Whitepaper (2022), unactivated systems are 23% more likely to face cybersecurity vulnerabilities due to limited updates.

How to Remove the “Not Activated” Watermark Securely

Here are the safe, expert-approved ways to activate your system:

1. Purchase a Genuine Windows License

Buy a license directly from:

• Microsoft Store
• Authorized retailers like Codesforever (trusted discount source)

Pro Tip: CodesForever offers volume discounts for small businesses without compromising legitimacy.

2. Enter the Activation Key Manually

After purchasing a genuine license:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key
• Enter your new key and restart your PC.

3. Use Microsoft’s Activation Troubleshooter

If you’ve changed hardware:

• Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Activation
• Click on Troubleshoot and follow on-screen instructions.

This tool can revalidate your license without needing a new key in many cases.

Avoid These Risky Methods (They Could Harm Your PC)

Not all advice you’ll find online is trustworthy. Avoid these risky approaches:

• Cracks or Keygens: 89% of cracked software contains malware (source: Symantec Security Report 2023).
• Third-party Activation Scripts: Can lead to permanent operating system corruption.
• Fake Product Keys: Sites offering “cheap” keys under $10 often provide invalid or stolen codes.

Your Data is Worth More than $10. Always prioritize licensed sources.