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I noticed that after I've updated Windows to Build 22581.ini_release .220318- 1623, a watermark appeared on the desktop (Windows 11 Home Single Language. Evaluation copy. Build 22581.ini_release.220318- 1623). My question is can I remove this watermark or will it get removed in the next update. I know for a fact that Windows is activated and I've never gotten this before from the other updates.
Note: I'm on the Windows Insider Program (Beta)
Thank you.
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
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Hi Ayanda,
I am Sumit here to assist you with this question.
Insider Builds always have a watermark. This is by design and does not affect activation in any way.
The watermark was always there in Windows 10 Beta Builds. It was not there in Windows 11 Builds because it was essentially the same as stable channel 22000.
Rest assured no action is required from your end.
From the Windows Engineering Team:
It is wise to reasearch before writing something. Insider Builds are meant for evaluation purposes hence the message, and neither do I see anything bad in the watermark as long as the activation is not affected.
I have already told this many times - Watermark was there on Windows 10 Beta Builds(formerly known as slow ring) too.
It isn't my problem if you are a newbie to Windows 11 Insider program.
I don't get it. if your a Volunteer and you don't profit or benefit from being so. why would you continually defend Bad MS practices. how does this help anyone? except a pretend MS wannabe
The evaluation of the build repeatedly displays a message about the version of the OS will expire and does interrupt one's workflow!
No, it doesn't. Watermark does not mean the activation would expire. It might mean that your license is not working correctly, and need troubleshooting.
I agree. In my opinion, the problem is the watermark text, because "Evaluation Copy" refers to a non-activated copy.
If it is considered appropriate to indicate that it is a preview version, it should correctly indicate "Windows Beta/Insider Preview" instead of "Evaluation Copy".
