Windows 11 Insider Preview Evaluation Copy watermark remains after switching from Experimental to Beta

Amit Ray 0 Reputation points
2026-08-22T03:57:03.9933333+00:00

Windows 11 Home Single Language, build 26300.9032. I have been using Windows Insider Preview for about one year. My device was previously on the Experimental channel, and I have now switched to the Beta channel. However, the bottom-right desktop watermark still says “Windows 11 Home Insider Preview Single Language Evaluation copy”. Is there an official and safe way to remove this watermark without losing my files or reinstalling Windows?

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Desktop environment and Start menu
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  1. Vikki-T 9,685 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-22T06:05:30.3666667+00:00

    Hi Amit Ray,

    The watermark you are seeing is expected while the device is running a Windows Insider Preview build. Build 26300.9032 belongs to the Experimental channel, and changing the Insider setting to Beta does not immediately downgrade or replace the build already installed. Beta builds may also display a watermark because they are still pre-release versions.

    There is no official setting to manually remove this watermark while remaining on the current Insider build. I would also avoid registry changes or third-party watermark-removal tools, as they do not change the underlying Windows build and may cause other problems.

    Could you please confirm whether Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program now shows the Beta Channel, and whether winver still reports build 26300.9032?

    If you want to continue using Insider builds, keep Windows Update enabled and install future updates offered to the device. If your goal is to remove the watermark completely, you would eventually need to move to a stable, non-Insider Windows build. Since the installed Experimental build may be newer than the available Beta or public build, moving back immediately without reinstalling Windows may not be possible. Please back up your important files before making any changes to the installed Windows version. Thank you so much for your understanding.   

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