Short answer? Yes! Long answer? Well, it depends on which method you use. Not all methods for activating Windows 10 are equally reliable. Those that work will definitely activate Windows just as if it was activated with a purchased retail copy—so they will remove the “Activate Windows—Go to Settings to activate Windows” watermark that you get in the bottom right corner of your screen.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the activation methods that will help you remove the Not Activated watermark. There are two main methods, so we will cover their pros and cons to help you make up your mind. Between these two, all Windows PC users will find a reliable solution to remove the watermark. Let’s get started!
Method #1: KMS Pico
KMS Pico is a user-friendly way to activate Windows and remove the watermark saying “Activate Windows” on the bottom left of your screen.
The way it works is a trick. You see, Microsoft itself offers a way to mass activate multiple Windows copies using a single tool. This is useful for enterprises who cannot manually install and activate Windows on hundreds of PCs one by one.
For this, Microsoft offers a functionality called Key Management Services or KMS. KMS is a legitimate tool that enterprises use to activate their Windows copies (they, of course, purchase these copies). The tool makes a connection to Microsoft’s servers to authenticate the product keys. Once authenticated, the KMS server responds back, and the Windows 10 operating systems on all PCs become activated.
This process can be hijacked! This is precisely what a group called Team Daz did many years ago. Since then, they have offered a tool/software that anyone can download on their PC to activate their Windows. This tool mimics the same process but instead of having the Windows 10 copy communicate with the Microsoft KMS server, it creates its own server locally on your machine. The Windows 10 on your PC communicates with this virtual server, the virtual server confirms the activation, and your Windows 10 installation believes that it has been activated legitimately. As a result, you get all the features of Windows 10 and the watermark nagging you to activate Windows is removed from your PC.
Simple and genius!
So, how do you do this? Are there any risks? Where do you download this tool from? Well, as it turns out, the process is quite simple. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps. We have put the steps below:
There is an option precursor step that you might want to take. You can ignore it if it sounds too complex and still try activation. This step is to make an exception for a download and installation folder on your PC. Simply put, open your antivirus (such as Microsoft’s own Windows Security/Defender) and find the relevant setting to exclude folders from scans/automatic monitoring. Here, add the download folder and a folder in the Program Files directory (call it KMS Pico). This way, your file will not be deleted upon download ever.
Here are the main steps:
- Turn off your antivirus. Some antiviruses have multiple protections for real-time scanning and download checks. Turn them all off.
- Download the KMS Pico file from a reliable source. Risk: Many KMS Pico files on the internet are often bundled with malicious code or spyware. Only download from reputed sources or the official Team Daz website.
- Extract the downloaded zip file and open it.
- Here, right-click the executable/installer and click on Run as Administrator.
- Once installed, the program will open. When it opens, follow the on-screen instructions and choose “Activate Windows”.
- This will take a few moments and your Windows 10 will be activated.
To check your activation status, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Method #2: MAS Activation (HWID)
Next up is the MAS method which is simpler and does not require you to download anything, disable antivirus, or turn anything off at all! It’s really very simple but the risk with this one is that it is permanent. In simple terms, the activation is tied to your hardware configuration. Even reinstalling Windows 10 will not get rid of your activation status and your hardware will be permanently activated! That might not be a risk at all for you, so read along to find out how to do it:
- Right-click on the Start icon and select PowerShell
- Copy and paste this code (without quotes): “irm https://get.activated.win | iex”
- Choose (1) HWID for Windows activation and (2) Ohook for Office activation
And you’re done. Yep—you read that right! That’s all it requires to permanently activate your copy of Windows 10 forever. MAS is a straightforward method that does not need to be auto-renewed. KMS needs to be auto-renewed every 180 days. In fact, even some major Windows updates can revert your Windows 10 activation status, but that won’t happen with the MAS method.
