How to Show or Hide OS Edition on Windows 11
The OS edition watermark in Windows 11 shows which version of Windows you’re using, like “Windows 11 Pro.” It usually appears in the bottom-right corner of your desktop.
You can choose to show or hide this watermark. This is helpful if you want a cleaner look on your desktop.
Two built-in Windows tools let you control its visibility: the Registry Editor and the Group Policy Editor. The Group Policy Editor is available in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise versions.
You can show or hide the OS edition watermark on Windows 11 by editing the registry. Navigate to either 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop or 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWindows, create a DWORD value named PaintDesktopVersion, and set its data to 1 to show or 0 to hide.
Why do this?
Normally, finding system info requires digging through settings. Adding a desktop build number lets you see your exact Windows version at a glance, saving you from opening extra menus. This is helpful for IT professionals or users managing multiple test machines.
What happens when you are done?
After you finish and restart your PC, your desktop background will either show or hide the small text watermark that lists your Windows edition and build number. This change is purely visual and does not alter your system files or activation status.
Steps to Show or Hide the Watermark
The OS edition watermark on your Windows 11 desktop can be shown or hidden using the Registry Editor. This guide explains how to make that change so the edition details are either visible or hidden on your screen.
First, open the Windows Registry. Press ⊞ Win+R, then type regedit.exe and hit Enter. There are two options: change the setting for just your account, or for everyone on the PC.
- Use 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER to change settings for your account only.
- Use 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE to change settings for all users on the computer.
Registry Key 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER stores settings specifically for your Windows account. This registry path lets you change options that affect only your user profile, not other accounts on the computer.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
If the Desktop folder isn’t visible, right-click the Control Panel key and create a subkey folder named “Desktop.”
- Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the Desktop folder.
- Select New then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name this new item
PaintDesktopVersion. - Double-click
PaintDesktopVersionand ensure the Base is set to Decimal. - In the Value data box, type
1to show the watermark or0to hide it.
For changes that apply to all users on the computer, use 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Navigate to this path instead:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows- Create and update the item
PaintDesktopVersion. - Set the Base to Decimal.
- Type
1to show the watermark or0to hide it.
Using Group Policy Editor (GPO)
Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users can easily show or hide the OS edition watermark using the Group Policy Editor.
Risk Mitigation and Updates
Summary
You’ve learned how to change the OS edition watermark on your Windows 11 desktop by editing the registry.
Does hiding the OS edition affect Windows activation status?
No, hiding or showing the OS edition watermark does not affect your Windows activation status. The watermark is merely a visual overlay for your desktop wallpaper. Your system remains fully activated and functional regardless of whether this text is visible on your screen.
Is it safe to edit the registry to remove the watermark?
Yes, editing the registry to toggle the watermark is safe when following specific instructions. However, always back up your registry before making changes. Incorrectly modifying other keys can cause system instability, so be careful to only edit the specific values mentioned in this guide.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
2/13/2026 – Does not work anymore. Does not match my System > About information. I ‘see’ the watermark says: Windows 11 Pro, Build 26100.ge_release.240331-1435.
The System > About reads: Windows 11 Pro, 25H2, 26200.7840. And a Windows Feature Experience Pack of 1000.26100.291.0.
I have used Chris Titus WinUtil previously and wonder if that changed something necessary.