FIXED: Activate Windows Before You Can Personalize Your PC

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Arsalan Shakil

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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If you see the “You need to activate Windows before you can personalize your PC” error, your copy isn’t legally activated. Without activation, you’ll miss personalization options like changing backgrounds and themes. The best thing to do in such a situation is to buy a legitimate copy and activate the Windows. If purchasing a verified copy is not an option, a few workarounds can help with the personalization. 

The following watermark will be visible on your screen:

Inserting The Product Key To Activate Windows

The best way to eliminate the error is to activate your Windows. Perhaps you bought a fresh copy of Windows but forgot to install the product key at the time of installation. You can always insert it later.

Before providing these steps, I assume you have a valid product key to insert and activate your Windows. So, here are the steps to do it. 

1. Head To Activation: Go to Settings > Update and Security > Activation. 
2. Enter Product Key: Now select the Update Product Key option > Insert the valid product key > Enter. 

   

Applying Wallpaper On Non-activated Windows

A significant issue with a non-activated copy of Windows is the inability to change wallpapers through the Personalization menu. However, I tested various available workarounds to address this limitation, and each successfully modified the wallpaper.

Using MS Paint

These are the steps you can follow to apply your favorite wallpaper as a Desktop background:

1. Access Paint: Open MS Paint > From the top left, click on File > Open.

   

2. Find The Image: Look for the desired image in the folder and open it. 
3. Modify Wallpaper: Click on File > Set As Desktop Background. You can select from the Fill, Tile, and Center options to get the desired result.

   

Using Browser

Any browser works for this step, but in my case, I used Google Chrome:

1. Search Image: Open any browser > Search for an image > Click on the desired image > Right-click.
2. Save Image: Select Save Image As from the drop-down > Save it on your Desktop.

   

3. Change Wallpaper: Go to the Desktop > Right-click the image > Set As Desktop Background. 

   

Using Photos

The Photos app is an excellent option as it allows you to set the image as your lock screen background or even as an app tile:

1. View Wallpapers: Open the folder where you saved the wallpaper > Right-click on the wallpaper you wish to apply > Open With > Photos. 
2. Set Wallpaper: Once the image opens, click on the Three Dots in the top ribbon menu > Set As > Background. 

   

Using Registry Files

This method involves several steps and is relatively riskier as it involves modifying registry files, which can potentially cause problems with your operating system. But if handled correctly using the following method, you should face no problem performing the task.

1. Launch Run: Press the Windows + R key on your keyboard to open the Run window > Type regedit > OK.
2. Go To Policies: Here’s the path you will follow from the menu to the left:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies

3. Create New Key: Right-click on Policies > New > Key > Name it as System.
4. Name The Key: Right-click on this System key > New > String Value > Rename this to WallpaperStyle.

   

5. Select Wallpaper: Open the Wallpaper key > Choose the path to the desired wallpaper > OK.

Applying Themes On Non-activated Windows

Like wallpapers, you can install and apply themes to your Windows operating system even if it is not activated. However, in this particular case, you will only use the Registry Files and Group Policy options. Let’s take a look at both methods. 

Using Registry Editor

Before proceeding, set up a restore point for your computer that you can revert to later if things go south:

1. Follow Navigation: Head to the Registry Editor and paste path:

   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies

2. Create Key: Right-click Policies > Key > New > Name it Explorer.

   

3. Create DWORD: Right-click on Explorer > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value > Name as NoThemesTab.

   

4. Change Value: Double-click this DWORD > Enter the value as 0 > OK > Restart PC. 

   

Using Group Policy Editor

You can follow this method for both Windows 11 and Windows 10, but both should have the Pro edition for the changes to take effect:

1. Execute Run Code: Launch Run > Type gpedit > OK. 
2. Choose Administrative Templates: Select User Configuration in the left menu > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization > Prevent Changing Theme.

   

3. Remove Restrictions: Mark Disabled > Apply > OK > Reboot your PC. 

   

Final Thoughts

These methods effectively applied new favorite themes and Desktop wallpapers to my PC despite having the “You need to activate Windows before you can personalize your PC” watermark at the bottom right of the screen.

The crucial recommendation is to avoid altering options other than those necessary when modifying registry files and group policies. Additionally, consider investing in a valid copy of Windows to eliminate these concerns and ensure long-term usability without such issues.

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Arsalan Shakil

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com