https://github.com/machineonamission/uwd2
A program that removes the watermark in the corner of Windows insider builds: a successor to PainteR701's Universal Watermark Disabler
https://github.com/machineonamission/uwd2
windows windows-insiders
Last synced: 5 months ago
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A program that removes the watermark in the corner of Windows insider builds: a successor to PainteR701's Universal Watermark Disabler
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/machineonamission/uwd2
- Owner: machineonamission
- License: agpl-3.0
- Created: 2024-01-31T20:29:26.000Z (over 2 years ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2025-11-27T00:06:08.000Z (7 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-11-29T18:29:51.630Z (7 months ago)
- Topics: windows, windows-insiders
- Language: Rust
- Homepage:
- Size: 1.32 MB
- Stars: 62
- Watchers: 5
- Forks: 2
- Open Issues: 4
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# 
# Universal Watermark Disabler 2
Created by [Melody](https://machineonamission.me/)
Inspired by [Universal Watermark Disabler](https://github.com/pr701/universal-watermark-disabler)
by [Painter701](https://github.com/pr701)
Written in [Rust](https://www.rust-lang.org/)
## What is UWD2?
UWD2 removes that pesky watermark in the corner of Windows Insider builds, as well as other similar types of watermarks.
## How to use it?
Just run the exe file in the [releases tab](https://github.com/machineonamission/uwd2/releases) and watch the watermark
vanish before your eyes! For best results, add UWD2
as [a startup program](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-apps-to-the-startup-page-in-settings-3d219555-bc76-449d-ab89-0d2dd6307164).
## Some disclaimers
### **UWD2 DOES NOT REMOVE THE "ACTIVATE WINDOWS" WATERMARK!!!**
UWD2 is for the insider beta watermark.
**UWD2 DOES NOT persist between explorer.exe or system restarts**. [See why below](#how-does-it-work). For best results,
add UWD2
as [a startup program](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-apps-to-the-startup-page-in-settings-3d219555-bc76-449d-ab89-0d2dd6307164).
UWD2 requires an internet connection on first run and between some system updates. [See why below](#how-does-it-work).
UWD2 only works on x86 based CPUs, i.e., not ARM. [See why below](#how-does-it-work).
UWD2 has only been tested on Windows insider beta watermarks. It may work on other similar watermark such as "test
mode", but these are untested.
## How does it work?
UWD2 takes an entirely different approach than the original UWD.
Using [WinDbg](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/), I found that inside shell32.dll
there is a function called `CDesktopWatermark::s_DesktopBuildPaint`. This function is what paints the watermark on the
desktop. Using this knowledge, UWD2:
- downloads debugging symbols from microsoft (this is why UWD2 needs an internet connection. UWD2 also caches these
locally)
- Uses those symbols to find the memory location of `CDesktopWatermark::s_DesktopBuildPaint`
- Inserts a `ret` (return) instruction (this is why UWD2 only works on x86) into the memory of the running
explorer.exe (this is why UWD2 does not persist) at the position of the `CDesktopWatermark::s_DesktopBuildPaint`
function, causing the function's code to never execute.