: Buying a valid key from the official developer site will remove all "sad face" watermarks and restore full functionality.
: A legally purchased version may show the face if it can't "phone home" to verify the key, or if system updates break the connection. Antivirus Conflict
Depending on the underlying cause, use these sequential steps to resolve the issue: Step 1: Purchase a License or Uninstall the Software startisback sad face
Sometimes the software gets stuck reading an old or corrupted license file. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and hit to open the Registry Editor.
You're referring to a popular customization option for Windows! : Buying a valid key from the official
The StartIsBack icon is stored in the Windows icon database. If that database is corrupted, the "Sad Face" appears.
: Right-click it and choose Restart . Your taskbar will briefly vanish and reload without the sad face. 4. Configure Antivirus Exclusions Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box
Reinstall and see if the trial resets or the activation sticks. 3. Disable the App for Specific Profiles
A major Windows update altered core system files, causing the software to glitch or lose its activation data. Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Sad Face
I can't get passed a blue screen with a sad face saying there ... - JustAnswer
If you use StartIsBack to bring back a classic Windows Start menu, seeing a giant sad face icon can be highly frustrating. This visual error indicates that the software has encountered a critical compatibility or licensing issue. It completely locks you out of your custom Start menu configuration.