How to Change Windows 11 Lock Screen Background
The Windows 11 lock screen background is the picture that shows up on your screen right before you type your password or PIN to log in. You can change this image in under 30 seconds using the built-in settings on your PC.
Windows 11 gives you three main choices for this picture: a single photo from your personal collection, a slideshow that rotates through a folder of your favorite pictures, or Windows Spotlight, which downloads and shows new daily photos from around the world.
Access Settings, then go to Personalization and Lock screen. You can then select Windows Spotlight for automatic image changes, choose a single Picture, or set up a Slideshow of your own photos.
How to Change Your Lock Screen Background
Changing the Windows 11 lock screen background showcases a favorite picture before signing in. This process allows choosing a personal photo, setting up a slideshow, or using Windows Spotlight for automatic pictures from Microsoft. Following these steps in the Settings app updates the lock screen.
- Press Windows key + I on your keyboard at the same time.
- Click the Start button (Windows icon at the bottom left), then click Settings.
- Or, type Settings into the search box on the taskbar and click the Settings app.
Opening Settings requires looking for and clicking Personalization from the list on the left. Selecting Lock screen on the right follows.
Options to pick what shows on the lock screen background appear here. Three choices exist:
- Windows Spotlight: Shows beautiful pictures from Microsoft that change daily. It also gives you tips about Windows.
- Picture: Lets you pick one photo you like. You can choose from Windows pictures or any photo saved on your computer.
- Slideshow: Lets you pick a folder of photos. Your lock screen will cycle through them like a slideshow.
Windows Spotlight runs by default, showing new pictures every day. Pressing Windows key + L locks the screen to test the appearance, revealing a new image from Spotlight.
Selecting Picture requires clicking the Browse button to find a photo on the computer. Choosing Slideshow requires picking a folder with preferred pictures.
Troubleshooting Tips
Encountering issues with Windows 11 lock screen pictures calls for specific troubleshooting fixes. Confirm that Windows Spotlight remains active when using Microsoft's automatic images. Verify that personal photo files haven't moved to a different folder if custom images fail to load. Revisiting Settings > Personalization > Lock screen confirms active selections.
- Go to Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Make sure the option Show lock screen picture on the sign-in screen is turned ON.
Applying these steps resolves most problems with the lock screen background.
Summary
- Changing your lock screen background lets you personalize your Windows 11 PC.
- You can use Windows Spotlight, a single picture, or a slideshow of photos.
- Choose photos that make you happy or show your favorite memories!
- Enable the lock screen picture on sign-in to see it before logging in.
- Follow the simple steps above to easily customize your lock screen.
Customizing the background adds a personal touch to daily workflow. Windows Spotlight provides new images, single favorite photos display unique memories, and slideshows cycle through cherished pictures. Enabling the lock screen picture ensures visibility before logging in.
Why can't i change the Lock screen on 🪟 Windows 11?
Why can't Lock Screen settings change in Windows 11? Unactivated copies of Windows 11 restrict personalization settings, locking out screen options until system activation occurs.
How to make 🪟 Windows 11 Lock screen look like 🪟 Windows 7?
Wanting Windows 7's logon screen on Windows 11 (or lock screen, as some call it)? A third-party tool called AuthUX mimics most of Windows 7's logon screen features, though it has only been tested on Windows 11 versions 21H2 through 24H2.
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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.
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