How to Enable or Disable Lock Screen Slideshow in Windows 11
This tutorial shows you how to turn the lock screen slideshow on or off in Windows 11. When your PC starts up or when you lock it, a slideshow on your lock screen will automatically play pictures.
Why do this? You might want to disable the slideshow if it uses too much battery power on a laptop. Or you might want to enable it to make your lock screen more interesting.
What is the lock screen? It’s the very first screen you see when you start your PC, or when you press ⊞ Win+L to lock it. You’ll need to dismiss this screen to get to the sign-in prompt and log into Windows.
You can personalize your lock screen background in three ways: Windows Spotlight, a single picture, or a slideshow.
⚠️ Admin Required: You must be signed in as an administrator to change these settings. If you have two or more monitors, the lock screen only shows on your main display.
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Under “Personalize your lock screen,” select “Picture” or “Windows Spotlight” to disable the slideshow, or choose “Slideshow” to enable it.
Option 1Using Local Group Policy Editor
You can turn the lock screen slideshow on or off using the Local Group Policy Editor if you have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- Open the Local Group Policy Editor by typing
gpedit.mscin the search box and pressing Enter. ⚠️ Admin Required - In the left pane, navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization
To Enable Lock Screen Slideshow (Default Setting)
- Find Allow Cloud Content in the right pane.
- Select (dot) Not Configured.
To Disable Lock Screen Slideshow
- Find Allow Cloud Content in the right pane.
- Select (dot) Enabled.
- Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
Option 2Using Registry and Windows Terminal
This method works on all Windows 10 and Windows 11 editions, including Home.
To Enable Lock Screen Slideshow (Default Setting)
- Open Windows Terminal as administrator. ⚠️ Admin Required
- Run this command:
reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization" /v NoLockScreenSlideshow /f - Close Windows Terminal when done.
To Disable Lock Screen Slideshow
- Open Windows Terminal as administrator. ⚠️ Admin Required
- Run this command:
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization" /v NoLockScreenSlideshow /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f - Close Windows Terminal when done.
Summary
You’ve learned two ways to manage the lock screen slideshow in Windows 11: one using the Group Policy Editor for Pro versions, and another using the Registry for all versions, including Home.
How to show Lock screen Picture on both monitors in 🪟 Windows 11?
Want to display your lock screen picture on both monitors in Windows 11? Right-click your desktop, then select ‘Personalize,’ followed by ‘Background.’ Ensure the background type is set to ‘Picture,’ then click ‘Browse photos’ and choose your images.
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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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