How to Save Windows Spotlight Images in Windows 11
Windows Spotlight allows your desktop background and lock screen to automatically download beautiful, random images from around the world. These pictures often look like the ones found on the Bing search page. While Windows saves these images on your computer, it does not make them easy to find or use for your own projects.
Why do this? Sometimes you see a stunning landscape or a unique photo on your lock screen and want to save it to use as a wallpaper or share with friends.
What happens when done? You will have a new folder filled with all those high-quality images ready to view or use however you like.
Manual Extraction Method
You can find the Windows Spotlight cache location manually using File Explorer. The files are stored in a hidden folder within your user profile.
- Open File Explorer and paste this path into the address bar:
%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets - You will see a list of files with no extensions.
- Copy these files to a new folder on your desktop.
- Rename each file by adding
.jpgto the end of the filename.
Automated Extraction with PowerShell
For a faster way to save Windows Spotlight images, use a PowerShell script to copy and rename them automatically.
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Run the following command to create a folder and copy the files:
New-Item -Path "$HOME\Pictures\Spotlight" -ItemType Directory; Copy-Item -Path "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets\*" -Destination "$HOME\Pictures\Spotlight" - Run this command to rename them:
Get-ChildItem -Path "$HOME\Pictures\Spotlight" | Rename-Item -NewName { $_.Name + ".jpg" }
Comparison of Extraction Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | Easy | Slow |
| PowerShell | Intermediate | Fast |
| Third-Party Tools | Easy | Fast |
Troubleshooting and Limitations
Sometimes you may find files that are not images. These are often small icons or system files. Simply delete any files that do not open as images. Windows updates the cache frequently, so check back every few days for new photos.
Summary
Windows Spotlight keeps your desktop fresh with high-quality photography. By accessing the hidden Assets folder or using PowerShell, you can easily save these images. Remember to rename files with the .jpg extension to view them. Whether you use manual steps or automated scripts, you can now keep a collection of your favorite lock screen backgrounds.
Are Windows Spotlight images free to use for personal projects?
These images are provided by Microsoft for personal use on your Windows device. While you can use them as your own desktop wallpaper, they are copyrighted by the original photographers. You should not use them for commercial projects or redistribute them without verifying the specific licensing rights for each image.
Why are some Spotlight images saved in portrait orientation?
Windows Spotlight downloads images in various resolutions to accommodate different screen types, including tablets and mobile devices. Portrait-oriented images are typically intended for mobile lock screens or tablets held vertically. When you extract these from your PC, you will see them in their original downloaded dimensions, which may include portrait layouts.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
[…] Windows uses this feature so you can set their desktop background with Spotlight collections, save Spotlight images for use, and see new photos on your […]