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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To customize the Windows 11 lock screen, open Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Choose Windows Spotlight, Picture, or Slideshow for the background, then adjust available widgets and the sign-in-screen background setting to suit your preferences.
Open the Windows 11 lock-screen settings
- Select Start, then open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Select Lock screen.
You can also right-click an empty area of the desktop, select Personalize, and then choose Lock screen. The desktop wallpaper is managed separately under Personalization > Background.
Choose a lock-screen background
Under Personalize your lock screen, select the background style that fits your needs:
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Spotlight | Shows rotating Microsoft images with related tips, tricks, and notifications. | People who want Microsoft-supplied rotating imagery. |
| Picture | Uses one image, either a default option or a custom image on your device. | A specific photo or other fixed background. |
| Slideshow | Cycles through images in one or more folders on your device. | A rotating collection of your own images. |
Use one picture
- Set Personalize your lock screen to Picture.
- Choose a default image or select Browse photos to find an image on your device.
- Select the image and confirm your choice.
Set up a rotating slideshow
- Set Personalize your lock screen to Slideshow.
- Add the folder or folders containing the images you want to use.
- Review the slideshow settings available on the page and adjust them as desired.
Slideshow uses folders on the device. Put the images you want to rotate in a folder and add it to the slideshow settings.
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Use Windows Spotlight
- Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Select Windows Spotlight under Personalize your lock screen.
- Lock the PC with Windows + L to view the lock screen.
Spotlight displays rotating Microsoft images and can include related tips, tricks, and notifications. Available content and controls may vary with Windows updates and device policies.
Adjust lock-screen motion
If the option appears on your device, use Make the lock screen image react when I move my PC to turn the slight motion effect on or off.
Show the background on the sign-in screen
The lock screen and sign-in screen are distinct. To show the lock-screen background behind the sign-in controls:
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- Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Turn on Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
- Press Windows + L and dismiss the lock screen to check the result.
This setting controls the background image; it does not mean that every lock-screen widget or detail also appears on the sign-in screen.
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When the Widgets section is available, you can manage the information shown on the lock screen:
- Drag widgets to change their order.
- Use a widget’s more-options menu to remove it or customize it when the provider supports customization.
- Select Add widget to see available widgets. The page supports adding widgets that have a small size.
- Turn Widgets off to hide them.
Microsoft notes that widget content may use location estimation. If Windows Location is enabled, it may be used; otherwise, the internet connection’s IP address may be used. See Microsoft’s lock-screen guidance for details.
Configure a screen saver separately
A screen saver is different from the lock-screen background and widgets. To configure one, open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver. You can select a screen saver, open its settings where supported, choose an inactivity wait, preview it, and optionally require sign-in when it resumes. See Microsoft’s screen saver instructions.
When an option is missing
Settings labels and available features can vary with Windows updates and device policies. If an option is unavailable or changes do not stick, check the current Lock screen settings and whether your work- or school-managed device restricts personalization.
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FAQ
How do I customize the lock screen in Windows 11?
Open Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Choose a background style and adjust the widgets or sign-in background setting available on your device.
What is the difference between Picture, Slideshow, and Windows Spotlight?
Picture uses one selected image, Slideshow cycles images from device folders, and Windows Spotlight displays rotating Microsoft images with related content.
How do I add or remove lock-screen widgets?
Use the Widgets section on the Lock screen settings page. Select Add widget to view available options, or use a widget’s more-options menu to remove or customize it when supported. You can also reorder widgets or turn them off.
How do I show the lock-screen image behind my PIN or password?
Turn on Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen in Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
Best Value
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Where are screen saver settings in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver. Screen saver options are separate from the lock-screen background and widgets.
For the background, use Picture for one image, Slideshow for images in folders, or Windows Spotlight for Microsoft-supplied rotating imagery. Then review the Widgets section and the separate sign-in background toggle if you want to personalize more of the experience.
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