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To change the Windows 11 lock-screen background, open Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Choose Picture for one image, Slideshow for images from device folders, or Windows Spotlight for rotating images from Microsoft. You can also choose whether the lock-screen picture appears on the sign-in screen.
Change the lock-screen background in Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings, or press Windows+I.
- Select Personalization, then Lock screen.
- Under Personalize your lock screen, choose Windows Spotlight, Picture, or Slideshow.
Lock the computer with Windows+L to preview the result.
Choose a lock-screen background
| Setting | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | Shows one selected default or local image. | A fixed personal photo or other image. |
| Slideshow | Rotates through images in one or more folders on the device. | A personal collection of images. |
| Windows Spotlight | Shows rotating images from Microsoft and may include tips, tricks, or notifications. | Changing Microsoft-provided images. |
Set a personal photo as the lock-screen picture
- Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Set Personalize your lock screen to Picture.
- Select Browse photos, choose an image on your device, and select Choose picture.
Use a slideshow of your own images
- Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Choose Slideshow from the Personalize your lock screen menu.
- Under Choose albums for your slideshow, select Browse.
- Select a folder containing your pictures, then select Choose this folder. Add other folders if needed.
Slideshow options can be customized in the Lock screen settings. The lock-screen slideshow is separate from a desktop slideshow: adding a folder under Settings > Personalization > Background does not automatically add it to the lock screen.
Turn on Windows Spotlight
- Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Set Personalize your lock screen to Windows Spotlight.
Spotlight supplies rotating images from Microsoft and may show tips, tricks, or notifications. For a fixed image, choose Picture instead.
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Show the lock-screen image at sign-in
The lock screen and sign-in screen are related but distinct. To use the lock-screen background behind the sign-in controls:
- Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Turn on Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
Manage lock-screen widgets and motion
Lock-screen widgets are managed from Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Review the available widgets there; you can reorder or remove them, customize them where supported, and use Add widget to see available options. Only widgets that support a small size can be added to the lock screen. You can also turn off widgets there.
If the motion option is available, use it to control whether the lock-screen background reacts to device movement.
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Open the Lock screen settings directly
- Press Windows+R.
- Enter ms-settings:lockscreen.
- Press Enter.
What to do if Windows 11 will not let you change the lock screen
Check whether the PC is managed
A message such as Some of these settings are managed by your organization can mean a work, school, or device-management policy controls the setting. On a personal PC, check Settings > Accounts > Access work or school. Do not disconnect an employer or school account without checking with its administrator.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCheck the image or slideshow folder
- Confirm that the selected folder still exists and contains image files.
- Make sure your Windows account can access the folder.
- If a slideshow is not displaying as expected, try a folder stored on the device.
Keep the desktop background separate
The desktop wallpaper is configured at Settings > Personalization > Background. The lock screen is configured at Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Changing one does not automatically change the other.
Screen saver settings are separate
A screen saver is not another lock-screen background mode. To configure one, open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, expand Related settings, and select Screen saver. In the screen saver dialog, you can choose and configure a screen saver, set the idle wait, and optionally require sign-in when resuming.
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FAQ
How do I change the lock screen on Windows 11?
Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Under Personalize your lock screen, choose Picture, Slideshow, or Windows Spotlight.
How do I use my own photo on the Windows 11 lock screen?
Choose Picture in the lock-screen personalization menu, select Browse photos, choose an image on your device, and select Choose picture.
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Windows has separate settings for the desktop background and lock-screen background. Change the lock screen under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
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How do I show the lock-screen picture at sign-in?
In Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, turn on Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
Can I add widgets to the Windows 11 lock screen?
Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen to manage available widgets. Only widgets that support a small size can be added, and customization depends on the widget provider.
Where are the screen saver settings in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Related settings > Screen saver. Screen saver options are separate from the lock-screen background choices.
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The bottom line
Use Settings > Personalization > Lock screen to choose a fixed picture, a slideshow from device folders, or Windows Spotlight. Enable Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen if you want that image behind the sign-in controls.
Sources: Microsoft Support: Customize the Lock Screen in Windows; Microsoft Support: Configure a Screen Saver in Windows.
Quick Recap
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