Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Under Personalize your lock screen, choose Picture for one image, Slideshow for images in device folders, or Windows spotlight for Microsoft-provided rotating content. The lock-screen background is separate from your desktop wallpaper.
Change the lock-screen picture
To choose a built-in image or a photo on your device, follow these steps:
- Open Start and select Settings, or press Windows key + I.
- Select Personalization in the left sidebar.
- Select Lock screen.
- Open Personalize your lock screen and select Picture.
- Choose a suggested image or select Browse photos to find an image on your device.
- Select the image and choose Choose picture if prompted.
Press Windows key + L to lock the PC and check the result. You do not need to restart Windows.
Use your own photo
When you choose Picture, Windows lets you browse for a custom image on the device. For a slideshow, the image files need to be available in the device folders you select.
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Make the lock screen rotate through photos
Choose Slideshow to cycle through images from one or more device folders.
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Open Personalize your lock screen and select Slideshow.
- Under Add an album for your slideshow, select Browse.
- Select a folder containing your photos and choose Choose this folder.
- Repeat to add other folders, if needed.
Windows provides slideshow settings that you can customize. The lock-screen slideshow uses folders you select for it; desktop wallpaper is controlled separately under Personalization > Background.
Turn on Windows Spotlight
Windows Spotlight displays rotating images from Microsoft. It can also show dynamic text, app information, Microsoft account notifications, and Windows tips.
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization > Lock screen.
- Set Personalize your lock screen to Windows spotlight.
If you want one fixed background, choose Picture. Spotlight is a connected experience, so its content may include information and suggestions as well as images.
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Show or hide the picture on the sign-in screen
The lock screen appears before the sign-in interface. Windows has a separate setting for whether the lock-screen background also appears behind the sign-in controls.
- Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Find Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
- Turn the option on to show the lock-screen image behind the sign-in controls, or off to hide it there.
This setting changes the sign-in screen’s appearance; it does not remove the lock screen or the sign-in security requirement.
Manage lock-screen widgets
Windows 11 can offer widgets on the lock screen. Available widgets and providers may vary. In the lock-screen settings, you can review the widget list, reorder or remove widgets, and add available widgets. Some providers also let you customize their widgets; you can turn widgets off if you do not want them on the lock screen.
Open the lock-screen settings directly
To open the page without navigating through Settings, press Windows key + R, enter ms-settings:lockscreen, and press Enter.
What to do when Windows 11 will not change the lock screen
Check for a work or school policy
If the page says Some settings are managed by your organization, a company, school, or device-management service may control the lock-screen settings. On a personal PC, check Settings > Accounts > Access work or school for an old connection. Do not disconnect an account you still need without checking with the organization first.
Check the selected option
If you want one photo, select Picture. Slideshow cycles through images in selected folders, while Windows spotlight displays Microsoft-provided rotating content.
Check that your image files are available
For a picture or slideshow, confirm that the image is on the device and that the selected file or folder is available. Then press Windows key + L to check the lock screen.
Refresh Spotlight
If Spotlight does not appear to change, confirm that Windows spotlight is selected. You can switch to Picture, close and reopen Settings, and select Spotlight again. Device-management settings may restrict the available choices.
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| Setting | Where it is changed | What it controls |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop background | Settings > Personalization > Background | The wallpaper behind desktop icons and open windows |
| Lock screen | Settings > Personalization > Lock screen | The screen shown before you sign in |
| Sign-in-screen picture | Lock-screen background toggle | Whether the lock-screen image also appears behind the sign-in controls |
Setting a desktop background does not change the lock screen. Use the Lock screen page in Settings to change that image.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
How do I change the lock screen in Windows 11?
Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Choose Picture under Personalize your lock screen, then browse for an image or select one of the available pictures.
What is the shortcut to view the lock screen?
Press Windows key + L to lock the PC and display the lock screen.
Can I use a slideshow on the Windows 11 lock screen?
Yes. Choose Slideshow under Personalize your lock screen and add one or more folders containing images on your device.
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Why is Windows 11 showing a different picture?
Windows spotlight or Slideshow may be selected. Choose Picture for one image, or keep the other option for rotating content.
Can I show the lock-screen picture behind the sign-in controls?
Yes. In the Lock screen settings, enable Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
Does changing the desktop wallpaper also change the lock screen?
No. The desktop background is set under Personalization > Background; the lock screen is set under Personalization > Lock screen.
The Bottom Line
Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, then choose Picture, Slideshow, or Windows spotlight. Use the separate sign-in-screen toggle if you want the lock-screen picture behind the sign-in controls. Press Windows key + L to check the result.
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