Changing the lock screen background in Windows 11 is a simple way to personalize your PC. The lock screen is the first screen you see when you start your computer or wake it up from sleep. It shows the time, date, and sometimes notifications, along with a background image.
Windows 11 gives you three main ways to change the lock screen background:
- Windows Spotlight (automatic wallpapers from Microsoft)
- Picture (one fixed image)
- Slideshow (multiple images that change automatically)
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn step-by-step methods to change the lock screen background and fix common problems if it doesn’t update.
What Is the Lock Screen Background in Windows 11?
The lock screen background is the wallpaper shown before you sign in to Windows. It is different from your desktop wallpaper. Your desktop background appears after logging in, while the lock screen appears before entering your PIN or password.
This is why Windows 11 allows you to set a separate lock screen image without changing your desktop wallpaper.
Why Change the Lock Screen Background?
Many people change the lock screen wallpaper because it makes Windows feel more personal and fresh. A good lock screen background can also improve the look of your laptop or desktop, especially if you use your PC in a workspace or public environment.
Some users prefer:
- A clean single image for a professional look
- A slideshow of personal photos
- Windows Spotlight for daily new wallpapers
Things to Know Before You Change the Lock Screen Background
Before you begin, keep a few things in mind so the process stays smooth.
- If your PC is managed by a school or office, lock screen settings might be restricted.
- Windows Spotlight needs an internet connection to download wallpapers.
- Some changes may take a few seconds to apply.
- You can quickly preview the lock screen anytime using Windows + L.
Method 1: Change Lock Screen Background from Windows Settings (Best Method)
This is the easiest and most reliable method because it works on all Windows 11 PCs.
Steps to open Lock Screen settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Click Personalization (left side)
- Click Lock screen
- Find Personalize your lock screen
- Click the drop-down menu to choose the background type
Now select one of these options.
Option 1: Use Windows Spotlight (Automatic Lock Screen Wallpapers)
Windows Spotlight shows beautiful wallpapers automatically and updates them from time to time.
Steps to enable Windows Spotlight
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization
- Click Lock screen
- In Personalize your lock screen, select Windows Spotlight
- Lock your PC using Windows + L to view the new wallpaper
If Spotlight is working properly, your lock screen will change automatically over days and weeks.
Option 2: Set a Single Picture as Lock Screen Background
If you want a fixed wallpaper that stays the same, use the Picture option.
Steps to set a Picture lock screen background
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization
- Click Lock screen
- In Personalize your lock screen, select Picture
- Click Browse photos
- Select your image
- Click Choose picture
- Press Windows + L to check your lock screen
This method is best if you want a clean, simple lock screen look.
Option 3: Use a Slideshow as Lock Screen Background
A slideshow is perfect if you want your lock screen to change images automatically from a folder.
Steps to enable Lock Screen slideshow
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization
- Click Lock screen
- In Personalize your lock screen, select Slideshow
- Click Browse
- Select a folder that contains your pictures
- Click Choose this folder
- Lock your PC using Windows + L to preview it
This option is great for using travel images, nature wallpapers, or family pictures.
Method 2: Change Lock Screen Background from a Saved Image (Quick Way)
This method works when Windows allows setting an image directly as the lock screen background, but it may not appear on every PC.
Steps to try the right-click method
- Open File Explorer
- Find the image you want to use
- Right-click the image file
- If you see Set as lock screen, click it
If you don’t see that option, don’t worry. You can always use the Settings method, which works on all systems.
Method 3: Show or Hide Tips and Notifications on Lock Screen
Windows 11 can show extra information on the lock screen, like tips, fun facts, or notification previews. Some users like it, while others prefer a clean look.
Steps to customize lock screen extras
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization
- Click Lock screen
- Scroll down to find lock screen settings such as:
- Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen
- Lock screen status
- Enable or disable them as you prefer
Disabling extra information can make the lock screen look cleaner and faster.
Method 4: Change Lock Screen Timeout (Optional)
Sometimes users want the lock screen to stay on for a longer time before turning off. While Windows 11 doesn’t offer full lock screen timer control directly, you can adjust related screen and sleep settings.
Steps to change screen timeout
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Click System
- Click Power & battery
- Click Screen and sleep
- Adjust the timing options under:
- Screen (turn off display after)
- Sleep (put device to sleep after)
This helps you control how long your display stays on when inactive.
Fix: Lock Screen Background Not Changing in Windows 11
Sometimes you change the lock screen wallpaper but it doesn’t update, especially when using Spotlight or Slideshow. This usually happens due to a setting conflict or Windows cache issue.
Fix 1: Restart your PC
- Click Start
- Click Power
- Click Restart
After restart, press Windows + L and check again.
Fix 2: Switch background type and switch back
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen
- Change background to Picture
- Wait a few seconds
- Change it back to Windows Spotlight or Slideshow
This refreshes the lock screen setting.
Fix 3: Make sure Spotlight has internet access
Windows Spotlight needs internet to download new images. If your connection is weak, Spotlight may stop updating.
- Check Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
- Disable VPN temporarily (if you use one)
- Try enabling Spotlight again
Fix 4: Disable Lock Screen restrictions (Work/School PCs)
If your device is managed by an organization, lock screen customization may be blocked. In that case, you may not be able to change it unless the admin allows it.
Fix 5: Update Windows 11
Sometimes lock screen bugs are fixed with Windows updates.
- Open Settings
- Go to Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install updates and restart your PC
Tips for Choosing the Best Lock Screen Background
To make your lock screen look better and clearer, choose wallpapers that fit the screen size and don’t make the clock hard to read.
Here are a few simple suggestions:
- Use high-resolution images (Full HD or above)
- Avoid very bright or messy backgrounds
- Choose darker wallpapers for easy readability
- Keep a separate folder for slideshow images so they stay organized
These tips help your lock screen look professional and attractive.
Final Thoughts
Changing your lock screen background in Windows 11 is easy and gives your PC a personal touch. Whether you like automatic wallpapers through Windows Spotlight, a single clean picture, or a slideshow of your favorite images, Windows 11 provides simple options for every user.
The best method is using Settings because it works on every PC and gives you full control. If your lock screen doesn’t change, restarting your PC and checking Spotlight internet access usually fixes the issue.
