How to Change Your Lock Screen Wallpaper in Windows 11

Your lock screen is the very first thing you see when you turn on your computer or wake it from sleep. By default, Windows 11 uses a feature called Windows Spotlight, which automatically cycles through high-quality photography curated by Microsoft. While these images are often beautiful, you might prefer a more personalised touch.

Whether you want to display a favourite family photo, a minimalist geometric design, or a specific corporate background for your work machine, Windows 11 makes it incredibly easy to customise your lock screen experience.

In this guide, we will show you exactly how to change your lock screen wallpaper in Windows 11 and how to configure what information appears on it.

How to Change the Lock Screen Background

You can change your lock screen wallpaper directly through the native Windows 11 Settings app.

1. Right-click anywhere on an empty space on your desktop and select Personalise from the context menu. (Alternatively, you can press the Windows Key + I to open Settings, then click Personalisation on the left).
2. Scroll down the right-hand panel and click on Lock screen.
3. Look for the setting labelled Personalise your lock screen. Click the dropdown menu next to it. You will see three options:
   • Windows Spotlight: Microsoft automatically downloads and displays a new professional photo every day.
   • Picture: Allows you to select one specific, permanent image.
   • Slideshow: Allows you to select an entire folder of images that will rotate automatically.

Setting a Specific Picture

If you select Picture from the dropdown menu, Windows will display a few recent images. To use your own photo, click the Browse photos button. Navigate through your File Explorer, locate the image you want to use, and click Choose picture.

Setting up a Slideshow

If you select Slideshow, click the Browse button to select a folder on your hard drive (such as your “Family Holiday” folder). Windows will randomly cycle through all the images stored inside that folder. You can also click Advanced slideshow settings to ensure the slideshow only plays when your laptop is plugged into a charger, preserving your battery life.

How to Change the Logon Screen Background

It is important to understand the difference between the Lock Screen (the initial screen displaying the clock) and the Logon Screen (the screen where you actually type your password or PIN). By default, Windows 11 blurs your lock screen wallpaper and uses it for the logon screen as well.

If you prefer a solid, distraction-free colour on your password screen instead of a blurred photo, you can disable this feature:

1. On the same Lock screen settings page, scroll down to the bottom.
2. Look for the toggle switch labelled Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
3. Turn this switch Off.

Now, when you swipe up to enter your password, the background will change to the solid accent colour you have chosen for your Windows theme.

How to Add Widgets and App Status to Your Lock Screen

Beyond just looking good, your lock screen can also provide useful information at a glance, such as the current weather, your next calendar appointment, or unread emails.

1. On the Lock screen settings page, look for the section titled Lock screen status.
2. Click the dropdown menu next to it.
3. Select the application you want to display information from. Popular choices include Weather, Calendar, or Mail.

Now, before you even log into your PC, you will be able to see the daily forecast or your upcoming meetings laid out clearly at the bottom of the screen.