How to Disable the Windows 10 ‘Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen’ Option

The Distracting Sign-in Screen

In Windows 10, the login experience is split into two parts: the Lock Screen (which displays a clock and a background image, often dynamically downloaded by Windows Spotlight) and the Sign-in Screen (where you actually type your password or PIN). By default, when you click or swipe up on the Lock Screen, the beautiful background image carries over and blurs slightly to become the background of your Sign-in Screen.

While aesthetically pleasing, some users prefer a strict, no-nonsense login prompt. If you are using your PC in a corporate environment, or if you simply prefer a flat, solid color background behind your password box to reduce visual distraction and improve the readability of the login text, you can disable the background picture carry-over.

How to Use a Solid Color Sign-in Screen

You can turn off the background image on the password screen via the Personalization settings.

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I).
2. In the Settings menu, click on Personalization.
3. In the left-hand navigation pane, select Lock screen.
4. Scroll down the right-hand pane until you find the toggle switch labelled Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
5. Toggle the switch to the Off position.

The next time you lock your PC (Windows Key + L) and click to bring up the password prompt, the background image will disappear, replaced entirely by your current Windows 10 accent color, resulting in a cleaner, more focused login experience.