The fastest way to change your Windows lock screen

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Personalization in the left menu. Click Lock screen. Under "Personalize your lock screen," choose Picture from the dropdown menu if it isn't already selected. Click the plus icon to browse your computer and pick a new image, or select one of the built-in Windows images from the gallery below.

The change takes effect when ready. Your new lock screen appears the next time you lock your computer or it locks automatically after your screen timeout period.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the main way to change your lock screen on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and the path is the same on both versions.
  • You can use your own photos, built-in Windows images, or a solid color as your lock screen background.
  • Windows can show a slideshow of multiple images on your lock screen if you prefer variety.
  • Some lock screen settings like the clock style and app notifications are separate from the background and controlled in the same Settings menu.

Using your own photos as the lock screen background

When you click the plus icon in the lock screen settings, a file browser opens. Navigate to the folder where your photos are stored — usually Pictures in your user folder. Select the image you want and click Choose picture. Windows accepts JPG, PNG, and BMP files.

If the image is smaller than your screen resolution, Windows will stretch it to fit, which can make it look blurry. For the sharpest result, use an image that is at least 1920 by 1080 pixels if you have a standard monitor, or larger if you have a high-resolution display.

Setting up a slideshow of multiple images

Instead of a single static image, you can have Windows rotate through several photos on your lock screen. In the lock screen settings, select Slideshow from the dropdown menu instead of Picture.

Click Add a folder and choose a folder that contains the images you want to use. Windows will cycle through all the images in that folder. You can add multiple folders if you want images from different locations. Below the folder list, you can set how long each image displays — the options range from 1 minute to 1 hour.

Changing the lock screen clock and app notifications

The lock screen can display a clock and show notifications from certain apps without requiring you to unlock your computer. In the same Lock screen settings page, scroll down to find Lock screen status. Click Choose which apps show detailed status to pick which apps display notifications — for example, Calendar, Mail, or Weather.

The clock style itself cannot be customized beyond what Windows offers by default. If you want to change the clock appearance, your only option is to use a different lock screen background that you find visually appealing with the existing clock.

Using a solid color instead of an image

If you prefer a straightforward, clean look, select Solid color from the dropdown menu at the top of the lock screen settings. Click the color box below to open a palette of preset colors, or click Custom color to choose any color you want using a color picker.

A solid color uses less system resources than an image and can make text on the lock screen easier to read. This option is useful if you are on a computer with limited storage or if you straightforward prefer a minimalist appearance.

Troubleshooting lock screen changes that don't appear

If you change your lock screen but the new background does not show up, lock your computer manually first to see the change. Press Windows key + L to lock when ready. Sometimes the lock screen does not update until you actually lock the computer.

If the change still does not appear, restart your computer. Occasionally a background file becomes temporarily locked by Windows, and restarting clears the issue. If you are using a photo from an external drive or network location, make sure that drive or network is still connected — Windows cannot display an image it cannot reach.

What you cannot change on the Windows lock screen

Windows does not allow you to remove the clock, change the font, or hide the lock screen entirely on most versions. Some third-party tools claim to do this, but they often conflict with Windows updates or security features.

The login screen that appears after you unlock — where you enter your password — is separate from the lock screen and uses different settings. If you want to change the appearance of the login screen itself, that is controlled under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video or animated GIF as my lock screen background?

No. Windows lock screen backgrounds must be static images in JPG, PNG, or BMP format. The slideshow feature rotates through separate images but does not play video or animated files.

Will changing my lock screen background affect my desktop wallpaper?

No. Your lock screen and desktop wallpaper are completely separate. You can change one without affecting the other. They are controlled in different sections of the Settings app.

What happens if I delete the folder I used for my lock screen slideshow?

If you delete the folder, Windows will stop displaying the slideshow and revert to a default background. Move or rename the folder instead of deleting it if you think you might want to use those images again later.

Can I set a different lock screen for each user account on my computer?

Yes. Each user account has its own lock screen settings. When you log in to your account and change the lock screen, it only affects that account. Other users will see their own lock screen backgrounds when they lock their computers.