Windows 11 is all about personalization. From themes to widgets to accent colors, Microsoft has given users plenty of ways to make their PCs feel unique. But one thing many people overlook is the login background—the screen you see when signing in to your account.
Changing the login background in Windows 11 not only makes your device feel more personal but also adds a touch of style every time you boot up or unlock your PC.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to change your login background in Windows 11 step by step, using different methods like Settings, Registry tweaks, and third-party apps.
Why Change the Login Background?
You might be wondering, “Why bother with something so small?” Here are a few reasons:
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Personalization – Match your login background with your wallpaper or theme.
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Motivation – Add inspirational images or quotes for a daily boost.
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Professionalism – Keep a clean and sleek background for work PCs.
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Fun – Because why not make your computer look awesome?
Understanding the Windows 11 Login Screen
Before changing the background, let’s break down the login screen:
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Lock Screen – The first screen you see when you wake your PC. It shows the time, notifications, and background image.
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Sign-In Screen – Where you enter your password, PIN, or use Windows Hello.
👉 In Windows 11, the sign-in screen background is linked to the lock screen image. So, when you change the lock screen background, it also updates your login background.
Method 1: Change Login Background via Settings
This is the easiest way to change the background image on the login screen.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Personalization in the left sidebar.
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Select Lock screen.
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Under Personalize your lock screen, choose one of these options:
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Windows spotlight – Automatically displays rotating Bing images.
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Picture – Choose a custom image.
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Slideshow – Set a folder of images that change over time.
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Toggle on Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
Now, your chosen background will appear on both the lock and login screens.
Method 2: Use Windows Spotlight for Dynamic Login Backgrounds
If you like variety, Windows Spotlight automatically downloads and applies new Bing images daily.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
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From the Personalize your lock screen dropdown, select Windows spotlight.
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Make sure Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen is enabled.
Your login screen will now have beautiful new images every day.
Method 3: Use a Custom Image
Want to use your favorite photo or a company logo?
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
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Choose Picture from the dropdown.
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Click Browse and select your image.
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Enable Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
Now, your login screen shows your chosen picture.
Method 4: Set a Slideshow as Login Background
If one picture isn’t enough, you can set a slideshow.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
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Choose Slideshow from the dropdown.
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Click Add a folder and select the folder containing your images.
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Make sure the toggle for Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen is enabled.
This will cycle through multiple images every time you sign in.
Method 5: Change Login Background Using Registry Editor (Advanced)
For advanced customization, you can use the Registry Editor.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause issues. Always back up your registry first.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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If the System key doesn’t exist, right-click Windows, select New > Key, and name it System.
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In the right pane, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it DisableLogonBackgroundImage.
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Set the value to:
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0 = Enable login background image.
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1 = Disable login background image (shows a solid color).
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This lets you toggle between a background image and a plain color login screen.
Method 6: Use Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise Users)
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can manage login backgrounds via Group Policy.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Find Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
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Double-click it and choose Enabled or Disabled.
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Click Apply > OK.
This gives you centralized control over login backgrounds.
Method 7: Use Third-Party Apps
If you want more customization, third-party apps can help:
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Lock Screen Customizer – Adds more features for background rotation.
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Winaero Tweaker – Offers deep personalization beyond Windows settings.
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Dynamic Theme – Syncs Windows lock screen and desktop wallpaper with Bing or Spotlight.
Troubleshooting: Login Background Not Changing
If your login background doesn’t update, try these fixes:
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Restart your PC – Changes often apply after a reboot.
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Update Windows 11 – Outdated builds may have bugs.
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Re-check settings – Ensure the toggle for “Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen” is ON.
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Run SFC scan – Corrupted system files may prevent changes. Run this in Command Prompt:
Pros of Changing Login Background
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Personalized look and feel.
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Daily motivation from images or quotes.
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Easier identification if you manage multiple PCs.
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Professional branding for office devices.
Cons of Changing Login Background
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Some methods require admin rights.
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Registry editing can be risky.
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Slideshow backgrounds may use more resources.
Tips for Choosing the Best Login Background
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Pick high-resolution images for a crisp display.
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Avoid overly bright or cluttered pictures.
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Use dark themes for less strain in low light.
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Match login background with desktop wallpaper for consistency.
Final Thoughts
Changing the login background in Windows 11 is a simple way to make your computer feel more personal and stylish. Whether you prefer Windows Spotlight, a custom photo, or even a slideshow, you have plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re an advanced user, registry tweaks and group policies give even more control. And for ultimate flexibility, third-party apps take customization to the next level.
So, go ahead—ditch the boring default and give your login screen a fresh new look!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a video as my login background in Windows 11?
No, Windows 11 only supports images and slideshows, not videos.
Q2: Why doesn’t my login background change after I set a new one?
You may need to restart your PC or check if the “Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen” option is enabled.
Q3: Does changing the login background affect performance?
Not significantly. Only slideshow backgrounds may use slightly more resources.
Q4: Can I disable the login background completely?
Yes, using the Registry Editor or Group Policy, you can disable it and use a solid color instead.
Q5: Is it possible to have different login backgrounds for different accounts?
Not directly. Windows 11 applies the same background to all user accounts on the device.