How to Change Your Desktop Background on Windows
Changing your desktop background on a modern Windows PC is quick and easy. You can use a photo, a solid color, a slideshow, or Windows Spotlight.
Step 1: Open Personalization Settings
Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select Personalize.
You can also open it by going to:
Start > Settings > Personalization > Background
Step 2: Choose Your Background Type
Under Background, choose the type of desktop background you want to use:
Picture
Select Picture to use a single image as your desktop background. You can choose one of the recent images shown or click Browse photos to select an image from your computer.
Solid Color
Select Solid color if you want a clean, simple desktop using one background color.
Slideshow
Select Slideshow to rotate through multiple images. Choose a folder that contains the photos you want Windows to use, then set how often the images should change.
Windows Spotlight
On newer versions of Windows, you may also see Windows Spotlight. This option automatically displays rotating background images selected by Microsoft.
Step 3: Adjust the Image Fit
If you choose a picture or slideshow, you can adjust how the image appears on your screen. Common options include:
- Fill
- Fit
- Stretch
- Tile
- Center
- Span
For most users, Fill is the best option because it covers the full screen without leaving empty space.
Step 4: Check Multiple Displays
If you use more than one monitor, Windows may let you choose different backgrounds for each display. You can right-click an image in the background settings and assign it to a specific monitor.
Step 5: Close Settings
Once you choose your background, Windows usually applies the change automatically. When you are happy with the new look, simply close the Settings window.
Quick Tip
For the best results, use an image that matches your screen resolution. This helps keep your desktop background sharp and properly sized.