How to Change the Login Screen Background in Windows 11?

The lock screen is the screen that displays a background image along with the date, time, and notifications before you click or press a key. The login screen, also known as the sign-in screen, is where you enter your password, PIN, or biometric authentication.

In Windows 11, the login screen background is usually linked to the lock screen image. However, Microsoft provides limited direct control over the login screen itself. That means most changes you make will affect both screens simultaneously.

Let’s learn to change the login screen background in Windows 11 in a simple and clear way.

How to Change the Login Screen Background in Windows 11?

To change the login screen background in Windows 11, open Settings, go to Personalization, select Lock Screen, and choose a picture, slideshow, or Windows Spotlight. To further customize the login screen appearance, disable the login screen background image from Sign-in options or use advanced system tweaks for deeper control.

Let’s learn in detail!

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

The first step is to access the Settings app, where all personalization options are available.

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings window instantly. Alternatively, you can click on the Start menu and select Settings from the list of apps.

Once the Settings window opens, you will see various categories such as System, Bluetooth and devices, Network and internet, and Personalization. Since you want to change the appearance of your login screen, you need to navigate to the Personalization section.

Step 2: Navigate to Personalization Settings

In the Settings window, click on Personalization from the left sidebar. This section contains all the options related to themes, colors, fonts, and backgrounds.

Inside Personalization, you will find multiple options, including Background, Colors, Themes, and Lock Screen. Each of these controls a different aspect of your system’s visual appearance.

To change the login screen background, click on Lock Screen, as this is directly connected to the sign-in screen visuals.

Step 3: Choose Your Lock Screen Background

After opening the Lock Screen settings, you will see a dropdown menu labeled Personalize your lock screen.

Click on this dropdown and select one of the following options:

• Picture allows you to choose a single image as your background.
• A slideshow lets you display multiple images in rotation.
• Windows Spotlight automatically displays high-quality images from Microsoft’s collection.

If you select Picture, you can click on Browse photos and choose an image from your computer. Make sure to select a high-resolution image for the best appearance.

If you select Slideshow, you can add a folder containing multiple images, and Windows will automatically rotate them on the lock screen.

These changes will also reflect on the login screen background in most cases.

Step 4: Adjust Lock Screen Display Settings

Below the background selection, you will find additional customization options.

You can choose which apps display status information on the lock screen. While this does not directly change the background, it helps refine the overall appearance.

You can also enable or disable the option to show fun facts, tips, and more on your lock screen when using Windows Spotlight.

Adjusting these settings ensures a cleaner and more personalized login screen experience.

Disable Login Screen Background Image (Optional)

If you prefer a simple and clean look, you can disable the login screen background image.

Go back to the main Settings menu and click on Accounts. Then select Sign-in options.

Scroll down until you find the option labeled Show account details such as my email address on the sign-in screen and Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.

Turn off the toggle for showing the lock screen background on the sign-in screen. Once disabled, the login screen will display a plain background color instead of the image.

This option is useful for users who prefer minimal design or want faster loading performance.

Use Registry Editor for Advanced Customization

For users who want deeper control, the Registry Editor can be used to customize the login screen further.

Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System

If the System key does not exist, you can create it manually.

Create a new DWORD value named DisableLogonBackgroundImage and set its value to 1 to disable the background image.

This method is more advanced and should be used carefully. Incorrect changes in the registry can affect system performance.

Use Group Policy Editor (For Pro Users)

If you are using Windows 11 Pro, you can use the Group Policy Editor for additional customization.

Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Navigate to Computer Configuration, then Administrative Templates, then System, and finally Logon.

Look for the policy named Always use custom logon background or similar options, depending on your system version.

Enable the policy and apply your changes. This allows more control over login screen behavior.

Use Third-Party Tools for Full Customization

If you want complete control over the login screen background, including animations and custom themes, you can use third-party tools.

Applications such as login screen customizers allow you to replace the default background with custom images or designs that are not supported by Windows natively.

However, you should always download such tools from trusted sources and ensure they are compatible with Windows 11.

FAQs

Can I set a different image for the login screen only?

No, Windows 11 links the login screen background to the lock screen image. You cannot set a completely separate image without advanced tools.

Why is my login screen not changing?

This usually happens if the option to show the lock screen background on the sign-in screen is disabled. Make sure it is turned on in Sign-in options.

Does changing the theme affect the login screen?

Themes can change the lock screen background if they include a specific image. This may also affect the login screen.

Is it safe to use Registry Editor for customization?

Yes, but only if you follow the steps carefully. Incorrect changes can cause system issues.

Can I use animated backgrounds on the login screen?

Windows 11 does not support animated login screen backgrounds by default. You need third-party tools for this feature.