How to Customize Your Desktop Background in Windows 11

Some Noticeable Information

Effortlessly modify your desktop wallpaper in Windows 11 by utilizing the Windows Settings application. Simply right-click on the desktop and opt for "Personalize," where you can select from various choices such as Picture, Solid, Slideshow, or Windows Spotlight.

Choose the "Picture" option to select an image or photograph for your desktop background. You have the option to pick from Recent Images or explore through folders on your computer. Personalize the image's fit with choices such as Fill, Fit, Stretch, Tile, Center, or Span.

Alternatively, select a "Solid Color" background to apply it to all virtual desktops simultaneously, or opt for a "Slideshow" that rotates through images within a chosen folder. Customize the frequency of picture changes, shuffle the order, and select the fit that best matches your preferences.

View Your Desktop Background Settings

Change Your Desktop Wallpaper in Windows 11

To modify your desktop background, start by accessing the Windows Settings app. Fortunately, Microsoft has provided a convenient shortcut for us: Just right-click on the desktop and choose "Personalize" from the ensuing menu.

Windows Settings will open to the "Personalization" category. In the main settings list on the right side of the window, select "Background."

In the Background settings, find the option "Personalize Your Background". In the drop-down menu next to it, you have three choices:

1. Picture: Choose this option to select an image or photograph (in the form of an image file) as your desktop wallpaper.

Solid: This lets you pick a solid color for your desktop.

Slideshow: This option allows you to select a folder of pictures to use as desktop backgrounds that change automatically over time.

Windows Spotlight: Rotating images from Microsoft, just like you see on your lock screen by default.

Choosing a Picture as Your Desktop Background

It is important to mention that the "Picture" option exclusively pertains to the currently active desktop. If you utilize multiple desktops using the virtual desktops functionality in Windows 11, you have the option to assign a distinct picture to each virtual desktop. On the contrary, the "Solid" and "Slideshow" options apply to all virtual desktops simultaneously.

When selecting "Picture" from the "Personalize Your Background" menu, you are presented with two primary choices. You can opt to choose from a collection of "Recent Images" by simply clicking on a thumbnail. Alternatively, you can select "Browse Folders" to locate and use an image stored on your personal computer.

(If you encounter any difficulties while searching for an image, please note that Windows 11 typically stores its preloaded wallpapers in the directory C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper.)

Under the "Choose a fit for your desktop image" drop-down menu, select the option that suits you best.

Fill: The image is adjusted to fit the width of your screen, maintaining the correct aspect ratio.

Fit: The image is adjusted to fit the height of your screen, maintaining the correct aspect ratio.

Stretch: This option allows you to resize the chosen image to fit the screen by either stretching or compressing it, disregarding the original proportions of the image.

Tile: By selecting this option, the image will be repeated as tiles, starting from the upper-left corner and extending left-to-right until the entire desktop screen space is filled.

Center: This displays the image centered on your screen at its original size and aspect ratio.

Span: This option will display an image across desktops on multiple monitors, spanning them.

Choosing a Solid Color as Your Desktop Background

When opting for the "Solid Color" option in the "Personalize Your Background" feature, you have two choices. You can either select one of the pre-selected background colors available on the grid of colored squares, or you can go for a custom color by clicking "View Colors."

Remember that this "Solid Color" option will apply to all of your virtual desktops at the same time.

Setting a Slideshow as Your Desktop Background

If you opt for the "Slideshow" feature under the "Personalize Your Background" drop-down menu, you will be presented with various choices to browse for a folder containing the desired images to cycle through over time. Once you have selected the folder, you can customize the frequency at which the pictures change from the options available in the "Change Picture Every" drop-down menu. Additionally, you have the option to shuffle the picture order, disable the slideshow when using battery power, and select a preferred fit using the Fill, Fit, Stretch (and similar) options as explained previously.

After customizing your desktop to your preference, simply close the Settings menu and rest assured that your chosen desktop wallpaper or background will remain as is until you decide to modify it again in the Settings. Windows 11 offers a delightful range of new wallpapers for you to discover, so enjoy exploring them!

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the new features in Windows 11 that allow me to customize my desktop background. I can now choose from a variety of images, colors, and slideshows to create a unique look for my computer. I can also choose to have a different background for each virtual desktop, which is a great way to organize my work and personal spaces.

I think that this is a great way to express my personality and make my computer feel more like my own. I can't wait to see what other customization options Microsoft adds in the future.