How to Change Boot Logo in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wished you could customize the boot logo on your Windows 11 PC? That little Windows logo that appears when you power on your computer can feel a bit bland — especially if you love personalization. Good news: you can change the boot logo in Windows 11 and give your startup screen a completely new look.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you exactly how to change the boot logo step by step, explain the risks, provide safe methods, and share pro tips to make the process smooth.

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🖥️ What Is the Boot Logo in Windows 11?

The boot logo is the image or animation that appears when your PC starts up, before the login screen. By default, Windows 11 shows:

• The Windows logo (white icon on black screen).

• A loading spinner below it.

This logo is stored in your PC’s firmware (UEFI/BIOS) and is sometimes customized by PC manufacturers (OEMs).

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🎯 Why Change the Boot Logo?

You might want to customize your Windows 11 boot logo for several reasons:

• Personalization: Make your PC truly yours with a custom logo, image, or brand.

• Branding: Great for businesses — display a company logo at startup.

• Aesthetic: Replace the plain Windows logo with something fun or stylish.

• Hobbyist/enthusiast tweak: Many tech enthusiasts love customizing every part of their system.

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⚠️ Risks and Warnings Before You Begin

Changing the boot logo is not an official Windows feature — it requires modifying system firmware or using third-party tools.

Here’s what you should know:

• Risk of boot issues: Incorrect settings may prevent Windows from starting.

• Warranty concerns: Some OEMs discourage modifying UEFI settings.

• Security: Always download tools from trusted sources to avoid malware.

🔑 Pro Tip: Create a full system backup before making any changes.

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🛠️ Methods to Change Boot Logo in Windows 11

There are several ways to change the boot logo, depending on your PC model and comfort level.

We’ll cover three main approaches:

1. OEM/BIOS Settings (if supported)

2. HackBGRT (Free Tool)

3. OEM Software Tools (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.)

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📝 Method 1: Change Boot Logo Using BIOS/UEFI

Some manufacturers allow you to change the boot logo directly in BIOS.

Steps:

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup

   • Restart your PC.

   • During startup, press the key shown on screen (often F2, DEL, or ESC).

2. Find Boot Logo Option

   • Look under tabs like Boot, Advanced, or OEM Configuration.

   • Some BIOS menus have a setting like Custom Boot Logo or Full Screen Logo Display.

3. Upload Your Image

   • If available, choose Select Image and upload a compatible file (usually .bmp format).

   • Save and exit BIOS.

4. Restart Your PC

   • Your new boot logo should now appear at startup.

⚠️ Note: This option is rare on consumer laptops but more common on business desktops or custom motherboards (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte).

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📝 Method 2: Change Boot Logo Using HackBGRT (Recommended for Enthusiasts)

If BIOS doesn’t offer an option, HackBGRT is the most popular free tool for changing Windows boot logos on UEFI systems.

Step-by-Step Guide

1️⃣ Download HackBGRT

• Visit the official HackBGRT GitHub page.

• Download the latest release.

2️⃣ Disable Secure Boot

• Restart your PC → Enter BIOS → Disable Secure Boot (required to run custom bootloader).

3️⃣ Extract and Run Installer

• Extract the HackBGRT ZIP file.

• Run setup.exe as Administrator.

4️⃣ Replace Default Logo

• HackBGRT will open a splash.bmp file.

• Replace it with your own image:

  • Must be BMP format.

  • Recommended resolution: matches your display (e.g., 1920×1080).

  • Keep background black for seamless look.

5️⃣ Save and Reboot

• After saving, reboot your PC.

• You should now see your custom boot logo.

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📝 Method 3: Use OEM Customization Tools

Some manufacturers provide official tools:

This is the safest method if your OEM supports it.

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🎨 Choosing the Right Boot Logo Image

Here’s how to pick the perfect image:

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🧰 Troubleshooting and Fixes

Boot Logo Didn’t Change

• Check if Secure Boot is still enabled.

• Make sure your image is in correct BMP format.

PC Won’t Boot After Change

• Boot into BIOS and re-enable default boot logo.

• Use Windows Recovery (Advanced Startup) → Repair your PC.

Logo Looks Stretched

• Resize your image to match screen resolution before saving.

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📊 Pros and Cons of Changing Boot Logo

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🧠 Expert Tips for a Smooth Process

• Always backup: Use Windows Backup or Macrium Reflect before making changes.

• Keep a recovery USB: If anything goes wrong, you can restore your system.

• Test image first: Preview the BMP in an image viewer before applying.

• Document BIOS settings: Note down current settings before making changes.

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✅ Conclusion

Changing the boot logo in Windows 11 is a fun way to personalize your PC. Whether you use BIOS settings, HackBGRT, or OEM tools, the key is to proceed carefully and back up your system first.

With the right steps, you can replace the plain Windows logo with something unique — your favorite picture, company logo, or even a minimalist graphic — and enjoy a fully customized startup experience.

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❓ FAQs About Changing the Boot Logo in Windows 11

Q1: Is it safe to use HackBGRT on Windows 11?
A1: Yes, if you follow the instructions carefully. Always download it from the official GitHub page.

Q2: Can I restore the default Windows boot logo?
A2: Yes. HackBGRT allows you to restore the original logo easily by running the setup again and selecting “Uninstall.”

Q3: What file type should my boot logo be?
A3: BMP format is required for most tools and BIOS options.

Q4: Do I need to disable Secure Boot to change the logo?
A4: Yes, for most third-party tools like HackBGRT. You can re-enable Secure Boot afterward.

Q5: Can this damage my PC?
A5: No physical damage occurs, but incorrect settings can prevent booting. That’s why a backup is highly recommended.

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