How to Change Login Background on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 24, 2025

Windows 11 brings a modern design with rounded corners, pastel colors, and a refreshed login screen. But what if you don’t like the default login background and want to personalize it? Whether you want to use a solid color, a picture, or a slideshow, changing the login background in Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing the login background on Windows 11 — from using built-in settings to advanced customization tools.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • The Windows 11 login screen background is the same as your lock screen background.

  • You can customize it using Settings → Personalization → Lock screen.

  • Options include Windows Spotlight, Picture, or Slideshow.

  • Advanced users can tweak the login background color via the Registry Editor.

  • Third-party apps provide even more customization features.

What Is the Windows 11 Login Screen Background?

When you start or wake up your PC, the first screen you see is the login screen (or sign-in screen). It shows:

  • The background image or color.

  • Your account name and profile picture.

  • The password/PIN field or biometric login options (Windows Hello, fingerprint, etc.).

In Windows 11, the login background is tied to the lock screen background. That means if you change the lock screen image, the login background will also change.

Why Change the Login Background in Windows 11?

You might want to personalize your login background for several reasons:

  • 🎨 Aesthetic customization – match your background with your wallpaper theme.

  • 🖼️ Personal photos – set your favorite memory as your login backdrop.

  • 🖥️ Branding – companies can add logos or themed images for professional environments.

  • 🌙 Minimalist setup – use a solid color for a distraction-free login.

  • 🔒 Security awareness – easily spot if you’re on the right PC by customizing the background.

Methods to Change Login Background on Windows 11

There are multiple ways to customize the login background. Let’s go step by step.

Method 1: Change Login Background via Settings

This is the easiest method and works for most users.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to Personalization → Lock screen.

  3. Under Personalize your lock screen, choose from:

    • Windows Spotlight – rotates curated images from Microsoft.

    • Picture – select a custom image.

    • Slideshow – pick a folder of images for rotation.

  4. Enable the toggle “Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.”

  5. Restart or lock your PC (Windows + L) to see the new login background.

✔️ Done! Your login screen now matches your chosen lock screen image.

Method 2: Set a Solid Color Login Background

Windows 11 doesn’t directly allow solid colors on the login screen, but you can do it with a quick Registry tweak.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System

  3. If you don’t see a System folder, right-click Windows → New → Key → Name it System.

  4. Inside System, right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → Name it DisableLogonBackgroundImage.

  5. Double-click it, set Value = 1, and press OK.

  6. Restart your PC.

👉 Now, your login screen will show your system’s accent color instead of an image.

Method 3: Use Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can change the login background with Group Policy.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Logon

  3. Double-click “Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.”

  4. Set it to Enabled (for image) or Disabled (for solid color).

  5. Click Apply → OK, then restart your PC.

Method 4: Customize Login Background with Third-Party Tools

If you want more control, third-party apps can help.

Popular tools include:

  • Winaero Tweaker – lets you customize login, taskbar, and Windows UI.

  • Login Screen Background Changer – simple tool to set any background.

  • TranslucentTB – not for login but useful for taskbar transparency (for a uniform look).

👉 Always download third-party apps from trusted sources.

Method 5: Sync Login and Desktop Backgrounds

Want your login screen to match your desktop wallpaper? You can manually set the same image:

  1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Lock screen and choose your picture.

  2. Then go to Settings → Personalization → Background and set the same image.

✔️ This way, both your desktop and login screen look seamless.

Comparison of Login Background Options in Windows 11

Method Options Difficulty Best For
Settings Picture, Slideshow, Spotlight Easy Beginners
Registry Editor Solid color Medium Minimalists
Group Policy Image or solid color Medium Pro/Enterprise users
Third-Party Tools Custom flexibility Varies Power users
Sync with Desktop Matching themes Easy Aesthetic users

Troubleshooting: Login Background Won’t Change?

Sometimes, the login background doesn’t update as expected. Here’s how to fix it:

  • 🔄 Restart your PC after making changes.

  • 🔧 Check the toggle “Show lock screen background on sign-in screen.”

  • 🖼️ Use a different image format (JPEG/PNG).

  • 🔒 Check for Windows updates — some bugs are fixed with patches.

  • 🛠️ Revert Registry/Group Policy tweaks if something looks off.

Pro Tips for Better Login Backgrounds

  • Use high-resolution images (1920×1080 or higher).

  • Avoid overly bright or cluttered photos — they can make login text hard to read.

  • For dual monitors, keep the same theme for consistency.

  • Keep it simple — minimal designs often look best on login screens.

Conclusion

Changing your login background in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your PC. Whether you want a favorite photo, a sleek slideshow, or a minimalist solid color, you now know all the methods — from Settings to Registry hacks.

If you love customizing your Windows 11 experience, don’t stop here. Explore other personalization options like themes, wallpapers, and taskbar tweaks for a setup that truly reflects your style.

FAQs About Changing Login Background on Windows 11

1. Can I set a video as my login background?
No, Windows 11 only supports pictures, slideshows, or spotlight images.

2. Why doesn’t my login background change when I update the lock screen?
Make sure the toggle “Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen” is turned on.

3. Can I use different images for the lock screen and login screen?
No, Windows 11 links both together. They will always share the same image.

4. Do I need admin rights to change the login background?
Yes, in most cases you’ll need administrator privileges.

5. Is it safe to use third-party tools to change the login screen?
Yes, but only if you download them from trusted sources. Always back up your system first.

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