Changing the Lock Screen's Background Picture

In Windows, the Lock Screen is what you first see when you get your computer's attention. It serves the same function as the introductory screen you see when you activate your phone or tablet. It typically contains a picture, the time, the date, and little else.

WINDOWS 10

When Windows is first installed on your Windows 10 system, the default Lock Screen image may not be to your liking. Fortunately, you can change the Lock Screen image by following these simple steps:

1. Click on the Windows icon and type "Lock Screen" (without the quotes) and press Enter. Windows displays the Lock Screen window of the Settings dialog box.
2. Click on the drop-down list under the Background heading to choose Windows Spotlight, Picture or Slideshow.
3. Depending on what option you chose in Step 2, you can choose a picture or an album to set as your Lock Screen image. (See Figure 1.)



Figure 1. The Lock Screen window of the Settings dialog box.

Windows provides four standard images from which you can choose. You aren't limited to these four options, though. You can choose any photo you want by clicking Browse. Using this option, you can browse through the pictures on your system to find the photo and chose it for the Lock Screen.

WINDOWS 8

When Windows is first installed, the Lock Screen shows a stylistic interpretation of the Seattle skyline. (Makes sense, I guess, since Microsoft is headquartered in a Seattle suburb.) This may not be to your liking, however. Fortunately, you can change the Lock Screen image by following a few simple steps:

1. Display the Charms bar at the right side of your screen. (Do this by swiping right-to-left or moving the mouse to the very upper-right or lower-right of the screen. You can also accomplish this step by pressing Win+C.)
2. Click Settings. Windows displays the Settings bar at the right side of the screen.
3. Choose the Change PC Settings option. Windows displays the PC Settings screen.
4. Choose Personalize at the left side of the screen.
5. Choose Lock Screen at the right side of the screen.

Windows provides six standard images from which you can choose. You aren't limited to these six options, though. You can choose any photo you want by clicking Browse. Using this option, you can browse through the pictures on your system to find the photo and chose it for the Lock Screen.

 This tip (12731) applies to Windows 8 and 10.