Whether you want to personalize your new laptop or wondering how to change the desktop background on Windows 10 in different ways? This guide has got you covered.
Also Read: How to Change Taskbar Color in Windows 10
Scroll down to find all the ways to change the wallpaper on Windows 10; besides that, you will also find out how to set a slideshow and change the wallpaper by setting a Theme.
Method 1. Change Desktop Background on Windows 10 Using the Right-click Menu
From how your Desktop looks to enabling you to create a new folder, the right-click menu option offers a doorway to several options on Windows 10. One such shortcut is Personalization — which lets you access the Personalization options in the Settings menu quickly.
Follow these simple steps to learn how to change desktop background on Windows 10 through the Context menu on Desktop.
Step 1. Right-click on an empty section of your Desktop.
Choose Personalization (last option).
Step 2. On the left pane, choose Background.
On the right pane, under the Background drop-down menu options — choose Picture.
Step 3. Click on Browse to pick the image that you want to change to desktop background on Windows 10.
*** You can also select the one-of the existing image by clicking on it.
Step 4. Navigate from the pop-up window to choose the picture that you want to set as Wallpaper.
Select the image (single mouse-click).
Opt for Choose Picture option.
Once you pick the image, Windows 10 will change the Wallpaper.
Make a note of the steps mentioned as some other ways to change the desktop background on Windows 10 utilize the same approach.
Method 2. Change Desktop Background on Windows 10 via the PC Settings
PC Settings is the official way for users to customize and personalize Windows 10 easily; among several options, it also includes options to change the desktop background on Windows 10.
Here’s how to change desktop background on Windows 10 via the PC Settings:
Step 1. Navigate to the Start menu, click on the Settings (⚙️) gear icon to open the PC Settings.
Step 2. Choose Personalization.
The successive steps to change the background on Windows 10 (using PC Settings) reflects the same steps mentioned in Method 1 (change using the Right-click menu), i.e.,
Step 3. Choose Background.
Step 4. Select Picture from the drop-down options.
Step 5. Click on Browse to pick the image.
Step 6. Locate the desired image.
Step 7. Click on it to select the image.
Step 8. Select the Choose Picture option.
As mentioned, Windows 10 incorporates the Personalization option within the Settings app; so, irrespective of the method you choose — Right-click menu or PC Settings — the process remains the same.
Method 3. Change Wallpaper on Windows 10 by Set as Desktop Background
Looking for the simplest way to change the desktop background on Windows 10? This is it.
Here’s how to change the background on Windows 10 using this simple two-step process:
Step 1. Hover to the desired picture and right-click on it.
Step 2. From the list of options in the Context menu, choose Set as desktop background.
Note: You can also open the image (with the Photos app) and then choose the Set as desktop background option. There you will also have the choices to Set as lock screen display and Set as app title.
Method 4. Change Wallpaper on Windows 10 by Setting a New Theme
The Theme option in Windows 10 allows you to set a combination of desktop background images, colors, sounds, even the mouse cursor.
While Windows 10 already includes some Themes, including the Windows 10 default (and depending on the manufacturer — more), you can purchase or utilize free themes from the Microsoft store. Plus, you can also create your personal Themes and save them. Thus, this method on how to change the background on Windows 10 will come in handy eventually.
Follow these simple steps to learn how to change Wallpaper on Windows 10 utilizing the Themes options:
Step 1. Open the Settings app.
Step 2. Choose Personalization.
Step 3. Select the Themes option on the left menu.
Step 4. On the right pane, under the Change Themes option,
Double-click on the desired Theme to apply.
After clicking the Theme, Windows automatically personalizes the Settings (pre-configured within the respective themes).
Note: To edit the preset themes, go to the preceding option — Themes and configure it according to preference.
Method 5. Set a Slideshow with Multiple Desktop Wallpapers in Windows 10
Like the above methods, setting a slideshow is just as simple. The Slideshow feature allows you to cycle (for the set duration) all your favorite images and set them as wallpaper.
And, if you do not like seeing the same Wallpaper every day— this option is for you.
Follow these simple steps to set a slideshow with multiple desktop Wallpapers in Windows 10:
Note: Before proceeding with the following steps, copy all the images you want to set as Wallpaper(s) in a separate folder. Alternatively, you can also use a OneDrive folder to accomplish the same.
Step 1. Open the Settings by pressing Win(⊞)+I simultaneously.
Choose Personalization.
Alternatively, you can right-click on the Desktop and choose the Personalization option.
Step 2. On the left pane, select Background.
On the right pane, choose Slideshow from the background drop menu.
Step 3. Under the Choose albums for your slideshow option,
Click Browse.
Step 4. Within the pop-up window, hover to the folder containing all the images and select it.
Click on Choose this folder option.
Step 5. Under Change Picture every option, choose the desired time interval.
You can choose to change the image from every 1 minute to 1 day. And depending on the selected option, the OS will cycle the Wallpaper on Windows 10 desktop.
Step 6. After choosing the time interval, you can personalize using the subsequent option, i.e.,
- Enable the Shuffle toggle if you want Windows to randomly choose the desktop background (from the images folder).
- Enable the Battery option — if you want Windows to keep it moving even when on battery.
- Under the Choose a fit option — you can choose the image ratio that best suits your desktop screen.
Note: If you do not find Battery options, you are utilizing an older version of Windows 10. To enable it nonetheless:
- Press Win(⊞)+X.
- Choose Power Option.
- On the right pane (Control Panel), opt for Change Plan Settings.
- On the new menu, choose Change advanced power settings (at the bottom-left).
- Under Power Options, expand Desktop background settings.
- Select Slideshow.
- Change On battery option to Available.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK to save the changes.
FAQs (Change Windows 10 wallpaper)
1. What is the difference between the Lock Screen (wallpaper) and Background (wallpaper) in Windows 10?
The Background options in Windows 10 allow you to customize your desktop look — the one you see after you log in.
The Lock Screen options, on the other hand, includes options to customize your lock screen menu — the one you see at the time of start (before entering onto Windows 10.)
2. What is the Keyboard Shortcut to change the wallpaper on Windows 10?
There isn’t a direct shortcut to change the wallpaper; however, you can follow review Method 3 — change the wallpaper by opting to Set as desktop background for a quick approach.
Hopefully, this guide on how to change the background on Windows 10 includes a method that caters to your preference.
