5 Ways to Fix Desktop Background Keeps Changing in Windows 11

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

Fix 1: Check Desktop Background Settings

Enabling wallpaper slideshow in Windows can cause your desktop background to change at regular intervals. So, it’s a good idea to use a static image as a wallpaper for your computer’s desktop. Here’s how to do that.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app and head toPersonalization > Background.

Step 2:Click on the drop-down menu next toPersonalize your backgroundand selectPictureorSolid color.

Fix 2: Prevent Windows From Syncing Settings

Enabling Windows sync allows you to synchronize your settings and preferences across multiple devices. As a result, when you change the desktop background on one device, it affects all linked devices. If you don’t want that to happen, here’s how tostop Windows from syncing your settings.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app. Then, go toAccounts>Windows backup.

Step 2:Click onRemember my preferencesand clear the checkmark in front ofOther Windows settings.

Fix 3: Check Ease of Access Settings

The Ease of Access settings in Windows make it simple for people with disabilities or impairments to use their computers. If you’ve recently altered these settings to improve screen visibility, Windows may change the desktop background automatically. Here’s how to stop that.

Step 1:Click thesearch iconon the taskbar, typecontrol panelin the box, and pressEnter.

Step 2:In the Control Panel window, use the drop-down menu at the top right corner to change the view type toLarge icons. Then, click onEase of Access Center.

Step 3:ClickMake the computer easier to see.

Step 4:Scroll down to clear theRemove background imagescheckbox and hitApply.

Fix 4: Delete Corrupt Theme Files

The existing themefiles on your computer may have become corruptedor inaccessible. If that’s the case, you must get rid of the damaged theme files.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Rto open the Run dialog box. Copy and paste the following path in the Open field and pressEnter:

Step 2:When the File Explorer opens, click theViewmenu at the top and selectShow>Hidden items.

Step 3:PressCtrl + Ato select everything within the Themes folder and click thetrash iconat the top to delete it.

Fix 5: Use the Registry Editor to Lock Desktop Background Settings

If you use a shared computer, you can stop other users from changing the desktop background by modifying a few registry files. Of course, this is only possible if you have administrative privileges on Windows.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Rto open the Run tool. Typeregeditin the box and pressEnter.

Step 2:In the Registry Editor window, paste the following path in the address bar at the top and pressEnter.

Step 3:Right-click on thePolicieskey, go toNew, and selectKeyfrom the sub-menu. Name the keyActiveDesktop.

Step 4:Right-click theActiveDesktopkey, go toNew, and selectDWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the DWORDNoChangingWallPaper.

Step 5:Double-click theNoChangingWallPapervalue and enter1in the Value data field. Then, clickOK.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 02 May, 2024

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Name*

Email*

Comment*

Δ

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Windows

Copilot Missing on Windows 11? Here’s How to Bring It Back

How to Use Google Calendar on Windows 11

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.