Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11

Changing your wallpaper in Windows 11 is one of the best ways to customize your desktop. Adding a new wallpaper to your desktop is like redecorating your room, and a visually appealing wallpaper will help make your Windows 11 PC shine.

There are several ways you can change your desktop background in Windows 11. Windows 11's Settings app, Photos, and File Explorer have alternative options for changing the background. You can also apply wallpaper changes using third-party software. Here are some methods for changing your Windows desktop wallpaper

Table of Contents of the Article

Change wallpaper by choosing new Windows theme

Different Windows desktop themes have unique backgrounds and color schemes. So choosing a different desktop theme is also a way to change the background. You can change the theme in Windows through Settings as follows:

1. Open the Settings window .

2. Select Personalization > Themes to open the display settings shown just below.

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Theme options

3. Click Custom to see the default themes included with Windows 11.

4. Select a theme there with a different wallpaper than your current wallpaper.

You can add a new theme background to Windows by clicking Browse themes. Select a theme from the MS Store. Click Get on the theme's page and select the Open button to add the theme. You can then select the theme in Settings. Your desktop will then change to the theme background.

Change desktop wallpaper using File Explorer

File Explorer includes a Set as background option, which lets you add a selected image file to your desktop background without opening Settings. Here's how you can change your desktop background using Explorer.

1. To open File Explorer , press Win + E or click the folder icon on the taskbar.

2. Open a folder containing the images that you can change the wallpaper for.

3. Select the file for the image to add to the screen.

4. Click the Set as background button to change the background image.

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Set as background option in File Explorer

Change wallpaper via context menu

The File Explorer context menu also includes a Set as background option . If you right-click a file in a folder, you can choose that option. You can also right-click an image file on your desktop and choose the Set as background option on the context menu to change the background image.

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Set as background context menu option

Change wallpaper using Photos app

Photos is the default image viewing app in Windows 11. It includes two options you can choose from to add images opened in it to your desktop or lock screen.

Here are the steps to change your computer wallpaper using Photos:

1. Open the Start menu and click the Photos app pinned there.

2. Scroll through your saved images in Photos to find and select your desktop wallpaper there.

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Photos App

3. Click the See more button on the Photos toolbar .

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Set as wallpaper option

4. Select the Set as submenu .

5. Then click on the Set as background option to change the background image for the selected photo.

Change wallpaper with Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome

Most users will browse the World Wide Web to find new wallpapers for their desktop. Instead of saving an image, you can change your Windows 11 desktop background directly from Firefox. The browser includes a handy Set Image as Desktop Background option that you can choose to change your wallpaper in Windows 11.

Here's how you can change your desktop wallpaper using Firefox:

1. If you don't already have Firefox installed, download Firefox . Then, open it and go through the Firefox setup wizard to install the software.

2. Open Firefox browser.

3. Type www.google.com in Firefox's URL bar and press Enter.

4. Click Images in Google .

5. Enter a keyword into the Google search box to find matching images.

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Image Search

6. Right-click the image to change the Windows wallpaper to the one in the search results and select Set Image as Desktop Background .

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Firefox's Set Image as Desktop Background option

Google Chrome doesn't include any built-in context menu option to set an image as your desktop background. However, you can add a similar option to Chrome with the "Set as desktop background" extension . To do so, follow these steps.

1. Open the Chrome Web Store page of the Set as desktop background extension .

2. Click on the Add to Chrome option to install the extension.

3. Click the Add extension button.

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Add to Chrome button

4. Open Google search engine and enter a keyword in it.

5. Select Images to view image thumbnails.

6. Right-click on the image thumbnail and select the new Set as desktop background option on Chrome's context menu.

Instructions to change wallpaper on Windows 11
Set as desktop background option in Chrome

Change Windows 11 wallpaper with dedicated application

There are several desktop apps that help you change your Windows 11 wallpaper. Some of them let you choose multiple wallpapers to change. Others automatically change your desktop wallpaper based on a specific source, like Bing or Unsplash.

You can change your desktop wallpaper by:

Bing search engine can make for great desktop wallpapers, as it allows you to set the search engine's wallpaper as your own.

Why use the default Windows 11 wallpaper when you can add something much more interesting to your desktop? There are many web sources from which you can download visually appealing wallpapers. Changing your desktop wallpaper in Windows 11 is simple with all the methods above. Choose whichever method you prefer to change your desktop background.

Good luck!

Leave a Comment

How to Fix Windows 11 DPC Watchdog Violation SSD Fix

How to Fix Windows 11 DPC Watchdog Violation SSD Fix

Struggling with the frustrating DPC Watchdog Violation error on Windows 11? Discover step-by-step SSD fixes to resolve this BSOD issue quickly and get your PC running smoothly again. Updated with the latest solutions.

Solving Printer Error 709 on Windows 11 Shared Printers

Solving Printer Error 709 on Windows 11 Shared Printers

Struggling with Printer Error 709 on Windows 11 shared printers? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve this frustrating issue and get your printing back on track without the hassle. Updated with the latest solutions for smooth workflow.

Solving ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on Windows 11 Browsers

Solving ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on Windows 11 Browsers

Struggling with ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on Windows 11? Discover proven fixes for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Clear cache, update TLS, and more to secure your browsing instantly.

How to remove Copilot and other AI features in Windows

How to remove Copilot and other AI features in Windows

If you don't care about having extra bloatware on your system, there are ways to remove or disable Windows Copilot on Windows 11.

10 Windows 11 settings to maximize laptop battery life

10 Windows 11 settings to maximize laptop battery life

Laptop batteries degrade over time and lose capacity, resulting in less battery life. But after tweaking some deeper Windows 11 settings, you should see a significant improvement in battery life.

Microsoft spams Copilot QR codes on Windows 11 lock screen to lure users

Microsoft spams Copilot QR codes on Windows 11 lock screen to lure users

The year 2023 saw Microsoft betting heavily on artificial intelligence and its partnership with OpenAI to make Copilot a reality.

Microsoft details Bluetooth LE Audio requirements and support for Windows 11, 10

Microsoft details Bluetooth LE Audio requirements and support for Windows 11, 10

Microsoft introduced Bluetooth LE (low energy) Audio support with Windows 11 22H2 KB5026446 (build 22621.1778), also known as Moment 3, in May 2023.

Compare Windows 10 and Windows 11

Compare Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 11 has officially launched, compared to Windows 10 Windows 11 also has many changes, from the interface to new features. Please follow the details in the article below.

What a Classic 90s-Style Windows 11 Interface Would Look Like

What a Classic 90s-Style Windows 11 Interface Would Look Like

There's always something incredibly cool about the nostalgic user interface of 90s versions of Windows.

Microsoft: TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 is mandatory and non-negotiable

Microsoft: TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 is mandatory and non-negotiable

More than three years ago, when Microsoft announced Windows 11, the operating system immediately caused a lot of controversy.

2 ways to create Windows 11 bootable USB using Mac

2 ways to create Windows 11 bootable USB using Mac

Creating a Windows 11 bootable USB on a Mac is definitely more difficult than on a Windows PC, but it's not impossible.

Should I update Windows 11 now?

Should I update Windows 11 now?

Windows 11 officially launched on October 5, 2021. Unlike previous major Windows 10 upgrades, Microsoft is not encouraging people to upgrade this time.

Super slimmed down Windows 11 version is just over 100MB in size

Super slimmed down Windows 11 version is just over 100MB in size

Developer NTDEV has created a stripped down version of Windows 11 that's just 100MB.

More Windows 11 PCs Will Soon Get AI Copilot+

More Windows 11 PCs Will Soon Get AI Copilot+

Microsoft debuted most of its more advanced AI features with the Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PC, leaving many Intel and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs out of the picture.

Windows 11 Market Share Is Quickly Catching Up to Windows 10

Windows 11 Market Share Is Quickly Catching Up to Windows 10

The October 2024 report provides an overview of Windows 11's market share compared to other versions of Windows.

How to Use Windows 11 Quick Assist for Help

How to Use Windows 11 Quick Assist for Help

Discover how to use Windows 11 Quick Assist for seamless remote support. Learn step-by-step setup, troubleshooting, and tips to help friends or family with tech issues instantly.

Troubleshooting Windows 11 Dual Monitor Lag Fixes

Troubleshooting Windows 11 Dual Monitor Lag Fixes

Struggling with dual monitor lag on Windows 11? Discover proven troubleshooting fixes to eliminate stuttering, delays, and performance issues for seamless multi-monitor setups. Step-by-step guide inside.

How to Fix Windows 11 Startup Settings Blank Error

How to Fix Windows 11 Startup Settings Blank Error

Struggling with the frustrating Windows 11 "Startup Settings" blank error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore your boot options quickly and get your PC running smoothly again. No tech expertise needed!

How to Activate Windows 11 Enterprise with KMS

How to Activate Windows 11 Enterprise with KMS

Discover how to activate Windows 11 Enterprise using KMS effortlessly. This comprehensive guide covers everything from requirements to troubleshooting, ensuring seamless activation for your business needs.

How to Fix Windows 11 Kmode Exception Not Handled

How to Fix Windows 11 Kmode Exception Not Handled

Struggling with the dreaded KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED error on Windows 11? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve this blue screen nightmare quickly and get your PC running smoothly again. No tech expertise needed!

Troubleshooting Windows 11 Motherboard Driver Error Fix

Troubleshooting Windows 11 Motherboard Driver Error Fix

Struggling with Windows 11 "Motherboard" Driver Error? Discover proven troubleshooting steps to fix it fast and get your PC running smoothly again. Easy, step-by-step guide for beginners.

How to Fix Windows 11 Ping Spikes Over Wi-Fi Fixes

How to Fix Windows 11 Ping Spikes Over Wi-Fi Fixes

Struggling with ping spikes on Windows 11 over Wi-Fi? Discover proven fixes to stabilize your connection, reduce lag, and enjoy smooth gaming or streaming. Step-by-step solutions for instant results.

How to Recover Deleted Photos in Windows 11

How to Recover Deleted Photos in Windows 11

Accidentally deleted precious photos? Discover proven methods to recover deleted photos in Windows 11 effortlessly. Step-by-step guides, tools, and tips to restore your images safely.

How to Use Windows 11 Terminal Instead of CMD

How to Use Windows 11 Terminal Instead of CMD

Discover how to use Windows 11 Terminal instead of CMD for a modern, efficient command-line interface. Learn installation, setup, and tips to boost your productivity with tabs, themes, and more.

How to Activate Windows 11 Pro Without a Product Key

How to Activate Windows 11 Pro Without a Product Key

Discover safe, legitimate ways to activate Windows 11 Pro without a product key. Learn step-by-step methods using built-in tools and official Microsoft options to get your OS up and running smoothly. No risks, no hassle – just pure productivity.

Fixing Battery Drain During Hibernate in Windows 11

Fixing Battery Drain During Hibernate in Windows 11

Struggling with battery drain during hibernate in Windows 11? Discover expert fixes to preserve your laptop

How to Fix Windows 11 Input Lag for Valorant and CS2

How to Fix Windows 11 Input Lag for Valorant and CS2

Struggling with input lag in Windows 11 while playing Valorant or CS2? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore smooth gameplay and boost your performance. Say goodbye to delays and hello to precision shots.

How to Fix Out of Memory Error in Microsoft Edge

How to Fix Out of Memory Error in Microsoft Edge

Struggling with the frustrating "Out of Memory" error in Microsoft Edge? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to reclaim your browsing speed and stability. Updated with the latest tips for optimal performance.

How to Fix Windows 11 Google Drive Not Launching Fix

How to Fix Windows 11 Google Drive Not Launching Fix

Struggling with Google Drive not launching on Windows 11? Discover proven fixes to resolve the issue fast, from restarts to advanced troubleshooting. Get your cloud storage working seamlessly today!

How to Disable Gamebar Presence Writer for Performance

How to Disable Gamebar Presence Writer for Performance

Discover how to disable Game Bar Presence Writer on Windows to optimize gaming performance. Step-by-step guide to reduce lag, boost FPS, and enhance your setup for smoother gameplay. Essential tips for gamers in 2026.