I have a problem with the Win 10 lock screen that so far defies repair. I turned on the “Windows Spotlight” pictures for the lock screen and all I get is a plain blue screen when I log in. I’ve tried to do many things to fix this such as the SFC which repaired some files but didn’t fix the problem. I also added new pictures to the directory for the lock screen to no avail. One piece of advice was to rename the pictures as jpg’s which I did and still no pictures show up. I can get pictures if I choose “picture” but not “Windows spotlight”. Can anyone offer any suggestions to get these pictures to show up on the log-in screen? I’ve spent hours on this and with no end in sight.
![]() |
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
-
Windows 10 Lock screen pictures
Home » Forums » AskWoody support » Windows » Windows 10 » Questions: Win10 » Windows 10 Lock screen pictures
- This topic has 8 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 3 months ago by
anonymous.
Viewing 0 reply threadsAuthorReplies-
b
AskWoody_MVPFebruary 4, 2019 at 3:26 pm #321123Windows Spotlight for the lock screen uses Bing images before you log in (and as you’re logging in if you’ve switched on Start, Settings, Personalization, Lock screen, “Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen”), but not after you log in.
If you want pictures from a folder on the lock screen, select Picture or Slideshow.
If you want the automatically changing Bing images, try resetting Windows Spotlight:
Is Windows Spotlight broken or stuck on the same image?
If so, this guide details the steps to fix the issue.
How to fix Windows Spotlight Lock screen errors
Or watch the YouTube video on this page, which is basically the same fix:
[FIX] Windows Spotlight Not Working In Windows 10
Or download a batch file here which will take the steps for you:
How to Reset and Re-register Windows Spotlight in Windows 10
It appears that Microsoft Edge has to be enabled as a Background app under Privacy Settings for Windows Spotlight to function correctly.
-
anonymous
Guest -
Paul T
AskWoody MVP -
anonymous
GuestFebruary 6, 2019 at 4:49 am #322010Paul – Basically a way to change the picture – it seems to be hardcoded into the system – (this is the screen you get after bootup – which you tap – and before entering password, not screensavers or slideshow which can be easily changed).
There is a program available which turns it into a color, preferable to the picture, and a video on Youtube which is a long workaround for changing the picture, but the user’s screen is in German which makes it tough to follow. Have not been able to find anything else. Thanks for your reply.
-
-
-
b
AskWoody_MVPFebruary 6, 2019 at 12:12 pm #322212See OPTION TWO Change Lock Screen Background Image using “PC settings” in Windows 8.1 at Windows 8 Forums > Tutorials > Lock Screen – Background Image – Change in Windows 8
-
anonymous
Guest -
anonymous
GuestFebruary 9, 2019 at 3:05 am #323193b – Thanks for this. It turns out that what I call the pre-logon screen is actually the default lock screen. The lock screen is the one where you are all ready signed in. From the site in Information -“The default Lock screen image is the one that displays when there are no users currently signed in to Windows or selected on the sign in screen.”
I had a look at his suggestion for changing this but it is dated 2014 and I think I read that this option is no longer available? However will try. Also had a look at the program suggested there – this is the one I had looked at before. In any case, thank you so much – I have had a few manic searches over extended periods since getting 8.1 and I think I tried most options, but I really appreciate your help. Will try his manual approach to changing default lock screen and see what happens. Many thanks.
-
anonymous
GuestFebruary 10, 2019 at 5:45 am #323429Bizarrely, for anyone finding this on a search, after last post I went into PC Settings and Browsed for a Lock Screen picture and it worked, when it had never before! Only thing I can think of is I had setting for slideshow on, and I turned it off. Maybe this will help someone. You can just change it after all and it is actually quite easy. Swipe then go to PC Settings – look at options, browse for a Lock Screen picture. When you reboot you get your own picture.
-
-
-
Viewing 0 reply threads - This topic has 8 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 3 months ago by
-

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Get Plus!
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Search Newsletters
Search Forums
View the Forum
Search for Topics
Recent Topics
-
Trump signs Take It Down Act
by
Alex5723
4 hours ago -
Do you have a maintenance window?
by
Susan Bradley
4 hours, 26 minutes ago -
Freshly discovered bug in OpenPGP.js undermines whole point of encrypted comms
by
Nibbled To Death By Ducks
5 hours, 34 minutes ago -
Success Knows No End in the World of Online Slots (Awaiting moderation)
by
isobelhartmann1
5 hours, 43 minutes ago -
Cox Communications and Charter Communications to merge
by
not so anon
7 hours, 20 minutes ago -
Help with WD usb driver on Windows 11
by
Tex265
12 hours, 30 minutes ago -
hibernate activation
by
e_belmont
16 hours, 15 minutes ago -
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 with AI assistant
by
Alex5723
20 hours, 3 minutes ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26200.5603 released to DEV
by
joep517
23 hours, 8 minutes ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26120.4151 (24H2) released to BETA
by
joep517
23 hours, 9 minutes ago -
Fixing Windows 24H2 failed KB5058411 install
by
Alex5723
22 minutes ago -
Out of band for Windows 10
by
Susan Bradley
1 day, 3 hours ago -
Giving UniGetUi a test run.
by
RetiredGeek
1 day, 10 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.4188 (24H2) released to Release Preview
by
joep517
1 day, 18 hours ago -
Microsoft is now putting quantum encryption in Windows builds
by
Alex5723
4 hours, 30 minutes ago -
Auto Time Zone Adjustment
by
wadeer
1 day, 22 hours ago -
To download Win 11 Pro 23H2 ISO.
by
Eddieloh
1 day, 20 hours ago -
Manage your browsing experience with Edge
by
Mary Branscombe
1 day, 1 hour ago -
Fewer vulnerabilities, larger updates
by
Susan Bradley
13 hours, 37 minutes ago -
Hobbies — There’s free software for that!
by
Deanna McElveen
20 hours, 1 minute ago -
Apps included with macOS
by
Will Fastie
17 hours, 53 minutes ago -
Xfinity home internet
by
MrJimPhelps
14 hours, 40 minutes ago -
Convert PowerPoint presentation to Impress
by
RetiredGeek
1 day, 15 hours ago -
Debian 12.11 released
by
Alex5723
2 days, 20 hours ago -
Microsoft: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
by
Alex5723
2 days, 23 hours ago -
Woman Files for Divorce After ChatGPT “Reads” Husband’s Coffee Cup
by
Alex5723
2 days, 3 hours ago -
Moving fwd, Win 11 Pro,, which is best? Lenovo refurb
by
Deo
6 hours, 51 minutes ago -
DBOS Advanced Network Analysis
by
Kathy Stevens
3 days, 16 hours ago -
Microsoft Edge Launching Automatically?
by
healeyinpa
3 days, 7 hours ago -
Google Chrome to block admin-level browser launches for better security
by
Alex5723
1 day, 4 hours ago
Recent blog posts
Key Links
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2025 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.