Customize Windows 11 Sign-In Screen Wallpaper: 3 Easy Methods

Windows 11 comes packed with numerous customization features, providing users with the freedom to personalize their devices in ways that were not as accessible in previous iterations of the operating system. One such feature allows users to enable or disable the background wallpaper on the sign-in screen. This choice can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your login experience, giving you the option for a simple interface or a more colorful initial impression. Whether you want to declutter your sign-in process or just enjoy a personalized aesthetic, this guide will walk you through three different methods to enable or disable the sign-in screen wallpaper in Windows 11.

Table of Contents​

1. How to Turn On or Off Background on the Sign-in Screen for the Current User via Settings
2. How to Turn On or Off Background on the Sign-in Screen Using Registry Editor
3. How to Turn On or Off Background on the Sign-in Screen Using a REG File
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Changing the Sign-In Screen Background

   1. How to Turn On or Off Background on the Sign-in Screen for the Current User via Settings​

   For most users, the easiest way to customize the sign-in screen wallpaper is by utilizing the Windows Settings menu. This method leans on a user-friendly graphical interface:

   Steps:​

5. Open the Settings App:
   • Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon (Settings) from the list.
   • Alternatively, you can press Windows + I on your keyboard to access Settings directly.
   []Navigate to Personalization:
   • In the Settings window, click on Personalization in the left sidebar.
   • Select Lock Screen from the options displayed on the right panel.
   []Toggle the Sign-In Screen Background:
   • Look for the option labeled Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.
   • Use the toggle switch to enable or disable this wallpaper feature according to your preferences. This straightforward approach gets the job done efficiently and is ideal for users who prefer a more hands-off interface.

     2. How to Turn On or Off Background on the Sign-in Screen Using Registry Editor​

     For users who are more comfortable with advanced system settings, the Registry Editor offers a deeper look into system configurations that can be altered for personalized settings. This method grants you the flexibility to modify system keys directly.

     Steps:​

   []Access Windows Terminal:
   • Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
   • Confirm any prompts from User Account Control (UAC) as needed.
   []Find Your Security Identifier (SID):
   • In the terminal, enter the following command:
     Code:

      wmic useraccount get domain,name,sid

   • This will display a list of user accounts and their corresponding Security Identifiers (SID). Make a note of your SID as it will be utilized in the next steps.
   []Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Windows key, type regedit, and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
   []Navigate to Lock Screen Settings:
   • Go to the following path:
     Code:

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background

   []Add or Modify the DWORD Value:
   • Right-click in the right panel, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it HideLogonBackgroundImage.
   • Double-click the new DWORD to set its value. Input 1 to disable the wallpaper, or 0 for enabling it.
   • Click OK to save your modifications and restart your device for the changes to take effect. Altering the registry may seem daunting; however, it provides a more robust control over Windows settings that is not available through the standard menus.

     3. How to Turn On or Off Background on the Sign-in Screen Using a REG File​

     For those who prefer a more straightforward approach, using a pre-configured REG file can expedite the customization process with minimal effort. This method is ideal for users who do not wish to dive into the deeper settings of the registry:

     Steps:​

   []Download the Pre-configured REG File:
   • Obtain the REG file from a trusted source online (ensure it is a reputable site).
   • Unzip the downloaded file if it is compressed.
   []Run the REG File:
   • Locate the REG file, right-click and select Run as administrator.
   • You will be prompted with a confirmation window asking if you want to make changes to the registry; select Yes to initiate.
   []Finish the Process:
   • Another confirmation should appear stating the changes were successfully applied. Click OK.
   • Restart your computer to implement these settings. Running a REG file is typically the quickest way to change settings if you trust the source and content of the file.

     4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Changing the Sign-In Screen Background​

     Can I use a custom image for the sign-in screen wallpaper?​

     Yes, you can use a personalized image for the sign-in screen wallpaper. Simply navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen, select Background as Picture, and browse for your desired image.

     What should I do if my sign-in screen wallpaper isn’t changing?​

     If you're facing issues with your wallpaper not updating, verify that you have correctly applied the changes through Personalization. If the issue persists, check if Group Policies could be affecting your configurations.

     Is it safe to edit the registry to change the sign-in screen background?​

     Editing the registry can be safe when done cautiously. Always backup the registry and follow detailed guides to understand what you are changing.

     Can Group Policy affect my sign-in screen settings?​

     Yes, Group Policy can override user-specific settings, especially in managed environments where administrators enforce uniform configurations.

     How do I find my SID in Windows 11?​

     To find your SID, open Windows Terminal as an administrator and run the command:
     Code:

      wmic useraccount get name,sid

     What does the ‘HideLogonBackgroundImage’ DWORD value do in the registry?​

     This specific DWORD manages the visibility of the sign-in screen background. Setting it to 1 hides the image, while 0 reveals it.

     How can I restore the default sign-in screen settings if I made a mistake?​

     You can revert to default settings through Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen by resetting the options, or by deleting the modified registry entry.

     Can I set the sign-in screen background to sync with my desktop wallpaper?​

     As of the latest updates, Windows does not allow syncing the sign-in screen background directly with the desktop wallpaper. Third-party applications might be required for such features.

     How do I disable the sign-in screen background for all users?​

     Disabling the wallpaper for all users typically requires modifying Group Policy or registry settings under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

     What can cause an inability to change the wallpaper?​

     Restrictions can arise from applied Group Policies, corrupted system files, or insufficient permissions. Use the System File Checker tool to diagnose issues.

     Is there a way to programmatically change the sign-in screen background?​

     Indeed, PowerShell scripts can modify these background settings but require administrative rights and should be executed cautiously.

     Why might I want to disable the sign-in screen background image?​

     Opting to disable the background can streamline the login process or provide a cleaner interface, particularly in professional settings.

     Conclusion​

     Customizing the sign-in screen wallpaper in Windows 11 enhances your user experience, allowing for a more personalized touch. Whether by utilizing the settings menu, diving into the registry, or employing a convenient REG file, you now have multiple methods available to you. The flexibility these options provide ensures that every user can tailor their Windows 11 experience according to their preferences. Source: WinBuzzer How to Enable or Disable the Sign-in Screen Wallpaper in Windows 11