How To Change Lock Screen On Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

4 min. read

Published on November 8, 2025

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The lock screen on Windows 10 is the first thing you see when you turn on your computer or after it’s been idle for a while. Customizing this screen not only adds a personal touch but can also provide quick access to important information. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to change the lock screen on Windows 10, allowing you to personalize your device and make it truly your own.

Changing your lock screen is a simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. You can choose from a variety of options, including using a personal picture, a slideshow of your favorite images, or a curated selection of stunning images provided by Windows Spotlight. Let’s explore how to change your lock screen and make your Windows 10 experience more enjoyable.

Want to Change Your Windows 10 Lock Screen? Here’s How

Accessing the Lock Screen Settings

To begin customizing your lock screen, you need to access the appropriate settings menu.

Click the Start button.
Click the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).
Click Personalization.
Select Lock screen from the left sidebar.

Choosing a Background Type

Windows 10 offers three primary options for your lock screen background: Windows Spotlight, Picture, and Slideshow.

In the “Background” dropdown menu, choose your preferred option:

Windows Spotlight: Displays a rotating selection of images curated by Microsoft.
Picture: Allows you to select a single image from your computer.
Slideshow: Displays a slideshow of images from a folder you specify.

Setting a Picture as Your Lock Screen

If you choose the “Picture” option, you’ll need to select an image.

Select Picture from the “Background” dropdown menu.
Click the Browse button.
Navigate to the folder containing your desired image.
Select the image and click Choose picture.

Creating a Slideshow for Your Lock Screen

The “Slideshow” option allows you to display a rotating selection of images.

Select Slideshow from the “Background” dropdown menu.
Click the Add a folder button.
Navigate to the folder containing your desired images.
Select the folder and click Choose this folder.
(Optional) Customize the slideshow settings:

Toggle “Shuffle pictures” to randomize the order.
Toggle “Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen” to use the lock screen image as your sign-in screen background.

Customizing Lock Screen Apps

Windows 10 allows you to display quick status updates and notifications from specific apps on your lock screen.

Scroll down to the “Choose an app to show detailed status on the lock screen” section.
Click on one of the app icons.
Select an app from the list.
(Optional) Choose up to seven apps to show quick status updates.

Tips

Use high-resolution images for the best visual quality on your lock screen.
Consider using images that reflect your personality or interests.
Experiment with different app combinations to find the information that’s most useful to you at a glance.
Regularly update your slideshow folder with new images to keep your lock screen fresh.

Achieving a Personalized Lock Screen

By following these steps, you can effortlessly personalize your Windows 10 lock screen to reflect your style and preferences. Whether you prefer a single striking image, a dynamic slideshow of your memories, or the curated beauty of Windows Spotlight, the choice is yours.

FAQ

How do I change the lock screen timeout settings? The lock screen timeout is linked to your screen timeout settings. Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep to adjust these settings.

Can I use animated GIFs as my lock screen background? No, Windows 10 does not natively support animated GIFs as lock screen backgrounds.

How do I disable Windows Spotlight? Select “Picture” or “Slideshow” from the “Background” dropdown menu to disable Windows Spotlight.

Why isn’t my lock screen image updating? Ensure that the image file hasn’t been moved or deleted. If using Windows Spotlight, check your internet connection.

Can I use multiple folders for my slideshow? Yes, you can add multiple folders to your slideshow by clicking the “Add a folder” button for each folder.

Comparison of Lock Screen Background Options

Feature	Windows Spotlight	Picture	Slideshow
Source	Microsoft curated images	User-selected image	User-selected folder of images
Customization	Limited; cannot control specific images	High; complete control over the image	Medium; control over folder and shuffle options
Dynamic Content	Yes; images change automatically	No; static image	Yes; images rotate automatically
Internet Required	Yes; for downloading new images	No; uses local image	No; uses local images
Ease of Use	Very easy; requires no setup	Easy; simple image selection	Medium; requires folder selection