How To Change Lock Screen On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

4 min. read

Published on November 11, 2025

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The lock screen on Windows 11 is the first thing you see when you boot up your computer or when it’s been idle for a while. It displays the time, date, and notifications, and it’s also where you can choose to log in. Customizing your lock screen can add a personal touch to your device, making it more visually appealing and reflective of your individual style.

Fortunately, changing the lock screen on Windows 11 is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to personalize your lock screen with your favorite images or slideshows, ensuring a more enjoyable and customized user experience.

Want a New Look? Changing Your Windows 11 Lock Screen

Accessing Lock Screen Settings

Right-click on any empty space on your desktop.
Select “Personalize” from the context menu. This will open the Personalization settings in the Settings app.

Navigating to the Lock Screen Options

In the Personalization settings, click on “Lock screen”. This will take you to the lock screen customization options.

Choosing a Lock Screen Background

Click on the dropdown menu labeled “Personalize your lock screen.”
Select one of the following options:

Windows spotlight: Displays a rotating selection of stunning images curated by Microsoft.
Picture: Allows you to select a single image from your computer to use as your lock screen background.
Slideshow: Enables you to create a slideshow of images from a folder on your computer.

Setting a Picture as Your Lock Screen

Select “Picture” from the “Personalize your lock screen” dropdown menu.
Click the “Browse photos” button.
Navigate to the folder containing the image you want to use.
Select the image and click “Choose picture.” The selected image will now be displayed as your lock screen background.

Creating a Slideshow for Your Lock Screen

Select “Slideshow” from the “Personalize your lock screen” dropdown menu.
Click the “Add a folder” button.
Navigate to the folder containing the images you want to include in the slideshow.
Select the folder and click “Choose this folder.”
Customize the slideshow settings (e.g., shuffle pictures, show lock screen background on the sign-in screen) according to your preferences.

Customizing Lock Screen Status

Scroll down to the “Lock screen status” section.
Click on the dropdown menu under “Choose an app to show detailed status.”
Select an app to display detailed status information on the lock screen (e.g., Calendar, Mail).
Choose which apps to display quick status updates by clicking on the plus signs under “Choose apps to show quick status on the lock screen”.

Tips for a Stunning Lock Screen

Use high-resolution images: Ensure your chosen images are high-resolution for the best visual quality.
Choose images that resonate with you: Select images that you find visually appealing and that reflect your personal style.
Consider a slideshow: A slideshow can keep your lock screen fresh and interesting by rotating through a variety of images.
Keep it clean: Avoid cluttered images that can make it difficult to see the time and notifications.
Experiment with different settings: Play around with the various customization options to find the perfect look for your lock screen.

Comparison of Lock Screen Options

Feature	Windows Spotlight	Picture	Slideshow
Image Source	Microsoft curated	User	User folder
Image Rotation	Automatic	Static	Automatic
Customization	Limited	High	High
Internet Needed	Yes	No	No
Ideal For	Discovery	Personal	Variety

A Personalized Visual Welcome

Changing the lock screen on Windows 11 is a simple way to personalize your computing experience. By following these steps, you can easily customize your lock screen to reflect your individual style and preferences.