Share this article
Improve this guide
Can’t Change Background in Windows 10: How to Force it
Apply these solutions if you can’t change background on Windows 10 PC
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
If you cannot change your desktop background on your Windows 10 computer, it could be the setting is disabled, or there’s another underlying cause.
Several users have reported not being able to change the background on their Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, ultimately not allowing them to customize their PCs as per their requirements.
If you’ve tried all the basic fixes you know and nothing seems to work, then you can check out some of the workarounds below and see if one of these does the trick for you.
Why can’t I change my background on Windows 10?
Here are some common reasons you can’t change the background on your Windows 10 PC.
What do I do if I can’t change the background on Windows 10?
1. Preliminary fixes
2. Check that your Windows 10 is activated
3. Create a new user profile with admin rights
Login to your new account and set the desktop background again.
4. Delete TranscodedWallpaper or slideshow file in Registry editor
5. Use Registry Editor
6. Perform a clean boot
7. Disable the video driver
8. Use Ease of Access center
9. Check that Plugged In option in desktop background settings is available
10. Use Group Policy Editor
11. Activate the Show Windows Background option
What do I do if I can’t change the background on Windows 11?
You can also apply all the solutions mentioned above for Windows 11 PC, where you cannot change the desktop background.
However, if nothing works, we suggest you perform a clean install. Not only will this eliminate all the bugs, glitches, viruses, or malware that might be present on your PC, but it will also replace the corrupt or missing system files.
How do I reset my desktop background?
Did any of these solutions help you restore the change background feature? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.
More about the topics:desktop background,windows 10 fix
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
User forum
4 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
