How to change background image on Windows 10

You have multiple ways to change the Windows 10 desktop wallpaper, and here's how.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
@Pureinfotech
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Windows 10 change background image
Windows 10 change background image

On Windows 10, you can change the desktop background image (or wallpaper) in multiple ways using the Settings app or File Explorer. Although the operating system comes with a default background, you can always set a different image to refresh and personalize the experience.

You can do this by applying a custom image or slideshow through the “Background” settings. You can use a different picture on each display if you have a multi-monitor setup. It’s also possible to change the desktop wallpaper through File Explorer or apply a theme from the Microsoft Store.

In this guide, you will learn how to change the desktop background on Windows 10.

Change Windows 10 desktop background image with Settings

To change the desktop background image on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Background.

  4. Use the “Background” drop-down menu and select the Picture option.

    Background picture option

  5. (Optional) Under the “Choose your picture” section, select one of the recent background images.

  6. Click the Browse button.

  7. Select the new background image you want to set on the desktop.

  8. Click the Choose picture button.

  9. Use the “Choose a fit” drop-down menu and select one of the available options, including Fill, Fit, Stretch, Tile, Center, or Span.

Once you complete the steps, the wallpaper will appear on the Windows 10 desktop.

Change Windows 10 desktop background image per monitor

If you have multiple monitors, you can set a different background image for each display. Here’s how:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Background.

  4. Use the “Background” drop-down menu and select the Picture option.

  5. Click the Browse button.

  6. Select the image you want to use on the desktop.

  7. Repeat steps No. 5 and 6 to add more images to the recent list.

  8. Right-click the image and select the “Set for monitor” option.

    Change wallpaper multi-monitor

  9. Repeat step No. 7 to set a different image on the remaining monitors.

After you complete the steps, every monitor will show a different background image.

Change Windows 10 desktop background image with Slideshow

To rotate images in the background for the Windows 10 desktop, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Background.

  4. Use the “Background” drop-down menu and select the Slideshow option.

    Windows 10 desktop slideshow

  5. Click the Browse button.

  6. Select the folder with the images you want to set on the Windows 10 desktop.

  7. Click the “Choose this folder” button.

  8. (Optional) Use the “Change picture every” drop-down menu to select how often to rotate the images.

  9. (Optional) Turn on the Shuffle toggle switch to randomize how the images appear on the desktop.

  10. Use the “Choose a fit” drop-down menu and select one of the available options, including Fill, Fit, Stretch, Tile, Center, or Span.

Once you complete the steps, the desktop will display the images you selected and the time you specified.

Change Windows 10 desktop background image with File Explorer

To change the desktop background image with File Explorer, use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Browse to the folder with the image you want to use.

  3. Right-click the image and select the Set as desktop background option.

    File Explorer change desktop background

After you complete the steps, the picture will be reflected on the desktop.

Change Windows 10 desktop background image with Themes

To download and apply a theme to change the desktop background on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Themes.

  4. Under the “Change theme” section, click the “Get more themes in Microsoft Store” option.

    Download themes for Windows 10 option

  5. Select one of the available themes.

  6. Click the Install button.

    Windows 10 install themes

  7. Click the Apply button.

  8. In the Settings app, under the “Change theme” section, select the theme to change the desktop background image.

Once you complete the steps, the theme will apply the images, custom colors, and sounds (if available).

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].