How to save Spotlight images on Windows 11

• To find and download Spotlight images on Windows 11, open the “%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets” location path on File Explorer, copy the large files, and convert them to “.jpg” images through Command Prompt.
• These instructions should also work on Windows 10.

On Windows 11, the Spotlight feature automatically refreshes your desktop with a rotating collection of high-quality images throughout the day. While it’s a great way to keep your background looking fresh, it doesn’t offer an obvious option to save the wallpapers you like.

Spotlight works by downloading images from Microsoft’s servers and temporarily storing them on your device. These images are then applied to your desktop based on your personalization settings in the Settings app.

The catch is that Windows 11 doesn’t include a built-in way to save or permanently set a Spotlight image you like. Once the background changes, the image can be difficult to retrieve unless you know where the system stores these files.

The catch is that Windows 11 doesn’t include a built-in way to save or permanently set a Spotlight image you like. Once the background changes, the image can be difficult to retrieve unless you know where the system stores these files.

If you’ve ever come across a Spotlight wallpaper you wanted to keep, there is a workaround. By accessing the hidden cache location where these images are stored, you can find, extract, and save them for personal use.

In this guide, I’ll teach you how to find and download Spotlight images on Windows 11. It also works for Windows 10.

Download Spotlight images on Windows 11

To save Spotlight images used on the Windows 11 desktop, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer on Windows 11.

2. Copy and paste the Spotlight images location path into the address bar and press Enter:

   %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets

3. Click the Sort menu, select More, and choose the Size option.

4. Select the files over 200KB (more or less).

5. Right-click the selection and choose the Copy option (Ctrl + C).

   

   Quick tip: You can preview the images by right-clicking, choosing the “Open With” option, and a supported application, such as “Paint,” “Microsoft Edge,” etc.

6. Open the Pictures folder.

7. Click the New menu and select the Folder option.

   

8. Confirm a name for the folder (for example, Spotlight) and open it.

9. Click the Paste button in the command bar (Ctrl + V).

10. Right-click inside the folder and select the Command Prompt (or Windows Terminal) option.

    

11. Type the following command to convert the files to “.jpg” image files and press Enter:

    ren *.* *.jpg

    

Once you complete the steps, you can use the images to set them as permanent backgrounds for the desktop through the “Background” settings page, or for the Lock screen through the “Lock screen” settings page.

Update April 10, 2026: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes. It also adds an instructional video.