How to customize Lock screen settings on Windows 11

Windows 11 Customize Lock Screen
Windows 11 Customize Lock Screen (Image credit: Windows Central)

On Windows 11, when the computer starts, you will stumble upon the Lock screen that includes the date and time, app status, and image background.

Although the default configuration will be enough for most users, it's also possible to customize various aspects of the feature. For example, you can show personal pictures, choose which app show status, and you can even prevent the Sign-in screen from displaying the Lock screen background if that's something you want.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through the steps to customize the Lock screen on your laptop or desktop computer.

How to customize background for Lock screen

On Windows 11, you can customize the background in at least three different ways, including using Windows Spotlight to sync and show images from the cloud, custom background images, or you can display a collection of personal pictures.

Windows Spotlight

To enable Windows Spotlight in the Lock screen, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Personalization.
  3. Click the Lock screen page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Use the "Personalize your lock screen" setting and select the Windows Spotlight option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, the feature will periodically download and show new background images.

Custom background image

To use a custom background image in the Lock screen, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Personalization.
  3. Click the Lock screen page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Use the "Personalize your lock screen" setting and select the Picture option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Browse photos button.
  2. Select the image to set as the new Lock screen background.
  3. Click the Choose Picture button.
  4. Clear the Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen option.

After you complete the steps, the Lock screen will show the image you selected in the settings.

Collection background images

To show a collection of images in the Windows 11 Lock screen, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Personalization.
  3. Click the Lock screen page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Use the "Personalize your lock screen" setting and select the Slideshow option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. (Optional) Click the Remove button for the "Pictures" folder.
  2. Click the Browse button.
  3. Select the folder with the collection of images to use as a slideshow for the Lock screen.
  4. Click the Choose this folder button.
  5. Clear the Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen option.
  6. (Optional) Under the "Advanced slide settings" section, check the Include camera roll folder from this PC and OneDrive option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. (Optional) Clear the Only use pictures that fit my screen option to show all the images from a collection.
  2. (Optional) Check the When my PC is inactive, show the lock screen instead of turning off the screen option.
  3. (Optional) Use the "Turn off the screen after the slideshow has played for" setting to select the time before turning off the display after playing the slideshow.

Once you complete the steps, the Lock screen will rotate the collection of images in the background, and it'll turn off the display according to your configuration.

How to customize app status for Lock screen

To decide the apps that can show status in the Lock screen, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Personalization.
  3. Click the Lock screen page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Use the Lock screen status setting and select the app that will show status in the Lock screen, including Weather, Mail, or Calendar.Quick note: The "None" option will disable the feature.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the Lock screen will show the status of the app you specified.

How to enable or disable background image for Sign-in screen

To prevent the Sign-in screen from showing a background image, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Personalization.
  3. Click the Lock screen page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Turn on or off the Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, the Sign-in screen will no longer show the same background images as the Lock screen.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.