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Changing your desktop background is a fun and personal way to customize your computer. Whether you are looking to freshen up your desktop or you accidentally changed it and want to revert back to the default background, this blog post will guide you through the process. In this article, we will explore different methods and steps to change your desktop background back to default in Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To change your desktop background back to default in Windows 10, you will need a computer running on the Windows 10 operating system and basic knowledge of computer settings.
What Requires Your Focus?
Changing your desktop background back to default requires your focus on accessing the Personalization settings in Windows 10. We will explore different methods to access this settings menu in the following sections.
Method 1: Using Settings
One of the easiest ways to change your desktop background back to default is by using the Settings app in Windows 10. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Click on the "Settings" icon, which resembles a gear.
Step 3: In the Settings app, click on the "Personalization" option.
Step 4: In the left sidebar, click on the "Background" option.
Step 5: Scroll down until you see the "Choose your picture" section.
Step 6: Click on the drop-down menu below the "Choose your picture" section.
Step 7: Select the "Windows" folder from the drop-down menu.
Step 8: Choose the default background from the list of options.
Step 9: Close the Settings app and your desktop background should change back to default.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to change desktop background.
2. Customizable options and various default backgrounds to choose from.
3. Settings app provides a centralized location for personalization options.
Cons:
1. May require additional steps to access the Settings app.
2. Limited options for customization compared to third-party software.
3. Some options may be hidden in different versions of Windows 10.
Method 2: Via Control Panel
Another method to change your desktop background back to default is by using the Control Panel. Despite being an older interface, the Control Panel still offers various customization options in Windows 10. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "control" in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
Step 3: In the Control Panel window, click on the "Appearance and Personalization" option.
Step 4: Click on the "Personalization" option.
Step 5: In the left sidebar, click on the "Desktop Background" option.
Step 6: Select the default background from the list of options.
Step 7: Click on the "Save changes" button to apply the default background.
Pros:
1. Familiar interface for users who are accustomed to previous versions of Windows.
2. Offers additional options for customization compared to the Settings app.
3. Provides access to advanced settings for the desktop background.
Cons:
1. Requires opening the Control Panel separately.
2. May be confusing for users who are not familiar with the Control Panel interface.
3. Limited native options for customizing the desktop background.
Method 3: Using File Explorer
If you prefer a more direct approach, you can change your desktop background back to default using File Explorer. This method allows you to manually replace the current background image with the default one. Follow these steps to do it:
Step 1: Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon located on the taskbar or by pressing Windows key + E.
Step 2: Navigate to the following folder path: C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Windows.
Step 3: Locate the default background image file named "img0.jpg" or "img0_1920x1080.jpg".
Step 4: Right-click on the default background image file and select "Copy".
Step 5: Navigate to your desktop and right-click on an empty area.
Step 6: Select "Paste" to replace the current background image with the default one.
Step 7: Close File Explorer and your desktop background should change back to default.
Pros:
1. Direct method to replace the desktop background image.
2. Allows for manual customization and replacement of images.
3. Works even if the default background image is unavailable in the settings menu.
Cons:
1. Requires manually navigating to specific file paths.
2. No preview of the default background image before replacing.
3. May overwrite any existing customizations made to the desktop background.
Method 4: Via Registry Editor
For advanced users, changing the desktop background back to default can be done using the Registry Editor. This method involves modifying the Windows Registry, so caution is advised. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "regedit" in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
Step 3: In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
Step 4: In the right pane, locate the "Wallpaper" entry.
Step 5: Double-click on the "Wallpaper" entry to modify its value.
Step 6: Delete the current value and leave it blank.
Step 7: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Step 8: After restarting, your desktop background should be back to the default.
Pros:
1. Provides access to advanced settings and customization options.
2. Allows for granular control over desktop background changes.
3. Works even if the default background image is unavailable in the settings menu.
Cons:
1. Involves modifying the Windows Registry, which can be risky if not done correctly.
2. Not recommended for novice users due to the complexity of the Registry Editor.
3. A mistake in the Registry Editor can cause system instability or other issues.
Why Can’t I Change My Desktop Background?
1. Limited user permissions: If you are using a restricted user account, you may not have the necessary permissions to change the desktop background. To fix this, try logging in with an administrator account or contact your system administrator for assistance.
2. Group Policy restrictions: In some cases, the ability to change the desktop background may be restricted by Group Policy settings. This is common in enterprise or organization environments. To resolve this, you can try modifying the Group Policy settings or speak with your IT department for assistance.
3. Third-party software conflicts: Certain third-party software or antivirus programs can interfere with the desktop background settings in Windows 10. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling these programs can help determine if they are the cause of the issue. Alternatively, you can try changing the desktop background in Safe Mode.
Implications and Recommendations:
1. Keep backups: Before making any changes to the Registry Editor or system settings, it is always recommended to create a backup of your computer or at least backup important files. This will help safeguard your data in case something goes wrong.
2. Use caution with third-party software: While third-party software can provide additional customization options, it is important to choose reputable software and read reviews before installing them. Some software may contain malware or cause conflicts with system settings.
3. Seek professional assistance: If you are uncomfortable making changes to system settings or encountering difficulties, it is always advisable to seek professional assistance. IT experts or computer technicians can help resolve any issues or guide you through the process safely.
5 FAQs about Changing Desktop Background
Q1: Can I change the desktop background to a custom image?
A: Yes, Windows 10 allows you to change the desktop background to a custom image. In the settings menu, you can choose an image from your computer or select a picture from the web.
Q2: Can I have a different background for each monitor?
A: Yes, if you have multiple monitors connected to your computer, you can set a different background for each monitor. This can be done through the settings menu or by right-clicking on the image file and selecting "Set as desktop background" for each monitor.
Q3: Why doesn’t my desktop background change when I follow the steps?
A: If the desktop background does not change after following the steps, it could be due to conflicting third-party software, Group Policy restrictions, or an issue with the operating system. Try disabling or uninstalling any recently installed software and check if any Group Policy settings are affecting the desktop background.
Q4: Can I restore my previous desktop background after changing it back to default?
A: If you have a backup of your previous desktop background or remember the image file name, you can manually set it as the new background using the methods mentioned in this article. Alternatively, you can select a different custom image or choose from the available default backgrounds.
Q5: Can I change the desktop background on Windows 10 Home edition?
A: Yes, you can change the desktop background on Windows 10 Home edition. The methods and steps mentioned in this article are applicable to all editions of Windows 10, including Home.
Final Words
Changing your desktop background back to the default in Windows 10 is a simple process that can be done through various methods. Whether you prefer using the Settings app, Control Panel, File Explorer, or Registry Editor, each method offers its own advantages and considerations. Keep in mind the implications and recommendations mentioned in this article to ensure a smooth and safe desktop customization experience.