So you want to spice up your computer's look with a cool background, huh? It's a quick and easy way to show off your style or just make your screen look nicer. This little guide will show you how to do it on different Windows versions.
Why Bother Changing Your Background?
There are a few reasons to switch up your background:
- Express Yourself: Throw on a pic that shows who you are or what you love.
- Looks: Let's face it, a snazzy background makes your computer look cooler.
- Get Inspired: Use a pretty view or a motivational quote to get you going.
Let's Do It on Windows 10
The Easy Peasy Settings Way
Step 1: Find the Settings
- Press
Win + I
to get to the Settings. Or just hit theStart
button and click the gear.
Step 2: Head to Personalization
- Click on
Personalization
in the Settings window.
Step 3: Choose Background
- Look for the
Background
button on the left side.
Step 4: Pick Your Vibe
- You've got options:
Picture
,Solid color
, orSlideshow
. Picture
: Choose one of the pics they gave you or hitBrowse
for your own.Solid color
: Pick a color that's all yours.Slideshow
: Have a bunch of pics change up randomly.
Step 5: Make It Fit
- Decide how you want the image to sit on your screen with the
Choose a fit
menu.
Step 6: Make It Live
- Once you've got everything set, it'll change automatically.
The File Explorer Method
Step 1: Open the File Folder
- Press
Win + E
to get to File Explorer.
Step 2: Find Your Image
- Go to the spot where your image is chilling.
Step 3: Set It As Your Background
- Right-click the image and hit
Set as desktop background
. Boom!
Now for Windows 11
Step 1: Open Those Settings
- Press
Win + I
or click theStart
button and then the gear.
Step 2: Personalize It
- Click
Personalization
in the Settings.
Step 3: Change the Background
- Go to
Background
on the left.
Step 4: Choose Your Look
- You know the drill:
Picture
,Solid color
, orSlideshow
. Picture
: Pick a pre-loaded image or useBrowse
for something unique.Solid color
: Find a color that makes you happy.Slideshow
: Get a bunch of images to switch it up.
Step 5: Make It Fit Just Right
- The
Choose a fit
menu will help you get that perfect fit.
For Those on Windows 7 and 8
Step 1: Control Panel Time
- Click the
Start
button and go forControl Panel
.
Step 2: Find Personalization
- Choose
Appearance and Personalization
.
Step 3: Change the Background
- Click
Change desktop background
.
Step 4: Find Your Image
- Choose a pre-installed background or
Browse
through your files.
Step 5: Get It Looking Good
- Use the
Picture position
menu to get it just right (Fill, Fit, Stretch, Tile, or Center).
Step 6: Save Your Work
- Hit
Save changes
and voilĂ !
If You Run Into Trouble
- Image Size: Make sure your pic isn't too tiny or too big for your screen.
- File Type: Stick with the usual suspects like JPEG, PNG, or BMP.
- Access Issues: If the image is on a network or external drive, check you can actually get to it