Windows 10: Windows 11 Pro Mysteriously Changed the Desktop Graphic Image to a Photo

All I did was reboot my machine - and the background Desktop graphic probably a default changed to a photo - without my permission. I'm busy working. I don't have time to sort through a myriad of dysfunctional Microsoft nonsense. This is why people use Apple macOS.

:)

 

Windows 11 desktop image on monitor reverts to laptop image

Hi vhw04,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

I am aware that you’re having trouble with your desktop image on your external monitor. This could be caused by a setting in Windows 11 that is automatically changing the desktop image when you connect or disconnect an external monitor or could be an issue with its graphics driver. I am here to help and let us work on this together.

Let's troubleshoot this and find a solution:

1. Check Windows Updates
   
   Go to Settings >> Windows updates >> Check for updates. You may also check optional updates available.
   
2. Run Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
   
   See: Fix common Surface problems using the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit (microsoft.com)
   
3. Update your graphics driver to the latest version. You can do this by going to the Device Manager, finding your graphics card, right-clicking on it, and selecting "Update driver".
   
4. Sync Settings:
   
   1. Press Windows Key + A to open the action center.
      
   2. Click on All Settings.
      
   3. Go to Accounts.
      
   4. From the left-hand side list, click on Sync your settings.
      
   5. Under the individual sync settings section, find theme and turn the syncing for it OFF.
      
5. Windows Backup:
   
   1. Click on Start, then Settings.
      
   2. Select Accounts, then Windows backup.
      
   3. Switch off the option “Remember my preferences”.
      
   4. Try changing your desktop background again.
      
6. Change the desktop background again:
   
   1. Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings."
      
   2. Scroll down to the "Multiple displays" section and click on "Identify."
      
   3. Make sure that the "Extend desktop" option is selected.
      
   4. Click on the external monitor and select "Make this my main display."
      
   5. Click on the laptop screen and select "Make this my main display."
      
   6. Set the desktop image for each display as desired.
      
   7. Save the changes and close the settings window.
      

After following these steps, unplug and plug in your external monitor again to see if problem persist.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, kindly give answers to the following questions so we can further isolate your issue and formulate appropriate troubleshooting steps.

• May I know what build version of Windows you are currently running?
  
• Were there any changes made prior to this issue happening?
  

I hope the provided solution works for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Lavenia

 

Windows 10 Desktop background photo not changing


Setup - two monitors. Nvidia Quatro graphic card

Desktop background problem
I have set Personalisation - Desktop Background - Slideshow - Set Location to a Photo folder to use Photos - Change every minute - Shuffle Off (tried On as well but makes no difference) - Fit set to Fit.

Problem is that the images never change, though they are different ones on the two monitors.

I have tried various permutations of the above without any success. Which folder of photos I use doesn't make any difference to the situation - same two photos displayed.

My wife's laptop which is setup in the same way seems to have a similar but not identical problem. hers changes but only selects from 4 photos despite more being available in the chosen folder.

Suggestions appreciated!

 

changing the background images

Hi,

In order to help you better, could you please confirm a couple of things.

• Have you made any changes on the computer prior to the issue?
• Are you referring to desktop background image or lock screen image?

I suggest you to follow the below steps to change the background picture and check if it helps.

• In the search type as ‘Settings’ and click on it.
• Select ‘Personalization’, under ‘Background’ option select as ‘Picture’.
• Under ‘Choose your picture’ select any picture accordingly or you can browse the picture from your computer.

You may refer to the below link and check if it helps.

Change desktop background and colors - Microsoft Support

Please get back to us with an update on this issue, we will be happy to assist you further.

Thank you.