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How to Change Your Windows 11 Wallpaper in 5 Easy Steps

If you're not a fan of Windows 11's default wallpaper, it only takes a few clicks to change it.

Shelby Brown Editor II
Shelby Brown (she/her/hers) is an editor for CNET's services team. She covers tips and tricks for apps, operating systems and devices, as well as mobile gaming and Apple Arcade news. Shelby also oversees Tech Tips coverage. Before joining CNET, she covered app news for Download.com and served as a freelancer for Louisville.com.
Credentials
  • She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.
Shelby Brown
2 min read
Windows 11 update on a laptop

Check out the sleek new Windows 11 wallpaper. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system came with a ton of new features like Android apps on your Windows PC, natively supporting Microsoft Teams and a cleaner, more Mac-like design. But Windows 11 also gives you options for new wallpaper

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If you're not a fan of Microsoft's new default wallpaper -- a blooming, abstract flower shape that pays homage to Windows 10's royal blue colors -- you can change it up. Windows 11 has other default images, or you can change your wallpaper to a photo you've saved or uploaded to your PC.

Read more: Windows 11 is Familiar but Fresh

We'll show you how to switch your wallpaper to a background you're fond of with just a few steps. You can also create virtual desktops and a breakdown of our favorite features. This story was recently updated. 

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The default Windows 11 wallpaper features an abstract blue swirl design.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

How do I change my Windows 11 wallpaper?

Once you have access to Windows 11, here's how to change your wallpaper: 

1. Click the on-screen Windows button or press the Windows button on your keyboard.

2. Click Settings.

3. Go to Personalization.

4. Choose Background.

5. Select an already available image or click Browse to search for an image you've saved to your PC.

Changes to the default wallpaper only scratch the surface of the design and feature changes found on the Windows 11 desktop. For example, you'll also find ways to customize your Windows 11 desktop with widgets, virtual desktops and Snap Group layouts. 

For more, check out the big changes between Windows 10 and Windows 11 and where you can find the new Start menu.

Watch this: Windows 11: Will your computer be able to run it? What to know