Fix: Lock Screen Background Reverts to Blue Screen in Windows 11

The lock screen in Windows 11 adds a personal touch to your PC, with options to display images, slideshows, or even Spotlight suggestions. However, some users encounter an issue where the lock screen background reverts to the default blue screen, no matter the settings they apply. This issue can occur due to misconfigured settings, corrupted system files, or outdated updates. Let’s dive into various methods to fix this problem and restore your preferred lock screen background.

What can I do when the lock screen background reverts to blue screen in Windows 11?

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Before trying advanced solutions, start with the simplest approach: restarting your computer. Temporary glitches in the operating system or incomplete application of settings might cause the lock screen to revert to a blue screen. Rebooting your computer can resolve these minor issues.

If restarting doesn’t fix the issue, move on to the following methods.

Step 2: Reconfigure the Lock Screen Background Settings

Incorrect settings are often the culprit behind this problem. Reconfiguring the lock screen background settings can ensure they are correctly applied.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Personalization and select Lock screen.
3. Under the Personalize your lock screen section, choose one of the following options:
   • Windows Spotlight for curated images.
   • Picture to select a specific image.
   • Slideshow to display multiple images.
4. If selecting Picture, click Browse photos to pick a new image from your PC.
5. Save your changes and check if the issue is resolved by locking your screen using Windows + L.

Step 3: Ensure the “Show Lock Screen Background” Option is Enabled

Windows 11 has a feature that allows or disables the display of the lock screen background. If disabled, the background may revert to a plain color.

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Go to Personalization > Lock screen.
3. Ensure the Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen toggle is turned on.
4. Lock your PC using Windows + L to see if the issue persists.

Step 4: Update Windows 11

Outdated system updates can cause bugs and prevent settings from functioning correctly. Installing the latest updates might fix the issue.

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Windows Update from the left sidebar.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If updates are available, download and install them.
5. Restart your computer to apply the updates.

After restarting, lock your screen to check if the blue screen issue is resolved.

Step 5: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can lead to issues with the lock screen background. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can repair such files.

1. Press Windows + S to open the search bar.
2. Type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one at a time:
   • To run SFC:cmdCopyEditsfc /scannow
   • To run DISM:cmdCopyEditDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Wait for each command to complete.
5. Restart your computer and verify if the lock screen background now works as expected.

Step 6: Reset the Personalization Settings

Sometimes, resetting all personalization settings can fix issues caused by misconfigurations.

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Go to Personalization.
3. Reset each category (such as Themes, Colors, and Background) to their default values.
4. Reconfigure the lock screen background settings as described in Step 2.

Step 7: Check Group Policy Settings

If you’re using a system managed by an organization or have modified Group Policy settings in the past, certain policies might restrict customization of the lock screen background.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization.
3. Double-click Prevent changing lock screen and logon image.
4. Set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
5. Click Apply and then OK.
6. Restart your computer and test the lock screen background.

Step 8: Verify Registry Editor Settings

Incorrect registry entries can also cause this issue. Use the Registry Editor to ensure the settings are correct.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following path:CopyEditHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
3. Look for an entry named NoLockScreen.
4. If the value is set to 1, double-click it and change it to 0.
5. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Note: Be cautious while editing the registry. Incorrect changes can cause system instability.

Step 9: Rebuild the Cache for Windows Spotlight

If you’re using Windows Spotlight as your lock screen background, corrupted Spotlight cache files might be the reason for the issue.

1. Open File Explorer using Windows + E.
2. Navigate to the following folder:shellCopyEdit%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets
3. Delete all files in this folder.
4. Restart your computer and re-enable Windows Spotlight in the lock screen settings.

Step 10: Create a New User Profile

If the problem persists, creating a new user profile might help. This ensures no corrupted user data affects the lock screen settings.

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Accounts > Other users.
3. Click Add account and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user.
4. Sign in with the new account and configure the lock screen settings.

Step 11: Reset Windows 11

If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows 11 might be the only option left. This will restore your system to its default state while keeping your personal files intact.

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Go to System > Recovery.
3. Under Recovery options, click Reset this PC.
4. Choose Keep my files and follow the instructions on the screen.

After resetting, configure your lock screen background again.

Conclusion

The issue of the lock screen background reverting to a blue screen in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable with the solutions outlined above. Start with simple fixes like reconfiguring settings and updating Windows, and gradually move to more advanced methods like editing the registry or resetting your PC if necessary. By following these steps, you can restore your desired lock screen background and personalize your Windows 11 experience.

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