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Fix: Lock Screen Background Reverts to Blue Screen in Windows 11
Make sure the critical components can run in the background
7 min. read
Updated onMarch 29, 2024
updated onMarch 29, 2024
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Key notes
Quite a few users who set a lock screen background in Windows 11 found that it reverts to a blue screen with white wavy lines, the default selection. The same happens in the previous iterations of the OS as well.
The problem appears whether you use Windows Spotlight, select a picture, or go with the slide show. The changes don’t reflect after a reboot. And in most cases, it turned out to be an issue at the user’s end.
Why does my lock screen wallpaper keep changing in Windows 11?
What can I do when the lock screen background reverts to blue screen in Windows 11?
Before we start with the slightly complex changes, try these quick ones first:
1. Re-register Windows Spotlight
WhenWindows Spotlight is not working, and the lock screen wallpaper reverts to a blue wavy picture, your primary approach should be to re-registerWindows Spotlight.
2. Modify the permissions
2.1 Accessing the SystemData folder
2.2 Taking full control of the folder
2.3 Finding the SID
2.4 Moving the files
3. Allow Microsoft Edge and Store to run in the background
3.1 Microsoft Edge
3.2 Microsoft Store
4. Repair the corrupt system files
If it’s thecorrupt system filesto blame for the Windows 11 lock screen wallpaper automatically changing,running the DISM tooland SFC scan should get things running. Alternatively, you can usededicated repair softwareto automatically replace corrupt system files with healthy versions from an extensive database.
5. Uninstall conflicting applications
We saw a few users fix things when the lock screen background reverts to a blue screen in Windows 11 by removing BitDefender, AVG Internet Security, and Total AV oruninstalling appsin the same category.
if that doesn’t work right away, consider using aneffective software uninstaller toolto remove any leftover files and Registry entries, and clear any changes made by the app.
6. Perform an in-place upgrade
A repair upgrade is an effective solution when the problem lies with the OS or the system files. It’s equivalent to reinstalling Windows, but you don’t lose the installed apps or stored files.
7. Create a new user account
If nothing else works, the last option is tocreate a local accountwhen the lock screen background wallpaper reverts to a blue screen in Windows 11. To transfer data between the two accounts, use an external USB drive. Besides, you can alwaysmake apps available to all users.
Remember, the problem is fixable, though it might take some time, depending on the underlying cause. As a last resort, you canreinstall Windows 11, but it shouldn’t come down to that for most!
And if it’s specifically thelock screen slideshow not working, you will have to check indexing and modify the local group policies.
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Lock Screen,wallpaper,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Reviewed byAlex Serban
