Retaining Wallpaper always

Mallard, Tim (EEC) 20 Reputation points
2026-09-30T13:54:50.18+00:00

How do I get the wallpaper to remain the same on my desktop, even after turning the computer off and back on?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Desktop
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AI answer

2026-09-30T13:55:02.4266667+00:00

To keep the wallpaper the same after restart in Windows 11:

  1. Open Settings > Personalization > Background.
  2. Under Personalize your background, select Picture.
  3. Choose the image to keep as the desktop background.

If the wallpaper still changes, check these common causes:

  1. Open Settings > Personalization > Themes.
    • Set the wallpaper again and save it as a new theme.
  2. Make sure Background is set to Picture, not Slideshow.
  3. If using multiple virtual desktops, use the same wallpaper across all desktops. Windows 11 can reset wallpaper behavior when switching desktops.
  4. If the device is managed with policy, a wallpaper policy can force a specific image or prevent changes. In managed environments, the relevant policy is User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Desktop\Desktop > Desktop Wallpaper.

If a policy is configured, it can point to a local file or UNC path, and users can be prevented from changing the wallpaper. If that file is unavailable at sign-in, no wallpaper is displayed.

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  1. DaveM121 936.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-30T14:31:04.6666667+00:00

    1

    Open the Settings App.

    Go to Apps - Installed Apps.

    Check in there if you have the Bing Wallpaper app installed.

    If you do, uninstall it.

    2

    Then in the Settings App, go to Personalization - Themes.

    Ensure your theme is set to the default Windows theme, to ensure you are not using a theme with multiple wallpapers.

    3

    Open File Explorer.

    Paste this into the Address Bar and press Enter:

    %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Themes

    In the resulting folder, delete the TranscodedWallpaper file(s) and also the CachedFiles folder.

    Restart (not shut down) your PC, then set your preferred desktop background wallpaper.

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