To deliver a more personalized experience, Windows 11 offers a fully customizable desktop. Hence, you can fine-tune the desktop to your heart’s liking to ensure it’s always in line with your taste. Recently, some users have noticed an annoying issue where their desktop background keeps changing unexpectedly. Whether your wallpaper reverts to a previous image, changes every time you restart, or switches randomly, this detailed guide is for you. Read on to try the 12 best tips and tricks to fix the Windows 11 keeps changing the desktop background issue.
Fix Windows 11 Keeps Changing Desktop Background
This issue generally stems from misconfigured settings, sync issues, corrupted themes, or malicious third-party apps. To bring the malfunctioning Windows 11 desktop back on track, we are going to take on these usual suspects.
1. Turn Off Slideshow Mode in Personalization Settings
Note that the slideshow mode automatically cycles through a folder of images. Therefore, I’d recommend you turn off this mode from the personalization settings.
- On your PC, head over to Settings > Personalization > Background and change the background type to Picture instead of Slideshow.
2. Remove Synced Themes from Microsoft Account
Keep in mind that Windows might sync themes across devices using your Microsoft account. Hence, make sure to remove the synced themes from your Microsoft account.
- To get it done, open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
- Now, turn off Remember my preferences > Personalization.
3. Disable Third-Party Wallpaper Apps
Bear in mind that certain apps like Wallpaper Engine or similar may override system settings, making the desktop behave weirdly.
- So, if you have any wallpaper apps installed, close them or uninstall them to test if the issue stops.
4. Lock a Static Wallpaper
Sometimes the theme automatically reverts. Thus, manually set a static wallpaper.
- Simply, right-click on the desktop > Personalize > choose a single image and apply it directly.
5. Delete Corrupted Theme Files
It’s worth mentioning that the corrupt themes can cause the background to change unexpectedly.
- On your PC, go to Settings > Personalization.
- Now, click Themes.
- Next, right-click on the active theme, and select Delete. Then create a new one.
6. Prevent Desktop Background Sync via Group Policy (Pro Edition)
Windows 11 offers a reliable way to prevent background sync via the Local Group Policy Editor. Should the problem still persist, take advantage of this Group Policy solution.
- Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc> Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates. - Now, click Control Panel > Personalization, then enable Prevent changing desktop background.
7. Disable Windows Background Sync via Registry Editor
For Home Edition users, this method works without Group Policy.
- Open Regedit, go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themesand set the value ofWallpaperto your desired image path.
8. Check for Malware or Unwanted Programs
Ensure that the malware or suspicious programs are not attempting to modify desktop settings.
- Launch Windows Security (Settings app > Privacy & security) on your PC and run the full scan to detect and eliminate the threats.
9. Pause OneDrive Sync for Desktop
Make sure OneDrive is not set to sync an old desktop image from the cloud.
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray > Pause syncing or go to Settings > Sync and Backup > Manage backup and stop backing up the Desktop.
10. Reset Background Settings via CMD
You can force Windows to apply a specific wallpaper using a command.
- Open Command Prompt and run:
reg add "HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop" /v Wallpaper /t REG_SZ /d "C:\Path\To\Your\Wallpaper.jpg" /f
Then run:RUNDLL32.EXE user32.dll,UpdatePerUserSystemParameters
11. Create a New Local User Account
If the issue is profile-specific, creating a new account can help.
- On your Windows 11 device, head straight into the Settings app > Accounts > Other users.
- Now, click Add account, create a local user, and see if the issue persists.
12. Update Windows 11
A system bug might be causing wallpaper issues, and a recent update may fix it.
- To update your Windows device, navigate to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.
Wrapping up…
If your desktop background keeps changing in Windows 11, it can be more than just a minor annoyance—it can point to deeper sync settings, theme conflicts, or even third-party interference.
By following these 12 practical solutions, you can regain control of your wallpaper and enjoy a consistent, personalized desktop experience. Don’t forget to explore and customize your theme settings once everything is fixed.
