How to Enable Spotlight Desktop Wallpapers on Windows 11, 10


To enable Spotlight desktop wallpapers on Windows 11 or Windows 10, follow these advanced and detailed steps. Spotlight is an innovative feature that refreshes your desktop background daily by showcasing stunning, panoramic images from around the globe, keeping your desktop dynamic and visually appealing.

Understanding Spotlight and its Importance

Windows Spotlight was initially designed for the Lock Screen, providing users with breathtaking images every time they unlocked their PC. Now, this feature is available for desktop backgrounds, enhancing the overall Windows experience by refreshing your workspace with high-quality photos. With Windows Spotlight, users enjoy a visually appealing desktop without having to manually change the wallpaper, bringing new scenery to your workspace each day.

Starting with version 23H2 on Windows 11, Spotlight is automatically enabled after an upgrade if you're using the default bloom wallpaper or a solid background color. However, you can turn it off or on as per your preferences. It’s an excellent way to add personalization and a fresh feel to your daily computing routine.

How to Enable Spotlight Desktop Wallpapers on Windows 11

Step 01: Access the Settings Menu
Open the Start menu and click on the Settings gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I to open the Settings app directly.

Step 02: Navigate to Personalization
Once in the Settings app, click on the Personalization tab from the sidebar. This section allows you to customize your desktop, including your wallpaper, colors, and themes.

Step 03: Go to Background Settings
Under the Personalization section, find and click on the Background option on the right side of the screen. This page allows you to manage and change your desktop background settings.

Step 04: Enable Windows Spotlight
In the "Personalize your background" dropdown menu, select Windows Spotlight. This option will immediately activate Spotlight, setting a dynamic background on your desktop. The first wallpaper will appear right away, and the system will automatically update your desktop wallpaper throughout the day with new images from Microsoft's curated collection.

How to Enable Spotlight Desktop Wallpapers on Windows 10

The process to enable Spotlight on Windows 10 is slightly different, but equally straightforward.

Step 01: Access Personalization Settings
Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select Personalize from the context menu. This will open the Settings app directly in the Personalization section.

Step 02: Navigate to Lock Screen Settings
On the left sidebar, click Lock screen. This is where you’ll find the Spotlight option for both the Lock Screen and desktop.

Step 03: Select Windows Spotlight
Under the "Background" dropdown menu, select Windows Spotlight. By enabling this feature, your Lock Screen and desktop backgrounds will be updated automatically with beautiful images from around the world.


Advanced Details: Customizing Your Experience

  • Spotlight Quiz and Information: Windows Spotlight often includes information or quizzes about the images displayed. You can engage with this content by clicking the "Like what you see?" button on the desktop or Lock Screen.

  • Sync Across Devices: If you use the same Microsoft account across multiple devices, your desktop Spotlight preferences will sync, ensuring you get consistent wallpapers across all your machines.

  • Performance Impact: Windows Spotlight is a lightweight feature that doesn’t noticeably impact system performance. However, ensure you have an active internet connection for Spotlight to fetch new images regularly.

Troubleshooting Windows Spotlight

If Windows Spotlight isn’t working as expected, or if you encounter issues such as the same image displaying for long periods, you can reset the feature by following these steps:

  • Reset Spotlight Settings:

    1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
    2. Change the background from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow.
    3. Then, switch it back to Windows Spotlight after a few minutes.
  • Clear Spotlight Cache:

    1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets
    2. Delete all the files in this folder to clear Spotlight's cache.
    3. Restart your PC and re-enable Spotlight.

By following these steps, your desktop will stay fresh and dynamic, with new, high-quality images appearing daily, thanks to the Spotlight feature.

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