Personalization Find and Save Windows Spotlight Images in Windows 11


Windows_Spotlight-new_header.webp

This tutorial will show you how to find and save the Windows Spotlight images displayed on your desktop and/or lock screen background in Windows 11.

You can have Windows Spotlight as a theme and display different background images on your desktop and lock screen in Windows 11.

Windows Spotlight uses the Bing daily wallpaper for images, and stores them on your computer to reference and show on your desktop and/or lock screen background.

See also Bing Wallpaper Gallery:

If wanted, you can find and save these cached Windows Spotlight images as JPG files to use as you like.


Here's How:

1 Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.

Find_and_save_Windows_Spotlight_images.zip


(Contents of BAT file for reference)
Code:
@echo off
pushd %cd%

md "%UserProfile%\Desktop\WindowsSpotlightImages" 2>nul

setlocal enabledelayedexpansion

cd "%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets\"
for /r %%f in (*) do (
  set dest="%UserProfile%\Desktop\WindowsSpotlightImages\%%~nxf.jpg"
  for %%A in ("%%f") do (
    if %%~zA GEQ 51200 (
      if not exist !dest! copy "%%f" !dest!
    )
  )
)

cd "C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\DesktopSpotlight\Assets\Images\"
for /r %%f in (*.jpg) do (
  set dest="%UserProfile%\Desktop\WindowsSpotlightImages\%%~nxf"
  if not exist !dest! copy "%%f" !dest!
)

cd "%LocalAppData%\Packages\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalCache\Microsoft\IrisService\"
for /r %%f in (*) do (
  if "%%~xf"==".jpg" (
    set dest="%UserProfile%\Desktop\WindowsSpotlightImages\%%~nxf"
    if not exist !dest! copy "%%f" !dest!
  )
)

popd

2 Save the ZIP file to your desktop.

3 Unblock the ZIP file.

4 Extract the BAT file from the ZIP file.

4 Run the BAT file.

5 A WindowsSpotlightImages folder will be created on your desktop containing a copy of all cached Windows Spotlight images as JPG files. (see screenshot below)

You can hover over an image in the WindowsSpotlightImages folder to see its Dimensions (ex: "1920 x 1080").

You can rename these image files if wanted.


WindowsSpotlightImages_folder.png



That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

Last edited:
It doesn't work for me. Maybe because it's an operating system with a different language? In the properties of the .bat file I marked it to unlock and it doesn't create the folder.

EDIT:
I have already located the folder. Created it in C:\Users\xxxxxx\Desktop\WindowsSpotlightImages.
Thanks
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 64-bits 25H2 26200-7922AMD Ryzen 3 3200G with Radeon Vega Graphics 3...32,00 GB TeamGroup DDR4-2667Nvidia GeForce GT 730 & Radeon™ Vega 8 Graphics
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bits 25H2 26200-7922
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 3 3200G with Radeon Vega Graphics 3.60 GHz
    Motherboard
    MSI B350 PC MATE
    Memory
    32,00 GB TeamGroup DDR4-2667
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GT 730 & Radeon™ Vega 8 Graphics
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GK208 HDMI/DP High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 27"
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    SSD Team Group T-Force Cardea Zero Z440 1TB Gen4 M.2 NVMe (5000/4400MB/s), SSD Team Group CX2 512GB SATA III (530/470MB/s) and 2x Seagate 1TB BarraCuda 64MB 7200rpm SATA III 3.5 - ST1000DM010
    PSU
    LC-Power 650W V2.3
    Case
    ATX Nox Hummer ZS
    Cooling
    No cooling
    Keyboard
    Logitech K220
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    1000/200
    Browser
    Firefox 148.0
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Optical Drive ASUS DRW-24D5MT
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 64-bits 25H2 26200-7922Intel Core i5-8365U16 GBIntel UHD Graphics 620 - Whiskey Lake-U GT2
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bits 25H2 26200-7922
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude 5400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8365U
    Motherboard
    Dell 03WM4C - Intel Cannon Lake-U PCH-LP Premium
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 620 - Whiskey Lake-U GT2
    Sound Card
    Intel Cannon Lake-LP - cAVS (Audio, Voice, Speech) [D0]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell NV14N4F
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Micron 2200S NVMe 256 GB
    PSU
    Dell X7XY03
    Internet Speed
    1000 Mbps / 200 MBps
    Browser
    Firefox 148.0
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
It doesn't work for me. Maybe because it's an operating system with a different language? In the properties of the .bat file I marked it to unlock and it doesn't create the folder.

EDIT:
I have already located the folder. Created it in C:\Usersxxxxxx\DesktopWindowsSpotlightImages.
Thanks
:shawn:
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
Great thanks very much! Defender tried to stop me opening the file but I ignored it :-)
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2Core i5-1035G132gb
    OS
    Windows 11 Home 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3606sa
    CPU
    Core i5-1035G1
    Memory
    32gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 870 evo sata ssd
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    50 mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally came installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeIntel Core i5-1035G116gb
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion ce3606sa
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-1035G1
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Hynix Gold P31 2TB
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
This comment is meant to be helpful.

I have repeatedly had trouble with the Bing wallpaper app and because somehow my desktop image was not changing I looked for a tutorial.
Somehow I got through it but it just did not work as explained here. I cannot now find the Windows Spotlight app/program on my pc and do not have the understanding, time or patience to explain what happened.

The Bing wallpaper download has been done as I have a new desktop image - I'll see if it changes - I think the difficulty may be connected with the offer from Microsoft is primarily a way of getting me to use Bing search.

I go round in circles -probably because I do not understand the way basic computer programs work.

Sorry if this message is unhelpful, but over the years since I got Windows 10 - maybe before - this issue has reoccured and hence I give this report - thank you.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11
    OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Other Info
    Device name DESKTOP-91AVJSJ
    Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-9400 CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
    Installed RAM 8.00 GB (7.90 GB usable)
    Device ID D1C9D8EB-95E8-4256-B431-9613F5E28A00
    Product ID 00330-52571-93699-AAOEM
    System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Surface 2 go home model
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Surface 2 go home model
Does it save 4K images?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (RP channel)AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core64GB Corsair Titanium 6000/CL30MSI Suprim 5080 SOC
OS
Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (RP channel)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
MSI
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core
Motherboard
MEG X870E Godlike
Memory
64GB Corsair Titanium 6000/CL30
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Suprim 5080 SOC
Sound Card
Soundblaster AE-9
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
Screen Resolution
3840x2160
Hard Drives
Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB (gen 5 x4, system drive/games)
Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
Samsung 980 Pro 2TB
Samsung 870 Evo 4TB
Samsung 870 Evo 2TB
Samsung T9 4TB
PSU
Seasonic PX-2200
Case
Bequiet! Dark Base Pro 901
Cooling
Noctua NH-D15S Chromax black
Keyboard
Logitech G915 X (wired)
Mouse
Logitech G903 with PowerPlay charger
Internet Speed
900Mb/sec
Browser
Microsoft Edge
Antivirus
Windows Defender


I cheated. I just Googled: BING daily wallpaper - pics
...and got this.




Just right click an image and choose: Open in new tab, then click the magnify arrows (top right), then right click and choose: Copy Image... then just paste it in an image editor...


Image1.jpg



Image1.jpg



Image1.jpg





When "copied" they seem to be at a default 1920 x 1080 resolution.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26200.8875 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦25H2AMD Ryzen 7 3700XG.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26200.8875 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • At a glance

    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
I cheated. I just Googled: BING daily wallpaper - pics
...and got this.




Just right click an image and choose: Open in new tab, then click the magnify arrows (top right), then right click and choose: Copy Image... then just paste it in an image editor...


View attachment 61060


View attachment 61061


View attachment 61063




When "copied" they seem to be at a default 1920 x 1080 resolution.
I simply do not understand why I get several versions downloading - but I am probably stupid and over complicate things especially when I do not understand like i do not understand these answers or why Brink's little green icon is moving about - I guess I am just past it all. - thanks for trying to help me though folks.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11
    OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Other Info
    Device name DESKTOP-91AVJSJ
    Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-9400 CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
    Installed RAM 8.00 GB (7.90 GB usable)
    Device ID D1C9D8EB-95E8-4256-B431-9613F5E28A00
    Product ID 00330-52571-93699-AAOEM
    System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Surface 2 go home model
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Surface 2 go home model
I cheated. I just Googled: BING daily wallpaper - pics
...and got this.




Just right click an image and choose: Open in new tab, then click the magnify arrows (top right), then right click and choose: Copy Image... then just paste it in an image editor...


View attachment 61060


View attachment 61061


View attachment 61063




When "copied" they seem to be at a default 1920 x 1080 resolution.
@Ghot

Note - To get to the next picture just click the arrow instead of going bacl to the page with all the images.

Anybody though who could generate some sort of code to do this in a script to grab all thopse images. I think the old Internet explorer had some method where you could capture and display code for your actions.

Brinks tutorial doesnt seem to put anything in the desktop spotlight file though.

You can capture all the urls though easily enough e.g even this unsophisticated way

Taughannock Falls State Park - then scroll to the next one and so on and then you;ve got the lot in your history file (ensure it's big enough or has enough space for the entries).

I've plonked that into a MariaDB sql database so I can keep the lot and update regularly.

Now I need some "Nice kind coder" who could automate from those URLS doenloading the pictures == any offers : !!!! I've manually stored the pics so far but this should be easily "automatable" .



Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows XP,11 Linux Fedora Rawhide pre-releas...2 X Intel i7
OS
Windows XP,11 Linux Fedora Rawhide pre-release 45
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
2 X Intel i7
Screen Resolution
4KUHD X 2
@jimbo45

I don't even use spotlight.
I was responding to some other post.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26200.8875 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦25H2AMD Ryzen 7 3700XG.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26200.8875 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • At a glance

    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows XP,11 Linux Fedora Rawhide pre-releas...2 X Intel i7
OS
Windows XP,11 Linux Fedora Rawhide pre-release 45
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
2 X Intel i7
Screen Resolution
4KUHD X 2
Something's changed in the last week. Im running Windows 11 build 22631.2715.
The Assets folder where Windows should keep the Spotlight images has nothing newer than 11/7/23 in it.
However I still have new Spotlight images every few days.
Anyone know where Windows is keeping them?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
After reading several online tutorials for copying over Spotlight images, I find they all share the same flaw: None of them preserve the original image's description or creator's name.

Fortunately, the on-screen credits are buried inside Content Delivery Manager's folder cache. I wrote a script which dumps your current Spotlight files into the same Deskop\WindowsSpotlightImages, but provides a more intelligent filename.

Run this batch file from a scheduled task, if you want to capture wallpapers on a weekly basis.

1700153578443.png


UPDATE: Fixed a bug with duplicate images being saved two days in a row.
 

Attachments

Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7
OS
Windows 7
Something's changed in the last week. Im running Windows 11 build 22631.2715.
The Assets folder where Windows should keep the Spotlight images has nothing newer than 11/7/23 in it.
However I still have new Spotlight images every few days.
Anyone know where Windows is keeping them?
+1...same issue here. The Spotlight images used as "desktop" background images are not stored in the same location as the "lockscreen" background images. Has anyone found the location???
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Insideri6700HQ12.0 GBIntel HD Graphics 530 + NVIDIA GeForce 940M
OS
Windows 11 Insider
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Dell 7459 AIO
CPU
i6700HQ
Motherboard
Dell
Memory
12.0 GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel HD Graphics 530 + NVIDIA GeForce 940M
+1...same issue here. The Spotlight images used as "desktop" background images are not stored in the same location as the "lockscreen" background images. Has anyone found the location???
Hello mate, :alien:

I found some Desktop spotlight images hiding in the folder below, and updated the BAT file in the tutorial to include this location. This location appears to be the 4 images you see when you right click on the "Learn about this picture" button on the desktop.

C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\DesktopSpotlight\Assets\Images
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
Hello mate, :alien:

I found some Desktop spotlight images hiding in the folder below, and updated the BAT file in the tutorial to include this location. This location appears to be the 4 images you see when you right click on the "Learn about this picture" button on the desktop.

C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\DesktopSpotlight\Assets\Images
Thanks for looking. Unfortunately, the images contained in that folder do not match the spotlight images being used as the "current" Spotlight desktop backgrounds. Today's images include an image of "Stonehenge" (among others) which I cannot find anywhere on disk...at least not yet.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Insideri6700HQ12.0 GBIntel HD Graphics 530 + NVIDIA GeForce 940M
OS
Windows 11 Insider
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Dell 7459 AIO
CPU
i6700HQ
Motherboard
Dell
Memory
12.0 GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel HD Graphics 530 + NVIDIA GeForce 940M
Thanks for looking. Unfortunately, the images contained in that folder do not match the spotlight images being used as the "current" Spotlight desktop backgrounds. Today's images include an image of "Stonehenge" (among others) which I cannot find anywhere on disk...at least not yet.
In that case, test using either the context menu or the VBS file below to see if may. It's suppose to open the file location of the current desktop.

 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
In that case, test using either the context menu or the VBS file below to see if may. It's suppose to open the file location of the current desktop.

BINGO !!! That found the folder path...and it is circuitous. Here is the containing folder:

C:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Local\Packages\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalCache\Microsoft\IrisService

(note that there is no "." between "Microsoft" and "Windows")

There are subfolders (apparently for the last 2 days) within this containing folder that hold the image files.

1703864268812.jpeg
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Insideri6700HQ12.0 GBIntel HD Graphics 530 + NVIDIA GeForce 940M
OS
Windows 11 Insider
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Dell 7459 AIO
CPU
i6700HQ
Motherboard
Dell
Memory
12.0 GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel HD Graphics 530 + NVIDIA GeForce 940M

Latest Support Threads

Back
Top Bottom