Solved How do I disable the default lock screen background picture

Still setting up my new PC. It's now up-to-date Windows 11 Pro 25H2 build 26200.7171.
Whenever I switch the device on, or if I sign out the default background displays (Photo 1). I don't want that to show. I simply want to see the sign-in screen (photo 2).
Personalize 'Your lock screen' only shows three options Windows spotlight, Picture and Slideshow. It currently shows the Windows spotlight.
I have 'Show the lock screen background picture on the sign in screen' switch 'Off' (Photo 1) but it doesn't work.

Is there a way to disable the default lock screen background picture?

I've made some notes how I removed that persistent blue background image. It's up to you if you want to try it. By the way your sign in screen background appears black so turning off background picture on the sign-in screen works.

First thing I would search tutorial to have 'take ownership' on the context menu.

In CMD run: ' whoami /user' and take note. Not needed if only one user.

In File explorer go to: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows

Scroll down to SystemData folder, right click and take ownership.

Select user then the ReadOnly folder.

There you'll find various images in folders that are lettered.

I found that default image and removed it. Now it doesn't show up at random times.

Setting is to show picture - and Show the lock screen background picture on the sign in screen set to on.

If I've misunderstood your issue then you can at least remove that blue image if required.

Fabler2 said:

Scroll down to SystemData folder, right click and take ownership.

Click to expand...

Thank you. This is hidden system folder so is it okay for me to take ownership?
I've heard stories about systems being unable to work by changing ownership.
As a precaution I have run a Full Macrium Reflect image but thought I would check that taking ownership of this System Data folder was okay in your experience.

wiganken said:

Thank you. This is hidden system folder so is it okay for me to take ownership?
I've heard stories about systems being unable to work by changing ownership.
As a precaution I have run a Full Macrium Reflect image but thought I would check that taking ownership of this System Data folder was okay in your experience.

Click to expand...

Fabler2 said:

Scroll down to SystemData folder, right click and take ownership.

Click to expand...

Okay I went ahead and did it and removed the blue picture from both users S-1-5-18 and S-1-5-21-... (See photo).
The second one is my ID. Don't know what the other user ID is but after a restart Windows took back ownership of the SystemData folder and the picture got added back to the user S-1-5-18.
Tried a second time and the same thing happens so I am unable to stop the blue sign in screen and I have to click on it to see the sign in window.

Okay I fixed it by using Brinks reg file (photo).
Thanks @Ghot for pointing me in the right direction.

wiganken said:

Okay I fixed it by using Brinks reg file (photo).
Thanks @Ghot for pointing me in the right direction.

View attachment 152627

Click to expand...

Ok. That System folder always needs taking ownership so safe to do. That short s-1-5-18 was a recently added image- which was the Blue image again. Not sure why it wasn't removed for you.
Anyway you've got rid of the Lock screen as a workaround fix to your problem.