Windows Lock Screen custom picture not working


If there is a Group Policy, "gpupdate /force" immediately applies the policy again. Normally a policy is enforced on reboot. Running the command means you don't have to wait for a reboot to confirm a policy is changing the setting.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
If there is a Group Policy, "gpupdate /force" immediately applies the policy again. Normally a policy is enforced on reboot. Running the command means you don't have to wait for a reboot to confirm a policy is changing the setting.
Right, but I can't see if the lock screen image is mine or the default Windows image until I restart.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
I don't understand. Why can't you log out to see the changes?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
I don't understand. Why can't you log out to see the changes?
Because that would close all running programs including the Macrium Reflect full backup which is currently running.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
Reflect completed its backup allowing me to restart. Regretfully, the default image still displays.
I'm going to try my idea of renaming my lockscreen image to replace the blue default image.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
Renaming the images did not work either. It's as though Windows is either keeping its default photo cached, or it has a copy hidden in another directory.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
Ok, I solved this with a workaround. It appears the default file Windows kept calling up on boot was C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Windows\img19.jpg. Replacing that with my image having renamed it to img19.jpg did the trick.

Although this is a solution, it is not THE SOLUTION, because setting your choice of image for the lockscreen in Windows personalization should work. Just another H24 bug.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
After a Windows update this morning, my lockscreen image has once again been hijacked by Microsoft. I have eliminated all images of the default blue image from Windows\Web and its subfolders, so clearly Microsoft has hidden a copy elsewhere. I would dearly like to get to the bottom of this because I find it intensely annoying. Not so much because I do not like the default blue photo, but because Microsoft has taken it upon themselves to take control of MY computer.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
I am having the exact same issue. Did anyone fix this? I ran the bat file and the gpupdate but I still get the blue screen on the login screen after logging out or restarting my computer.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
No change at my end. MS have indeed taken over my PC. When this one comes up for replacement, I won't be buying anything Windows based.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
I dont use Windows Spotlight, I use static Lock screen picture

I have a solution for this but
- you will lost your old lockscreen caches in a systemdata folder
- you have to use NSudo

in zip file
you need that file "NSudoC.exe" from that folder "NSudo 6.1.1811.18\x64\"

change that file with your lock screen image

make a backup of that file "C:\Windows\Web\Screen\img100.jpg" simply you can rename it img100bak.jpg or you can erase it too.
rename your personal lockscreen image to img100.jpg and replace it at "C:\Windows\Web\Screen\"

write this code in a bat file, NSudoC.exe must be next to that bat file ;)

Code:
@echo off
COLOR 1F

(Net session >nul 2>&1)&&(cd /d "%~dp0")||(PowerShell start """%~0""" -verb RunAs & Exit /B)

FOR /F "tokens=3" %%A in ('reg query "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI" /V "SelectedUserSID"') DO (SET SID=%%A)
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\S-1-5-18\ReadOnly\LockScreen_Z\*.*""
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\%SID%\ReadOnly\LockScreen_A\*.*""
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\%SID%\ReadOnly\LockScreen_Z\*.*""

PAUSE

EXIT

run the bat file

lock your computer, and you have to see the result

NOTE:

I never use Windows Spotlight, Slideshow or any build-in lockscreen image of Windows.
From start with a clean install, I use that codes in a script, my own script also replace my lockscreen image at "C:\Windows\Web\Screen\img100.jpg"
When I want to change the lockscreen, i do the same procedure, I dont use Settings to change lockscreen image any at all.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 25H2 Home Single Language (26200.8037)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO IdeaPad 5 15ITL05
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-1115G4
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    256GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / FirefoxPortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    G-Virus
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
The lock screen image displays the photo I selected. It's the startup login screen that always gets replaced with the default Windows 11 blue image.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
I always have the same picture with that procedure. In lock screen and in sign-in screen both.

try this

Code:
@echo off
COLOR 1F

(Net session >nul 2>&1)&&(cd /d "%~dp0")||(PowerShell start """%~0""" -verb RunAs & Exit /B)

FOR /F "tokens=3" %%A in ('reg query "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI" /V "SelectedUserSID"') DO (SET SID=%%A)
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\S-1-5-18\ReadOnly\LockScreen_Z\*.*""
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\%SID%\ReadOnly\LockScreen_A\*.*""
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\%SID%\ReadOnly\LockScreen_Z\*.*""

:: Settings - Personalization - Lock Screen - Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen Policy [ENABLE]
REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v "DisableLogonBackgroundImage" /f

:: Settings - Personalization - Lock Screen - Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen [ON-DEFAULT]
FOR /F "tokens=3" %%A in ('reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI" /V "SelectedUserSID"') DO (SET SID=%%A)
REG ADD "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SystemProtectedUserData\%SID%\AnyoneRead\LockScreen" /v "HideLogonBackgroundImage" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f

PAUSE

EXIT
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 25H2 Home Single Language (26200.8037)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO IdeaPad 5 15ITL05
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-1115G4
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    256GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / FirefoxPortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    G-Virus
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
No change at my end. MS have indeed taken over my PC. When this one comes up for replacement, I won't be buying anything Windows based.
Not a fix, but I was able to find a workaround. I just take over ownership of the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData folder and go in the user ID folder there and copy the name of the stupid blue windows lock screen in LockScreen_Z and paste int onto a copy of the picture I use for my current lock screen, then copy and paste that image file over the windows one. It works but it's a pain, you have to take over ownership after each log on or restart, and you have to change the image file every time you want to change your lock screen (so it matches the one in account personalization). And do not delete any of the LockScreen folders in there. I made that mistake and it completely refused to see any of those images ever again, even through user personalization. I recovered them from the recycle bin and restored them. Windows 11 has looong tiny little fingers in literally everything.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
The reason for tight security is the Logon Screen runs with SYSTEM rights. When there's an user-selected image (wallpaper or account picture), Windows has to be concerned someone can't feed it a hacked file which triggers a buffer overflow. This could grant a non-privileged user all SYSTEM rights.

That's why Windows is paranoid, and locks down those folders.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
The reason for tight security is the Logon Screen runs with SYSTEM rights. When there's an user-selected image (wallpaper or account picture), Windows has to be concerned someone can't feed it a hacked file which triggers a buffer overflow. This could grant a non-privileged user all SYSTEM rights.

That's why Windows is paranoid, and locks down those folders.
Makes sense. I actually did not have this issue until I enabled Secure Boot in my BIOS. I saw some windows error logs saying it couldn't communicate or write rules to the BIOS because secure boot was off. It wrote and spoke to the BIOS just fine after that- a little too much LOL
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Not a fix, but I was able to find a workaround. I just take over ownership of the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData folder and go in the user ID folder there and copy the name of the stupid blue windows lock screen in LockScreen_Z and paste int onto a copy of the picture I use for my current lock screen, then copy and paste that image file over the windows one. It works but it's a pain, you have to take over ownership after each log on or restart, and you have to change the image file every time you want to change your lock screen (so it matches the one in account personalization). And do not delete any of the LockScreen folders in there. I made that mistake and it completely refused to see any of those images ever again, even through user personalization. I recovered them from the recycle bin and restored them. Windows 11 has looong tiny little fingers in literally everything.

It is why there are scripts?!

I always have the same picture with that procedure. In lock screen and in sign-in screen both.

try this

Code:
@echo off
COLOR 1F

(Net session >nul 2>&1)&&(cd /d "%~dp0")||(PowerShell start """%~0""" -verb RunAs & Exit /B)

FOR /F "tokens=3" %%A in ('reg query "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI" /V "SelectedUserSID"') DO (SET SID=%%A)
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\S-1-5-18\ReadOnly\LockScreen_Z\*.*""
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\%SID%\ReadOnly\LockScreen_A\*.*""
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\%SID%\ReadOnly\LockScreen_Z\*.*""

:: Settings - Personalization - Lock Screen - Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen Policy [ENABLE]
REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v "DisableLogonBackgroundImage" /f

:: Settings - Personalization - Lock Screen - Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen [ON-DEFAULT]
FOR /F "tokens=3" %%A in ('reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI" /V "SelectedUserSID"') DO (SET SID=%%A)
REG ADD "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SystemProtectedUserData\%SID%\AnyoneRead\LockScreen" /v "HideLogonBackgroundImage" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f

PAUSE

EXIT
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 25H2 Home Single Language (26200.8037)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO IdeaPad 5 15ITL05
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-1115G4
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    256GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / FirefoxPortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    G-Virus
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
I always have the same picture with that procedure. In lock screen and in sign-in screen both.

try this

Code:
@echo off
COLOR 1F

(Net session >nul 2>&1)&&(cd /d "%~dp0")||(PowerShell start """%~0""" -verb RunAs & Exit /B)

FOR /F "tokens=3" %%A in ('reg query "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI" /V "SelectedUserSID"') DO (SET SID=%%A)
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\S-1-5-18\ReadOnly\LockScreen_Z\*.*""
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\%SID%\ReadOnly\LockScreen_A\*.*""
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E cmd /c "del /q /f "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\%SID%\ReadOnly\LockScreen_Z\*.*""

:: Settings - Personalization - Lock Screen - Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen Policy [ENABLE]
REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v "DisableLogonBackgroundImage" /f

:: Settings - Personalization - Lock Screen - Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen [ON-DEFAULT]
FOR /F "tokens=3" %%A in ('reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI" /V "SelectedUserSID"') DO (SET SID=%%A)
REG ADD "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SystemProtectedUserData\%SID%\AnyoneRead\LockScreen" /v "HideLogonBackgroundImage" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f

PAUSE

EXIT
I assume I have to run this in Powershell? Windows gives me a warning that pasting this code could execute actions with negative consequences. If something bad does happen, can I restore the system by rolling back to my latest Macrium Reflect backup? Also, should I do a registry backup prior to executing the code?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
You need NSudo for to run that script and Windows' security can see it as a threat, because you can run things as TrustedInstaller with NSudo.

That script will erase your old lockscreen (sign-in screen) cache. Normally you cannot access that folders, it is why we need NSudo and working as TrustedInstaller.

Script will also change that value "HideLogonBackgroundImage" in HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SystemProtectedUserData\%SID%\AnyoneRead\LockScreen" registry key.
we need it "0" to Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen.

We can turn back that registry to "1" changing the script.

But script will erase caches, and there is no turn back for them.

Your system will not brake. But read carefully what i wrote in this post.

I never use Windows Spotlight, I use static Lock screen picture.
I use that script after making clean install.
Then I use again if i want to change lockscreen image again. (I dont use Settings to change it)


I can prepare you a backup script for folders that will be deleted,
I never needed that, I never get a problem in my system
But at least you will have a backup of files that you will erase.

Code:
@echo off
COLOR 1f

(Net session >nul 2>&1)&&(cd /d "%~dp0")||(PowerShell start """%~0""" -verb RunAs & Exit /B)

SET backup=%userprofile%\desktop\BackUp

IF NOT EXIST "%backup%" MD "%backup%"

ECHO Back Up First ...

:SystemData
NSudoC.exe -ShowWindowMode:show -Wait -UseCurrentConsole -U:T -P:E xcopy /e /k /h /y "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\*.*" "%backup%\SystemData\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\SystemData\"

pause

exit /b
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 25H2 Home Single Language (26200.8037)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO IdeaPad 5 15ITL05
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-1115G4
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    256GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / FirefoxPortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    G-Virus
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
Thanks very much for all your advice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware A51M R2
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz
    Memory
    32,0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    4K
    Hard Drives
    2TB (2x 1TB PCle M.2 SSD) RAID 0 [Boot] + 2TB (2x 1TB
    PCle M.2 SSD) Non-Raid [Storage]
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