How to Change Wallpaper on Windows 10 and Windows 11 Without Activation

Many Windows 10 and Windows 11 users face limitations on personalization when their operating system isn’t activated. However, there are still ways to change the desktop background to a preferred wallpaper without activation. Here, we’ll go over some simple methods to help you personalize your wallpaper settings without activating Windows.

Method 1: Using File Explorer

You can still change your wallpaper using Windows File Explorer, even without activation. Here’s how:

  1. Open the folder containing the image you want to set as your wallpaper.
  2. Right-click on the image and select the option “Set as desktop background”.

This will apply the chosen image as your wallpaper. This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Method 2: Setting Images from the Web as Wallpaper

You can also set an image from the internet as your wallpaper directly from your browser. Here’s the process:

  1. Open the image in your browser (e.g., Chrome or Edge).
  2. Right-click on the image and select “Set as desktop background”.

This option also bypasses the personalization restrictions in Windows without activation.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

Several third-party applications allow you to change your desktop wallpaper even in an unactivated version of Windows. Here are a few popular options:

  • Wallpaper Engine — a paid program that lets you set both animated and static wallpapers, widely appreciated for customization.
  • John’s Background Switcher — a free app that allows you to set up wallpaper slideshows and automatically change your background.

Install and configure one of these tools to personalize your desktop background without needing Windows activation.

Method 4: Changing Wallpaper via the Registry Editor

Experienced users can try setting the wallpaper by editing the registry:

  1. Open the Registry Editor (press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter).
  2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
  3. Locate the Wallpaper entry, double-click it, and enter the path to the image you want to use as your wallpaper.
  4. Restart your computer or log out and back in for the changes to take effect.

This method requires caution, as incorrect registry changes may affect system stability.