This article explains how to change your desktop wallpaper across various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
How to Set the Windows Desktop Background
Changing the Windows desktop background is easy. There are two methods, depending on whether the image is currently open.
With the photo open, right-click or tap-and-hold it, and then choose Set as > Background, or in older versions of Windows, Set as > Set as background or Set as desktop background.
Alternatively, perform a similar, slightly faster, step in File Explorer: right-click the image and select Set as desktop background.
Another method that works in Windows is through the Personalize option from the desktop:
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In Windows 11/10, right-click the desktop and select Personalize. In Windows 8/7/Vista, access the Control Panel’s Personalization applet.
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Select Picture from the menu in the Background section.
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Use an image from Microsoft or select Browse photos or Browse to find a different picture on your hard drive.
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Optionally fit, stretch, or fill the screen with the photo, or even tile, center, or span it across several screens.
Changing the Wallpaper on Other Devices
Windows isn't the only operating system that can have its desktop wallpaper customized. Below are some instructions for other devices.
macOS and Linux
Right-click a photo and choose Set Desktop Picture. Use pictures from online or ones saved to your computer.
Another way to change the desktop image on a Mac is to right-click a blank area on the desktop and choose the Change Desktop Background option. If you use this method, choose some other wallpapers and have all of them cycled on a schedule. You can also use System Preferences to change the wallpaper.
If you're using a Linux OS, such as Ubuntu, right-click the photo saved to your computer and pick the Set as Wallpaper option from the menu. Another option is to right-click the desktop and go to Change Desktop Background.
iOS, iPadOS, and Android
Use this Android guide for changing your wallpaper, or check out this guide for picking a new iPhone wallpaper, or this one for setting your iPad’s background.