Wallpaper keeps changing.

Dawid Czajczyk 0 Reputation points
2026-09-13T08:14:14.65+00:00

Recently I was changing my wallpaper and I changed my mind so I changed it back to the original Windows wallpaper and after a few seconds/minutes it keeps changing back to the one I tried but didn't like it, I've tried a lot of things and double checking if its set to picture, I even deleted the picture that I tried putting up but it still changes.
I would appreciate if anyone gives me a tip or an answer of how you can fix this problem
Thank you

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Desktop
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 76,730 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-13T09:31:09.3633333+00:00

    Hello,

    Apply a Windows theme instead-

    Go to Start > Settings > Personalization > Themes.

    Select the Windows Bloom (light/Dark) theme you would like to apply.

    Make sure to click Save.

    personalization (1)

    If you are still having issues and the suggestions recommended by AI and ApexNav did not help,

    Open a CMD (Admin) window and run the sfc/scannow command.

    Once completed, restart your computer and apply the Windows default theme.

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  2. ApexNáV 90 Reputation points
    2026-09-13T08:29:44.64+00:00

    Delete old wallpaper cache:

    1. Press Win + R, paste this, and press Enter:

    %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Themes

    1. Find and delete TranscodedWallpaper and CachedFiles (if available) folder
    2. Now, restart your PC, not shutdown, then set your desired wallpaper again from Settings.

    Original source/Credit of this answer here:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5771907/wallpaper-keeps-changing-back-in-windows-11

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-13T08:14:32.96+00:00

    Try these checks in order:

    1. In Settings > Personalization > Themes, reapply the current Windows theme or save the current setup as a new theme, then set the wallpaper again. A theme can reapply a previous background.
    2. In Settings > Personalization > Background, confirm the background type is Picture and not Slideshow or Windows Spotlight. Windows supports these background kinds: Solid color, Image, Slideshow, and Spotlight.
    3. Check whether the Bing Wallpaper app is installed. It can automatically update the desktop background. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, look for Bing Wallpaper, and uninstall it if it is present.
    4. If this is a managed Windows 11 Pro device, a policy can force a wallpaper and prevent changes. The relevant policy is User/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/ADMX_Desktop/Wallpaper, which specifies the desktop background and can stop users from changing it.
    5. If the desktop background is turning black or desktop settings are not sticking after an update, install the latest Windows update. A known issue caused some devices to lose or reset desktop background settings after update KB5120998, and it was resolved in updates released September 8, 2026 (KB5124008) and later.

    If the problem started after trying a different image, the most likely causes from the available guidance are an active theme, Windows Spotlight/Slideshow, or the Bing Wallpaper app overriding the setting.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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