Windows Spotlight rotates lock screen backgrounds and can overlay suggestions, “fun facts”, and promotional content. A static lock screen image is often preferred on shared PCs, privacy-sensitive systems, or devices where a consistent appearance matters.
Windows 11 controls the lock screen background through Settings → Personalization → Lock screen. When Windows spotlight is selected, Windows downloads and cycles spotlight images and may display additional content on the lock screen before sign-in.
Switching the lock screen background away from Windows spotlight disables spotlight content for the lock screen only. On organization-managed devices, policy settings can lock the dropdown or revert changes after sign-in, and the optional “fun facts” toggle may not appear on all builds or regions.
Steps to disable Windows Spotlight on the lock screen in Windows 11:
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
Press Win+I to open Settings directly.
- Select Personalization.
- Select Lock screen.
- Open the Personalize your lock screen dropdown.
If the dropdown is disabled or missing, the device may be managed by policy and the lock screen background mode may be enforced.
- Select Picture or Slideshow instead of Windows spotlight.
Picture uses a single image, while Slideshow rotates images from a selected folder.
- Select the lock screen image or slideshow source under the options shown.
- Turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen if it is available.
If the toggle is not shown after switching away from Windows spotlight, spotlight overlays are already disabled for the lock screen.
- Lock the PC to confirm the lock screen no longer shows spotlight content.
Press Win+L to lock immediately.
Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a cloud architect with deep roots in software development and open-source advocacy. Certified in AWS, Red Hat, VMware, ITIL, and Linux, he specializes in designing and managing robust cloud and on-premises infrastructures.
