Deleting pictures from the background is a common issue faced by Windows 10 users. Whether you want to eliminate unwanted images from the desktop background or remove the lock screen slideshow pictures, there is no straightforward way to do it. However, there are several methods you can use to delete pictures from your Windows 10 background. In this blog, we will guide you through these methods, including their pros and cons, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
The methods we are going to discuss don’t require any special technical skills or software. However, you need to have access to your computer’s settings and be able to navigate through them. Additionally, take note of the picture’s location, format, and size, so you can select the appropriate method.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Before deleting pictures from your Windows 10 background, make sure to check if they are needed for any of the system’s functionalities, such as the login screen. Also, backup pictures that you want to keep before deleting them to avoid losing them permanently. Finally, consider the impact of deleting pictures from your computer’s performance and appearance, especially if you are using the lock screen slideshow feature.
Method 1: Remove Pictures from Lock Screen Slideshow
Often, Windows 10 displays pictures on the lock screen that you don’t want to see. Here’s how to remove them:
1. Click on the Windows icon on the taskbar and select "Settings" (gear icon) from the Start menu.
2. Select "Personalization" from the options.
3. Click on "Lock screen" from the Personalization window’s left pane.
4. Under "Background," select "Picture" from the drop-down menu to switch from the slideshow.
5. Click on the "Browse" button to access the folder containing the images you want to remove.
6. Select the undesired pictures and click on the "Remove" button.
7. Once done, navigate to the lock screen and see if the pictures have been removed.
Pros
– Easy to access and perform.
– You can customize your lock screen with your favorite images.
– Allows you to switch between the slideshow and single picture modes.
Cons
– This method only applies to lock screen pictures.
– The pictures might return if you restart your computer or update Windows 10.
Method 2: Change the Desktop Background Picture
Windows 10 allows you to change your desktop background picture, which might include unwanted images. Here’s how to do it:
1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop and select "Personalize" from the options.
2. Click on "Background" from the Personalization window’s left pane.
3. Under "Background," select "Picture" from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on the "Browse" button and access the folder containing the images you want to remove.
5. Select the undesired pictures and click on the "Remove" button.
6. Once done, navigate back to the desktop and see if the pictures have been removed.
Pros
– Easy to access and perform.
– You can customize your desktop with your favorite images.
– Allows you to switch between several picture modes.
Cons
– This method only applies to desktop background pictures.
– The pictures might return if you restart your computer or update Windows 10.
Method 3: Use Registry Editor to Remove Pictures
Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to modify Windows 10 settings beyond its usual limitations. Here’s how to use it:
1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously to open the Run command box.
2. Type "regedit" in the box and hit "Enter" or click "OK."
3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Personalization
4. Right-click on an empty area on the right side of the Personalization folder and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value."
5. Name the new value "NoLockScreen" and double-click on it.
6. Change the value data to "1" and click on "OK."
7. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Pros
– This method deletes all lock screen slideshow pictures permanently.
– Doesn’t affect other Windows 10 functionalities.
– Provides access to advanced Windows 10 settings.
Cons
– Inexperienced users shouldn’t use this method.
– Requires modifying the operating system’s registry, which may cause serious issues if done incorrectly.
Why Can’t I Delete Pictures from Background Windows 10?
1. The pictures might be essential for some of Windows 10’s functionalities, such as lock screen or login screen images.
2. You might not have the administrator’s access to perform the deletion.
3. The pictures might be cached, preventing you from deleting them.
4. The image format is not supported on your Windows 10 version.
Solutions:
1. Determine if the pictures are system-required or not before deleting them.
2. Ensure that you’re signed in as an administrator, or run the settings as administrator.
3. Clear the cache storing the images before deleting them.
4. Convert the image format to the supported format or upgrade your Windows 10 version.
Suggestions
– Backup your pictures before performing any deletion to avoid losing them.
– Understand the functionality of the images before deleting them.
– Choose the method that suits your image deletion requirements.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I delete lock screen images permanently?
A: Yes, you can use the Registry Editor method to delete all lock screen images permanently.
Q: What happens if I delete system images used during Windows 10 updates?
A: Deleting system images might cause issues while updating your Windows 10 version or patching vulnerabilities.
Q: How can I access the Windows 10 cache folder?
A: Open the Run command box and type "%TEMP%" to access the cache folder.
Q: Can I delete images from the taskbar background?
A: Yes, you can delete the taskbar’s background images using the same method used for the desktop background.
Q: Can I stop Windows 10 from displaying a background picture altogether?
A: Yes, you can use the Registry Editor method to disable background pictures altogether.
Conclusion
Deleting pictures from the Windows 10 background can be somewhat challenging, but it’s not impossible. Windows 10 provides several methods to remove undesired images from the desktop or lock screen. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure you understand its impact and functionality before performing any deletion on your computer’s background.