How to change wallpaper in Windows 11 without activation (4 ways)
Like Windows 10, if you don't activate your copy of Windows 11, you can't change the background. In addition to backgrounds, Windows 11 customization options become inaccessible, such as theme change, color mode, accent color, and more.
So, if you have just installed Windows 11 on your computer/laptop and haven't activated it yet, you won't have the option to customize Windows 11. Yes, you can use a third-party customization app for Windows 11 to customize the operating system; what if you don't have internet access to download tools?
In such a situation, you need to look for ways within the operating system to change the wallpaper. Thus, this guide may be very useful if you are running an unactivated version of Windows 11 and are looking for ways to change the wallpaper.
4 Best Ways to Change Wallpaper in Windows 11 without Activation
This article will share some of the best solutions you can use to change wallpaper in Windows 11. Whether you're using an activated or unactivated version of Windows 11, you can rely on these additional methods to change wallpapers.
1) Set a new background via File Explorer
If the wallpaper is in any folder on your drive, you can easily set it as wallpaper without activating Windows 11. Here's how to set a new wallpaper on Windows 11 via File Explorer.
1. First, press the Windows Key + E button to open File Explorer. Alternatively, double-click on the This PC option to access File Explorer.
2. Next, select the image you want to set as wallpaper.
Locate the image
3. Right click on the image and select the option Set as desktop background.
Set as desktop background
4. If you want to set a slideshow as desktop background, you should select multiple pictures, right-click on them and select the Set as desktop background option.
Select multiple
images 5. You can even select an image and click on the "Set as wallpaper" option located in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Set as background
That's it! It's done. This is the first way to change wallpaper without activating Windows 11.
2) Change desktop background via Photos
Windows 11 comes with a redesigned Photos app that's very useful. Photos app is used to view photos stored on an engine disks, and can be used to set desktop wallpaper on Windows 11 as well.
1. First, open File Explorer and locate the image you want to set as wallpaper.
Locate image
2. Next, right-click on the image and select Open with> Pictures.
Open with> Photos
3. The wallpaper will open in the Photos app in Windows 11. You need to click on the three dots as below screenshot shown.
Three points
4. Select Set as> Set as background in the context menu.
Set > Set as background
5. If you want to set the wallpaper on your lock screen, select Set as> Set as lock screen.
Set as> Set as lock
screen that is! It's done. This is how you can change wallpaper on Windows 11 via the Photos app.
3) Change desktop background via Paint
app Just like the Photos app on Windows 11, the Paint app can be used to change the desktop background. Here's how to change your desktop background via the Paint app on Windows 11.
1. First, open File Explorer and locate the image you want to set as wallpaper.
2. Right click on the picture and select Open with> Paint button.
Open with> Paint
3. The photo will open in the Paint app in Windows 11. After that, click on the File menu as shown below.
File menu
4. Select Set as desktop background and choose the best size in the context menu.
Set as desktop background
is that him! This will change the desktop background on Windows 11 without activation. It's done.
4) Change Windows 11 background with Firefox
Firefox may not be the most popular desktop browser; it still provides you with many features that are not seen in other web browsers. One of these features is the ability to set a desktop background. Here's how to change desktop background via Firefox on Windows 11.
1. First of all, launch Firefox and open the image you want to set as wallpaper.
2. Next, right-click on the image and select the Set image as desktop background option.
Set the image as desktop background
3. You will see a desktop background set prompt like this. Here you need to select the position and click on the Set desktop background option.
Select the position
Although you can easily change the desktop background on Windows 11 without activating it, it is still recommended to activate Windows 11. An active version of Windows 11 opens up many valuable features, such as the ability to change themes, change the screen refresh rate, etc. It will also improve the Windows 11 experience.