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How To Change Windows 7 Logon Screen Easily [Without Using Hacks & Tools]

Last Updated on by 143 Comments

Are you bored of the default logon screen background image of Windows 7? You can easily change the logon screen background picture with a custom one without using third-party tools.

In previous version of Windows, user had no option but to use third-parry tools like Tune-Up-Utilities to change the logon screen background. But in Windows 7, the case is different. Windows 7 now supports custom logon screen background.

Replacing the old logon screen is as easy as changing desktop wallpaper (desktop background).

Windows 7 logon background

Change the Windows 7 logon screen background picture

Step 1: Download the registry file from here. Extract the file and double-click on the file to enable this feature (Alternative method: right-click, select Merge).

Step 2: Now, head over to the following folder:

C:\Windows\System32\oobe (“C” is your Windows Seven Installation drive)

Step 3: Here, create a new folder named Info. Again, create a new folder inside the Info folder and rename it as backgrounds.

Step 4: Copy your favorite image file to this folder and rename it as backgroundDefault. Note that the image must be in JPG format and the size should be less than 256 KB.

Step 5: You are done. Reboot your system and see the change.

The following files (sorted by width-to-height ratio) are supported in  C:\Windows\System32\oobe\Info\Backgrounds folder:

* backgroundDefault.jpg
* background768×1280.jpg  (0.6)
* background900×1440.jpg  (0.625)
* background960×1280.jpg  (0.75)
* background1024×1280.jpg (0.8)
* background1280×1024.jpg (1.25)
* background1024×768.jpg  (1.33-)
* background1280×960.jpg  (1.33-)
* background1600×1200.jpg (1.33-)
* background1440×900.jpg  (1.6)
* background1920×1200.jpg (1.6)
* background1280×768.jpg  (1.66-)
* background1360×768.jpg  (1.770833-)

And users who prefer to use a third-party instead can check out free tools such as Windows 7 Logon Screen Changer and Logon Screen Rotator to set your own picture as logon screen background withe a mouse click.

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Comments

  2. Schrinus says

    You can get past the 256kB-Limit by changing a system-file
    Here’s how it works:
    opencarnage.net/index.php?/topic/4444-custom-windows-7-loginlock-background-with-256kb-limit-removal/

    Don’t delete or rename the original file without replacing it with the modified file and lock, logoff, or restart your Computer as you won’t be able to get to the Welcome Screen anymore! A Windows Update may change it back to 256kB-Limit (only happened once to me), but you will only get the Default LogonScreen and everything will still work.

    If you can’t edit or replace the authui.dll in the system32-folder then do this:
    – Copy the authui.dll
    – Modify the copied authui.dll
    – Rename the original authui.dll (to authui_Original.dll for example)
    – Copy the modified authui.dll to C:\Windows\System32\
    – If the copying (or anything other) fails rename back the original file to authui.dll as otherwise without a authui.dll file it will brick your Welcome/Lock Screen.

    And make sure to backup the authui.dll file!

  3. john b says

    “There is a much easier way to do this with no registry hacking. I’m using Windows 7 64bit so it may be different to 32bit.
    Go to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\oobe
    Replace the file background.bmp with an image that fits the requirements stated above.
    Logout.”

    D’OH

  5. Silk of Morrocco says

    This article gives clear idea designed for the new viewers of blogging, that actually how to do blogging.

  8. Quen says

    FYI, the registry file just switches a value called “OEMbackground” from 0 to 1. Look for yourself, open it with any code editor.

  9. admin says

    @ Daniel
    That looks like tricky. Sorry, I don’t have a proper solution for that.

  10. Daniel says

    Hi All!
    I wonder what do I have to do to make it show the proper ratio picture if I have a laptop with 1280x800px screen and external monitor with HD resolution (1920x1080px) … that means two unsupported resolutions?
    I have tried all posible combinations and none of it works…
    One is always distroted…
    Any suggestions?
    Thanks a lot!
    Daniel

  13. robin says

    it’s not working for me dude…as i’ve already installed a skinpack of apple..now am unable to uninstall it and bring back my log on screen and icons back to default..

  14. Rohit says

    Step 5: You are done. Reboot your system and see the change.
    How to redoot system

  15. Kyle says

    It applies the picture after a restart, and then after another restart or shutdown, it goes back to original.

  18. nasari says

    -for the oobe one, there is already ‘info’ folder…should i create new one and replace the old ‘info’ folder???

  20. admin says

    Looks like a good one. Would have been nice if there was a way to automatically update the logon screen background with Bing picture.

  21. Jayson Ragasa says

    I’ve made an app called “Windows 7 Logon Wallpaper Changer + Desktop Wallpaper Changer” Want bing images as your logon background image or desktop wallpaper? Here’s an application for you! Windows 7 Logon Wallpaper Changer + Desktop Wallpaper Changer is great application in many ways! get it here!

  24. MADGUY says

    basically this F***ED my comp thanks alot… it black screens upon start up THEN IF it finally logs in its slow as shit and I cant undo it cause I dont have a restore point set… THANKS

  25. admin says

    @ Binaya Bhandari
    Your method only changes the User picture whereas this guide helps you change the logon screen background.

  26. Binaya Bhandari says

    I am not sure why people are giving such idea to just simply change a windows logon screen.

    This is the simplest one. No registry edit. Very simple.

    Control Panel\User Accounts and Family Safety\User Accounts

    Then on left hand side, Click change your picture and browse the appropriate one.

    Now, Restart and see the change.

    That’s it. So simple.

  27. Gio says

    I’ve scaned the registry file with microsoft security esensitals and malware bytes, no virus! :D

  28. skiri-ki says

    I tried it with an image size of 250kb but it didn’t work. Then i used the program from tweaks.com and it told me the image could only be 245kb. program downsampled to 244kb, works.

    looks like you need to update that guide ;)

  29. john says

    Thanks! Very handy.

    Your reg key really was the answer for me.
    By the way is there also a way to get rid of: the small
    “Windows 7 ultimate” logo at the bottom of the screen during starting?

  30. muzon says

    i cnt change the logon screen for window7 eternity 64-bit.. anybody knows how to do this? thanks in advnce

  34. Rahul says

    thank you very much for this suggestion..
    i was lokking for the solution from a long time and now i got it..!

  35. Wintermute T-A says

    Funny, it says “without using tools” and then it wants me to download a program.
    What a load of BS.

  39. jeffspirit says

    The pref for me – solid color – twas shorter/quicker of sorts getting the file permissions, then using paint to put new color image to the jpg files for UI logon. Worked great, now to do the boot image is next.

  41. admin says

    Thanks. We have already covered about this tool here:
    intowindows.com/how-to-automatically-set-bing-search-pictures-as-windows-7-logon-background/

  42. Vivek says

    i am using mouse without borders, there is an option “Personalize logon screen”, set it to Local or Bing.com.I dont need to bother about resizing and renaming the file less than 256kb and desktopBackground.

    It automatically creates the oobe\info\backgrounds, and sets the registry key to 1.

  43. Phil says

    I need to create a custom log in screen for security reasons in win7. I would like to use a (my customized) wallpaper with sign-in bar. I would also request info on how to create executable icons and icons in general, of my choice, to launch programs, files and folders. I know this is a lot to ask, but I am getting to old to remember how-to with today s technologies. Can you help or direct to the correct source?
    Much Thanks

  45. Matthijs says

    The ‘info’ directory already exists. Does it means i need to put the ‘backgrounds’ directory in it?

    Thanks alot;
    Matthew

  48. Alex Belenkiy says

    Awesome dude!!!

    Windows XP had a very simple way of doing this, MS decided to make lives difficult for IT folks in Windows 7.

  49. Anne says

    For some reason, my log on screen just turned black. No background, nothing, just black. I went into those folders for the login backgrounds and they’re still in the right place but they don’t show up. Any ideas as to why they’re like that?

  50. butchie says

    mine did not work. huhuhu. i did regedit and changed the oem background, but there is no boolean option just hexadecimal and decimal. i followed as well the size of the image and the file name and both did not work. please help me out thanks

  51. Pidge says

    This didn’t work on my Acer. I seems either I’m stuck with an ugly green screen or an ugly blue screen.

  53. ali says

    I can not write persion in explorer although I have installed it’s fonts before.please help me

  59. awgiedawgie says

    @JBL
    I know this is coming in long after you posed the question, but you may need to change the permissions on this folder to be able to copy into it. I’ve been using this technique to change my logon screen for so long I honestly don’t remember if I had to change the permissions or not.

  63. bakerSKT says

    yes, it works perfect in windows 7 starter
    but you dont need to create a folder if theres one already.. just change backgrounddefault picture
    and you dont need to reboot just press the start button+L and it will lock
    Thanks

  64. muhinboss says

    i changed the image on log on screen. but i wanna some more. can anyone help me?

    i also wanna remove the text “Windows 7 Ultimate” which is show on the bottom position of log on screen.

  67. sinjuju says

    @ samuel try this lil’ neat program its way easier to use tweaks.com/software/tweakslogon I’m running windows 7 eternity 64 bit x86 and all the the other methods didn’t work

  68. Jasper says

    I got a brand new Packard bell with Win7 Home premium.
    I put the ”old” Info in my documents for backup.
    Image (119 KB.jp(e)g) was put in and named as
    C:\Windows\System32\oobe\Info\backgrounds\backgroundDefault
    Rebooted the system, didn’t work.
    Tried hundred times but I cant figure out what the problem is.

  70. coruscadragon says

    I have the “C:\Windows\System32\oobe\Info\Backgrounds\” folder, it’s filled with default Gateway screens of varying resolutions (no surprise there).
    I also have the folder “C:\Windows\System32\oobe\Info\Backgrounds-NOWAIT\”, filled with the same Gateway files;
    anyone know what the different folders are for?

  71. Stubbs says

    Is there any way the prompting word ‘Password’ can be amended in the log in screen password box?

  72. artguy says

    Got mine to work fine…
    With tweaks.com login changer for windows 7
    Works great for me..
    Windows 7 professional 32bit.
    It has a revert button to.
    Default location for the folder ….is on my system..
    C:windows/system32/oobe/info/backgrounds

    But remember te tweaks.com program will auto resize pics if needed.

    Cheers all…

    And text size ..font size…..can be tweaked easily with a regedit
    Using simple dword add in. And can be deleted if wanted to.. Open regedit as admin…navigate to hkey users /.default/control panel/desktop/ new dword value..use decimal n change to you epi you want to use… I made mine 120 but between 96 and 150 is ok.
    Hope this helps all

    Again cheers

  73. joakim says

    Yiou should change the “5. You are done. Reboot your system and see the change.” part to:

    5. You are done. Pres “Switch user” to see the change.

  74. Nithin says

    Thanks for this post. it really worked. thanks a lot
    and a big thanks to Keith Hanly , your post really helped me to complete this. Thanks for you toooooooooo
    :)
    :)
    :)

  76. krishna says

    Yeah, it is working on my windows7 System. More over no malware is detected..

    Thank u for posting

  77. Tony says

    There is a much easier way to do this with no registry hacking. I’m using Windows 7 64bit so it may be different to 32bit.
    Go to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\oobe
    Replace the file background.bmp with an image that fits the requirements stated above.
    Logout.

  78. Devin says

    There is a another info file so should i delete it or what and i tryed placing the defalt folder in it and it doesnt work. it wont let me expand or merge the file.

  84. Alex says

    This is one of the best things windows did to be able to customize more of windows hope they will eventually make more changes to custumize it even further, people like me are very into customizing and thanks to windows for making it easier without any use of software

  87. Jennifer says

    This worked really well, Though i had to change the image to 800×600. It wouldn’t work any other way and i have Windows 7 Home. Thank You so much for the post. Great work.

  95. Jay says

    Dude it really worked just follow the steps and its so easy u have to resize the wallpaper in ur current resolution and then name it with that resolution. For example: current res is 800×600 u need one wallpaper background800x600.jpg and backgrounddefault.jpg must be 800×600 too. (u can resize it with paint, only before placing in the map!) At paint choose Options, Properties, change scale & height (make sure its in pixels) make it all ur own resolution! if u have problems with the reg download windows tweaker so u can take ownership of the reg and can do anything with it.

    Peace!

  97. Dirk says

    Thanks! Very handy.

    Your reg key really was the answer for me.
    By the way is there also a way to get rid of: the small
    “Windows 7 ultimate” logo at the bottom of the screen during starting?

  98. mike says

    I have used logonStudio since vista came out and it has worked great, even with win7. However, I just bought a Dell Inspiron 570 for a customer and it came with an OEM login screen. LogonStudio could not change it.

    So, I used the regedit file provided here, followed the loacation in the registry and changed it from a value of 1 to a value of 0. Now LogonStudio works!

    It seems that dell has used the information here to change the default logon. thanks for the reg file, it helped me find what value to change.

  99. andrew says

    to bad, that image must be 256KB or less, because I have a really nice looking image, but it’s 500KB.. Tried resizing, but then the quality of image went down.. Still nice trick you got there :)

  100. Bryce says

    Hello, I have an alienware laptop that came with this regedit already installed (so that it came with a cool alienware logon screen). Unfortunately, I think after a windows update or something, the logon screen reverted back to the original win 7 picture (lame).

    I can’t figure out to fix this, none of the .exe files work. I don’t want to just delete the file out of the system32 folder since it’s a registry edit and reinstall. Can/should I do that? The image is named properly and is in the info folder.

    I’m using win 7 home premium 64 bit.

    Thank you in advance!

  101. Mark says

    Worth reiterating that 1920×1080 is NOT supported. I think I just saw 1920×1200 in the list and read it as 1080. I just copied my image to both backgroundDefault.jpg and background1920x1200.jpg instead of background1920x1080.jpg but left both images at a 1920×1080 resolution and it works. Not sure which of those 2 names really did the trick but I don’t want to break it playing with figuring that out.

  102. emgee says

    This worked great for win7pro, muchas gracias! My only problem now is I don’t have the ‘Other User’ option available on my logon screen. I can disable showing the last logged on user and then logon as another user, but I’d prefer to show the last user. Any ideas?

  105. admin says

    Restore your system to the previous system restore point by booting into the WinRE environment. To do this, just turn on your PC, hit F8 key and then select Advanced options. In the install screen, click Repair my computer and finally click restore my computer to earlier restore point.

  106. 116cl says

    This MESSED UP my computer. I’m getting a blue screen with a long message that says something like, “If this is the first time you saw this or you saw this is more than once.” How do I fix what the registry download changed? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  111. arieljannai says

    hey, i was also trying to change my logon background, but it just doesn’t work on my computer. i’ve edited the registry and i’ve also changed the state in the gpedit.
    you have any ideas what can possibly be the problem?
    it should work also if i have a couple of users right?

  112. mayford5 says

    If you name your backgrounds in this format
    backgroundresolution.jpg(ex..background1280X1024.jpg) it should work everytime. You will just need to edit the .jpg with paint and resize it to your current resolution. Then name your .jpg in the above manner for your resolution and it should work just fine. This has worked for me numerous times now.

  113. simithra says

    I m using windows starter and i followed all the instruction but it didnt work… :-(

  114. Nair says

    works totally fine. just one thing though. how can i have a screen capture of my log in screen just like the image you showed in this post. thanks. :D

  120. twjames says

    Keith…thanks…I’m on Win7 Ultimate, just downloading the reg key didn’t work but it did after I edited the logon properties with gpedit.msc.

    thanx

    Tim

  121. JBL says

    Sorry to double post, please merge my posts.

    I found a way to get a .jpg file in the folder, I open it with paint and save as in the backgrounds folder..

    anyone knows how I can allow copying files in this folder?

  122. JBL says

    When i try to copy jpg files there it says:

    Target Folder is not available.

    the info folder was already there too… with sony stuff in it.

  124. MikeVertx says

    you did say:

    “without using any hacks or third-party tools”

    and then immediately following described how to ‘hack’ the registration files…

    respectfully this post is a fail.

    here’s why:

    although this trick may work, and I may end up trying and using it… it means manually editing the registry files *OR* downloading a program… which means this is *NOT* as easy as changing your background image. *AND* windows has *NOT* included changing your log-in screen easily. :(

    the topic and title should have been:

    “Change your Windows 7 log-in screen with a simple reg edit”

  125. Bret says

    @ Keith Hanly: group policy editor (gpedit.msc) is only available to those with Professional or Ultimate editions.

    @ Everyone else: If you have a home edition of Windows 7, you need to edit the registry.

  126. aamir says

    hey buddy, its good but heres one more utility where u havent need to do all of this just select folder n then select picture ur logon screen automatically change…. utilty name is “windows 7 logon backgroung changer”

  127. Silvio Sagovac says

    @John, it realy shoud have to find it! Did you wrote “gpedit” or “gpedit.msc”? If you write the full extension (the 2nd option) you will have listed on the top the application in “Programs” category.

  128. Silvio Sagovac says

    Curious, you can’t put an image that is bigger than ~256KB, why so, and is there a way to overide it?
    And simple “deactivation”-deleteing the picture! :)

    Excelent post! Got me to this site. :)

  129. Johnson Yip says

    Thanks for the tip. I’m so happy now since I no longer have to stare at the borring logon background that comes with Windows 7.

    Great tutorial!

  131. John says

    Hi Keith,

    Win7 can’t find gpedit. If have tried the oobe thing, but this doesn’t work here. Anyone else have ideas?
    Seems gpedit is only available in Ultimate.

  132. Keith Hanly says

    Now I just after realising that the Registry download link probably does this for you, anyway…if it doesn’t my last post will work!

  133. Keith Hanly says

    I have found this method doesn’t work on 7 rtm unless you go to Group Policy> Go to start menu and in the search box type gpedit.msc right click and click ‘run as administrator…click on Computer Configuration in Group Policy then Administrative TEmplates then Sysytem and choose ‘Logon’ near the bottom of Logon Double click ‘Always use custom logon background’ and choose ‘enable’ in this…it is set to ‘Not Configured’ by default.Then do the above tutorial and it should work! Hope this helps someone! Keith!

  134. admin says

    @Cheezehead
    Link updated. You can now directly download it from our server only. Btw, thanks for notifying about the issue.

  136. cheezehead says

    Can you upload the rar file to another filehost site? the link you have for that file is constantly saying that its over its bandwidth use. Use 4shared.com or mediafire or something that wont have a bandwidth limit.

  141. Asad Hamdani says

    You can always type this string in RUN and you will always land in the currently installed Windows’ directories;

    %windir%\System32\Oobe

    Basically %WinDir% tells the current system to go to the currently installed Windows Installation Folder.

    Great tip on changing the Logon Screen, that’s what brought me here anyway :-)

    Thanks.

  143. axious says

    Or you could use this simple little proggy. Works

    Here ya go. Source included for the curious (and paranoid. NO MALWARE!)
    Feel free to do anything with it.

    Does all this in one go:

    * Enables/Disables the registry key
    * Resizes the selected image to your current rez (or any other size if you tell it to)
    * Sets it to 96dpi 24bit
    * Finds the highest JPG compression that would still keep it below 256kb
    * Saves it as backgroundDefault.jpg in the correct folder (and create a backup if one is already in there)

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