Force a specific default lock screen and logon image

Policy ID
CPL_Personalization_ForceDefaultLockScreen
Scope
Computer Configuration
Supported on
At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
Source
Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category
Control Panel › Personalization

Description

This setting allows you to force a specific default lock screen and logon image by entering the path (location) of the image file. The same image will be used for both the lock and logon screens.

This setting lets you specify the default lock screen and logon image shown when no user is signed in, and also sets the specified image as the default for all users (it replaces the inbox default image).

To use this setting, type the fully qualified path and name of the file that stores the default lock screen and logon image. You can type a local path, such as C:\Windows\Web\Screen\img104.jpg or a UNC path, such as \\Server\Share\Corp.jpg.

This can be used in conjunction with the "Prevent changing lock screen and logon image" setting to always force the specified lock screen and logon image to be shown.

Note: This setting only applies to Enterprise, Education, and Server SKUs.

Options

The empty box and the checked box tell the checkbox items of the Group Policy editor apart (a checked box is an item that is selected by default).

  • Path to lock screen image:
  • Example: Using a local path: C:\windows\web\screen\lockscreen.jpg
  • Example: Using a UNC path: \\Server\Share\Corp.jpg
  • Turn off fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on lock screen

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • LockScreenImageREG_SZ
  • LockScreenOverlaysDisabledREG_DWORD

Other policies in the same category

View all policies in this category (10)