What To Do If Windows Desktop Wallpaper Disappears

A lovely wallpaper would add a hint of delight in our work and study. Many users may save lots of interesting images on their computer for changing their desktop wallpapers. However, there can be times when the desktop background suddenly disappears, leaving a black, white or grey screen. This problem can occur perhaps because Windows was not activated correctly during your installation, or your personalization settings have been mistakenly changed. We will detail the possible fixes on how to restore the disappearing desktop wallpaper.

1. Update Windows

Step 1: Press Windows+I to open Settings and select Update & Security > Activation.

Step 2: Under the Windows section, you should see "Windows is activated" if you have already activated the Windows OS.

Step 3: If you find "Windows is not activated", click Go to Store to purchase the full OS and follow the instructions.

2. Re-select the wallpaper

Step 1: You need firstly check if the saved pictures still exist in the local drive. Head to C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper, where the default desktop images are saved. If you can find these image files, the background can be restored in personalization settings.

Step 2: Open Settings and select Personalization > Background. Then choose Picture from the drop-down menu and click on Browse to select the picture you want to set as the wallpaper.

3. Disable contrast themes

Launch Settings and select Personalization>Colors.

For Windows 10 users:

Step 1: Scroll to the bottom of the of the right-hand panel and select High contrast settings.

Step 2: In the next window, switch off the toggle under Turn on high contrast.

For Windows 11 users:

Step 1: Select Contrast themes in the Related settings section.

Step 2: Choose None from the drop-down menu next to Contrast themes.

4. Enable show Windows background

Step 1: Open Settings and select Ease of Access.

Step 2: Turn on the toggle under Show desktop background image.

Note: This option is only available in Windows 10 Settings.

5. Check if the Themes folder is hidden

Step 1: Press Windows+E to open File Explorer and navigate to the following directory:

C:\Users\Raten\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes

Step 2: If no files are found in this directory, click View and tick the box of Hidden items.

Step 3: Right-click the Themes folder and choose Properties from the context menu.

Step 4: Select General tab, uncheck Hidden and click OK to save change.

Step 5: Restart your PC to check if you get the background image back.

6. Disable Remove background images

Step 1: Search control panel in the search box and open it.

Step 2: Select Optimize visual display under Ease of Access.

Step 3: Uncheck Remove background images option and click OK to save changes.

7. Update display drivers

Step 1: Press Windows+X and select Device Manager from the context menu.

Step 2: Expand Display adapters, right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.

Step 3: Then select Search automatically for drivers.

Step 4: Reboot your device after finishing updating.