On Windows 11, you have at least two ways to change the desktop wallpaper automatically, using the Windows Spotlight and Slideshow features.

The Windows Spotlight is a feature on Windows 11 that connects with the Microsoft servers to dynamically change the desktop background automatically with different images from around the world.

On the other hand, the Slideshow feature allows you to select a folder with personal pictures or other types of images that will rotate automatically at a specified time range.

This guide will teach you the ways to show different desktop wallpapers throughout the day on Windows 11.

Change desktop wallpaper automatically on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can change the desktop wallpaper automatically in at least two ways, including the Windows Spotlight feature and the Slideshow background features.

Change wallpapers with Spotlight

To change wallpapers automatically with the Spotlight feature on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Open Settings on Windows 11.
  • Click on Personalization.
  • Click the Background page.
  • Under the “Personalize your background” section, select the Windows Spotlight option.

Once you complete the steps, the first desktop wallpaper will automatically be set on the desktop, and the background image will change automatically during the day.

Open Settings on Windows 11.

Click on Personalization.

Click the Background page.

Under the “Personalize your background” section, select the Windows Spotlight option.

Alternatively, you can enable the feature from Settings > Personalization > Themes and select the Windows Spotlight theme.

If the desktop is configured to show icons, then you will see the “Spotlight” icon that allows you to train the feature to show more images tailored to your preferences.

Change wallpapers with Slideshow 

To rotate desktop wallpapers automatically with the Slideshow feature, use these steps:

  • Open Settings.
  • Click on Personalization.
  • Click the Background page on the right side.
  • Under the “Personalize your background” section, select the Slideshow option.
  • Click the Browse button.
  • Select the folder with wallpaper to rotate automatically on the desktop.
  • Click the Choose this folder button.
  • Select how often to change background images automatically with the “Change picture every” setting.
  • (Optional) Turn on the “Shuffle the picture order” toggle switch.

After completing the steps, the desktop will change the background image according to your configuration on Windows 11.

Open Settings.

Click the Background page on the right side.

Under the “Personalize your background” section, select the Slideshow option.

Click the Browse button.

Select the folder with wallpaper to rotate automatically on the desktop.

Click the Choose this folder button.

Select how often to change background images automatically with the “Change picture every” setting.

(Optional) Turn on the “Shuffle the picture order” toggle switch.