To change the desktop background wallpaper using Group Policy in Windows 10, you need to enable the appropriate policy setting and specify the wallpaper's location. Here's how:
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Open Group Policy Management Editor: This is done using
gpedit.mscfor local group policy (single machine) or through Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) for domain-level group policy. -
Navigate to the Correct Policy: In the Group Policy Management Editor, navigate to the following location:
User Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Desktop\Desktop. -
Locate the "Desktop Wallpaper" Policy: In the right pane, find the setting labeled "Desktop Wallpaper".
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Enable the Policy: Double-click on the "Desktop Wallpaper" setting. In the window that appears, select the "Enabled" option.
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Configure the Wallpaper:
- Wallpaper Name: In the "Wallpaper Name" field, enter the full path to the wallpaper image file (e.g.,
C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Theme1\img1.jpgor a network share path like\\Server\Share\Wallpaper.jpg). This path must be accessible to the users who will be receiving the policy. - Wallpaper Style: Choose the desired wallpaper style from the "Wallpaper Style" dropdown menu (e.g., "Fill", "Fit", "Stretch", "Tile", "Center", or "Span").
- Wallpaper Name: In the "Wallpaper Name" field, enter the full path to the wallpaper image file (e.g.,
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Apply the Changes: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
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Update Group Policy: To apply the changes immediately, run the command
gpupdate /forcein an elevated Command Prompt on the target machines. Otherwise, the policy will be applied during the next group policy refresh cycle.
Important Considerations:
- Accessibility: Ensure that the wallpaper image is accessible to all users who will be affected by the policy. Storing the image on a network share with appropriate permissions is often the best approach in a domain environment.
- File Type: The wallpaper image should be in a supported format like
.jpg,.bmp, or.png. - Local vs. Domain Policy:
gpedit.mscis used to edit the local group policy of a single machine. For managing multiple computers in a domain, use the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) from a domain controller or a computer with the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) installed. - Conflicting Policies: If users have set their own wallpapers, enabling this policy will override their settings.
