Computer Basics: Customizing Your Desktop Background
Customizing your desktop background

How to customize your desktop background

Want your computer to feel a bit more like, well, your computer? You might want to consider changing your wallpaper.

The wallpaper is the image that appears behind the icons on your computer's desktop—that's why it's usually called a desktop background. On most computers, you can change your background by right-clicking the desktop and selecting Personalize.

Personalizing the desktop

Then select Desktop Background. By default, you'll see the images that were included with your computer.

Changing the desktop background

If you're looking for something specific, might we suggest Google Image Search? Its custom search tools allow you to search for images by size, which is perfect when you're looking for a large picture.

We recommend an image that's at least 1024 x 768 pixels. Anything smaller will look pixelated or grainy when stretched across your desktop.
Searching Google Images

When you find an image you like, just select it and choose View image (or right-click the full image).

Clicking view image

Then click and drag the picture to your desktop.

Dragging the image to the desktop

You can now set the image as your desktop background. Right-click the image and select Set as desktop background.

Setting the desktop background

You can use this same technique to turn any of your personal photos into a desktop background.

The applied desktop background

FAQs

Can I use my own photos as a desktop background?

Yes. Right-click any photo saved on your computer and select "Set as desktop background". You can also do this through the Personalize menu in Windows or System Preferences on a Mac.

Why does my background look blurry?

This usually happens if the image you selected is too small. When your computer stretches a small image to fit a large screen, it becomes pixelated. Try finding an image that matches your monitor's resolution (e.g., 1920x1080).

How can I make my background cycle through different images?

In Windows, go to Personalize > Background, change the background dropdown to Slideshow, and select a folder of images. Your computer will then automatically change the wallpaper at intervals you choose.

What is the difference between "Fill", "Fit", and "Stretch"?

Fill enlarges the image to cover the screen but may crop the edges. Fit enlarges the image as much as possible without cropping, leaving black bars on the sides. Stretch pulls the image to cover the screen, which can distort the picture.

Can I download wallpapers safely from the internet?

Yes, but stick to reputable sites or Google Images. Avoid downloading images from sites that ask you to download a special ".exe" or software installer to get the wallpaper, as these often contain malware.

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