How to prevent Windows Spotlight from reverting to a static image?

Question

How to prevent Windows Spotlight from reverting to a static image?

Armando 20

Windows Spotlight keeps changing back to Image automatically despite selecting Windows Spotlight in the personalization settings. What steps can be taken to resolve this issue?

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Answer accepted by question author

Jeronimo Fuerte 45,495 Independent Advisor

Hi! The switch-back usually happens because the Spotlight service can’t read its cached files or a policy keeps forcing the “Picture” option. Most people fix it by toggling off Spotlight once or deleting the two small Spotlight cache folders

Open File Explorer and enable Hidden items.
Delete the contents (not the folders themselves) of both paths: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings
Sign out or reboot, then re-select Windows Spotlight.

Armando 20 Reputation points

2025-08-05T20:17:44.7966667+00:00

Thanks for your fast answer. I'll wait some days to see if your steps fixed the issue. Thanks!
Alec Fowler 0 Reputation points

2025-09-17T11:23:59.19+00:00

I tried this and upon reboot, the folders remain empty and spotlight is still showing the static blue ribbon photo rather than the normal random landscape photo.

Edited to add: I've discovered I likely need to wait a day or two after trying this solution, so I will do so.
Armando 20 Reputation points

2025-09-17T11:30:17.6+00:00

after rebooting, choose the spotlight again and wait a while. This is what I did

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Your answer

Armando 20 Reputation points

2025-08-05T20:17:44.7966667+00:00

Thanks for your fast answer. I'll wait some days to see if your steps fixed the issue. Thanks!
Alec Fowler 0 Reputation points

2025-09-17T11:23:59.19+00:00

I tried this and upon reboot, the folders remain empty and spotlight is still showing the static blue ribbon photo rather than the normal random landscape photo.

Edited to add: I've discovered I likely need to wait a day or two after trying this solution, so I will do so.
Armando 20 Reputation points

2025-09-17T11:30:17.6+00:00

after rebooting, choose the spotlight again and wait a while. This is what I did

Answer 1

Jeronimo Fuerte 45,495 Independent Advisor

Glad to hear, have a great day!

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