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I can't change the lock screen image in Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2017-01-23T22:22:31+00:00

I don't know when it happened but now when I try to change my lock screen image in the lock screen settings, the loading icon starts to spin and won't stop. It keeps loading and loading. It doesn't matter if I pick a recently used one or browse for a new one.

I've tried a couple of solutions I've found in other threads, but no one has worked so far. So please help me, I'm currently stuck with a lock screen I don't want. If there is no simple solution I can happily use some third-party software (if you know any, please write it).

Just to be clear, I want to change my user's lock screen and not the system's lock screen.

I've checked windows update and installed everything.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Desktop, Start, and personalization

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-01-26T06:27:00+00:00

    How about these steps:

    1. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator.
    2. Press Windows Key + R to run.
    3. Type this in the text box: "**%programdata%\Microsoft\Windows**".
    4. Find "SystemData" and open its properties (Right Click > Properties).
    5. Under Security Tab, click on "Advanced".
    6. Next to "Owner", click on "Change" (You must be logged in as an administrator to do that) .
    7. Under "Enter the object name to select (examples): ", enter the name of the user you are logged in as and press "Check Names".
    8. Press "Ok".
    9. Under "Owner" a check box will appear, check it.
    10. Press "Apply" and close "Properties".
    11. Rename the folder to "SystemData_bak".
    12. Retry changing the lock screen.

    After this, Windows will create a new "SystemData" folder. You can now change your lock screen.

    Let us know how it goes.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2017-08-18T19:12:49+00:00

    It still does not work.  Now I have the rainbow locked screen image that I cannot change.

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2017-01-26T13:25:28+00:00

    It worked! Thank you so much!

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2017-01-24T17:23:47+00:00

    Well, it was a good idea but it didn't work.

    As I understood it, I was supposed to view the image in the photos app on the start menu and set it from there. I did that and this message popped up: (sceenshot)

    If you don't know Swedish it basically says "The lock screen can not be applied, Check that the file is not damaged and try again"

    And yes, I've tried other images.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-01-24T12:58:21+00:00

    Hi Oscar,

    To address your concern in changing the user's lock screen, kindly click this link and refer to Winston M's answer.

    Update us on the result.

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