Windows 11 can't select slideshow desktop background

Question

Windows 11 can't select slideshow desktop background

Bob Simington 10

Windows 11 won't allow me to use a slideshow background

VirgoWhiskers 10 Reputation points

2025-11-10T18:37:48.8133333+00:00

Not sure if this helps, but I had the same issue.

I had recently moved my wallpaper folder to another drive. When I did that, the background still would change, but it removed each picture after it showed it. I moved the folder back to my desktop, added all new images since I lost the ones I had when Windows removed them, and windows still removed each image.

Figuring the file might be corrupted, I deleted the file, and made a new one with a different name. Went to go set up the new pathway for the background folder, and it wouldn't let me select Slideshow as an option. If I tried, it would instantly go to one of the other options instead before I had a chance to make any kind of changes. Tried restarting the computer a few times with no luck. Finally I changed the name of the new folder back to what it was before, and now it works as intended.
sandland 10 Reputation points

2025-11-16T15:50:47.21+00:00

I have the same issue "it wouldn't let me select Slideshow as an option". will try registry fix mentioned below.
Cathy Harris 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T19:17:28.78+00:00

My problem is that when I try to add images for a new slideshow, no matter what folder I access for images, I get the message that "no items match your search" even though I just used some of the images for a background image. Any fixes? TIA
Gianmarco Guarnier 0 Reputation points

2026-07-29T22:00:42.8366667+00:00
Workaround for anyone whose Slideshow option reverts instantly even though the image folder exists and the path is valid.

The recreate-the-folder answer above did not apply in my case: my folder was present, on an existing drive letter, with 38 JPGs in it. Slideshow still snapped back to Picture the moment I selected it.

What worked was configuring the slideshow with a .theme file, which bypasses the Settings app entirely. Save the following as slideshow.theme anywhere, then double-click it:

[Theme] DisplayName=Wallpaper Slideshow [Slideshow] Interval=1800000 Shuffle=1 ImagesRootPath=C:\Wallpapers [Control Panel\Desktop] TileWallpaper=0 WallpaperStyle=10

The slideshow feature in the settings works fine after this

4 answers

Your answer

VirgoWhiskers 10 Reputation points

2025-11-10T18:37:48.8133333+00:00

Not sure if this helps, but I had the same issue.

I had recently moved my wallpaper folder to another drive. When I did that, the background still would change, but it removed each picture after it showed it. I moved the folder back to my desktop, added all new images since I lost the ones I had when Windows removed them, and windows still removed each image.

Figuring the file might be corrupted, I deleted the file, and made a new one with a different name. Went to go set up the new pathway for the background folder, and it wouldn't let me select Slideshow as an option. If I tried, it would instantly go to one of the other options instead before I had a chance to make any kind of changes. Tried restarting the computer a few times with no luck. Finally I changed the name of the new folder back to what it was before, and now it works as intended.
sandland 10 Reputation points

2025-11-16T15:50:47.21+00:00

I have the same issue "it wouldn't let me select Slideshow as an option". will try registry fix mentioned below.
Cathy Harris 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T19:17:28.78+00:00

My problem is that when I try to add images for a new slideshow, no matter what folder I access for images, I get the message that "no items match your search" even though I just used some of the images for a background image. Any fixes? TIA
Gianmarco Guarnier 0 Reputation points

2026-07-29T22:00:42.8366667+00:00

Workaround for anyone whose Slideshow option reverts instantly even though the image folder exists and the path is valid.

The recreate-the-folder answer above did not apply in my case: my folder was present, on an existing drive letter, with 38 JPGs in it. Slideshow still snapped back to Picture the moment I selected it.

What worked was configuring the slideshow with a .theme file, which bypasses the Settings app entirely. Save the following as slideshow.theme anywhere, then double-click it:

[Theme] DisplayName=Wallpaper Slideshow [Slideshow] Interval=1800000 Shuffle=1 ImagesRootPath=C:\Wallpapers [Control Panel\Desktop] TileWallpaper=0 WallpaperStyle=10

The slideshow feature in the settings works fine after this

Answer 1

Inevitable Potato 15

Finally found the answer (after thinking a bit). Unless you have been tampering with other stuff, this is the most likely cause.

When you select "Slideshow", Windows looks for the folder you specified in a location.
If you moved or deleted the folder, it can't find it.

Windows will then go "nup" and revert.

To fix this, recreate the folder with that name in that exact location. It may need to have stuff in it (haven't tested)
And if you wanna switch it you can.

Top Racer 5 Reputation points

2026-02-23T15:46:40.65+00:00

This IS the problem. Thanks for your help!!
thedreamwick 5 Reputation points

2026-04-05T23:36:17.91+00:00

Seconding that this is the answer! Thanks internet, this one was driving me crazy.

Answer 2

Arlene D 36,210 Independent Advisor

Hello, thanks for posting. In Windows 11, slideshow backgrounds only work with images stored in a local folder. To set it up, right-click the desktop, choose Personalize, then Background, select Slideshow, and browse to the folder with your images. Make sure your pictures are in JPG or PNG format and check that your power settings allow the slideshow to run on battery if you’re using a laptop. Online albums or unsupported formats will not work.

sandland 10 Reputation points

2025-11-16T15:51:02.6166667+00:00

"it wouldn't let me select Slideshow as an option"
Cathy Harris 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T19:17:48.5933333+00:00

My problem is that when I try to add images for a new slideshow, no matter what folder I access for images, I get the message that "no items match your search" even though I just used some of the images for a background image. Any fixes? TIA
Lucas Mingst 0 Reputation points

2025-11-30T08:31:17.22+00:00

I attempt to select slideshow, it briefly opens, then instantly closes again. It does that every time. Worse, the slideshow WAS working before. Now it won't open.
Top Racer 5 Reputation points

2026-02-23T15:42:58.13+00:00

I cannot use slideshow unless the file i am using is local and also linked to OneDrive. But when the file is linked to OneDrive, my computer, and OneDrive, both tell me the file is duplicated and i need to delete or change the name of one of the files. There is no other file that i can find. Please help with this issue.

Answer 3

sandland 10

https://thegeekpage.com/how-to-fix-background-slideshow-not-working-in-windows-11-10/

These steps worked for me, go all the way to the end where you check lock screen.

0 comments

Answer 4

I found this on another site and it worked. Easy peasy.

I tried them all and none had the desired result. I ended up copying a registry key from a user that desktop changing worked on, into my own registry which now works for me. I added the new folder/Key “Personalization” to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Personalization

then added the new folder/Key “Settings”

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Personalization\Settings

then added the new QWORD (64-bit) Value. Value name: AcceptedPrivacyPolicy Value data: 0 Base: Hexadecimal

Now I’ve got my changeable wallpaper back. Woot.