background picture wont go away

Question

i keep trying t o change my background picture oreven to a theme.The new picture will come on for a second or 2 but then the one I want to change comes back

Answer 1

Dear jeanne close, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I’m sorry for the inconvenience you’re experiencing. I understand how it can be frustrating when you change your desktop background (or apply a theme), the new picture appears for 1 to 2 seconds, and then the previous background returns. First, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the Independent Advisor’s answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. 

To help narrow down, could you please share a bit more information below? This information will help me identify the most appropriate next troubleshooting step for you. 

• Is this a personal PC, or is it connected to a Work/School account (company-managed)? 
• Are you using any wallpaper/theme apps (dynamic wallpaper tools, OEM utilities, “desktop manager” apps)? 

In the meantime, please try the steps below: 

1. Confirm the Background mode is not auto changing 

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Background 
• Set Background to Picture (not Slideshow). 
• Select your desired image, then wait 30 to 60 seconds to see whether it reverts. 

2. Apply a default theme, then set the picture again 

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes 
• Select a built-in theme (for example, Windows). 
• Return to Background and set your picture again. 

3. Turn off Theme/Personalization sync (if signed in with a Microsoft account) 

• In Settings > Accounts > Windows backup (or Sync your settings) > turn off options related to Theme/Personalization 
• After turning it off, try changing the wallpaper again and check whether it stays. 

4. Reset wallpaper/theme cache 

• Press Win + R and open: %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Themes 
• Rename the following (for example, add .old): 
  • TranscodedWallpaper 
  • CachedFiles (folder, if present) 
• Return to Settings > Personalization > Background and set your wallpaper again. 

5 Repair system files (optional) 

• Open Command Prompt (run as Administrator) and run: sfc /scannow 
• If needed afterward, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
• Restart and test again. 

While our initial response may not fully resolve the issue, we truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope the steps above help stop the background from reverting and allow your new wallpaper/theme to remain applied. Wishing you a smooth experience customizing your Windows desktop. 

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Answer 2

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out, and I’m sorry you’re having trouble with your theme. Were you able to check this? If you’re using a Microsoft account, sometimes Windows can sync an old theme from another device or a previous backup.

You can check this by:

Going to Settings > Accounts > Windows backup (or Sync your settings on older versions of Windows)

1. Turning Off the toggle for "Remember my preferences" or "Theme."

Once you do that, try setting your background again and see if it sticks.

Let me know how it goes and if yuo need further assistance.