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2 Ways to Set Different Background on Each Monitor Windows 11
By Linda | Follow |
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Do you want to set different wallpapers on dual monitors Windows 11? This post from MiniTool Partition Wizard shows you how to do that in 2 ways.
Some people may set up dual monitors to improve productivity. In addition, they may want to different background on each monitor. Can you set 2 different backgrounds with dual monitors Windows 11? The answer is YES.
If you also want to set Windows 11 different wallpaper on each monitor, you can try the following ways.
Way 1. Use Settings
How to set different wallpapers on dual monitors Windows 11 using Settings? The process is very simple. You can refer to the following guide:
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Personalization > Background.
- Click the Browse photos button.
- On the pop-up window, navigate to find the image you want to use as your desktop background and click it. Then, click Choose picture. This picture will then appear in Recent images.
- In Recent images, right-click this picture and choose Set for monitor 1 or Set for monitor 2.
- Then, use the same way to set the background for another monitor.
Tips:
1. If you don’t see the picture in Recent images, you can also copy it to C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Windows. Then, it should appear in Recent images.
2. If you want to set the same background for the dual monitor, you can choose Set for all monitors.
Way 2. Use Control Panel
How to set different wallpaper for each monitor using Control Panel? Here is the guide:
- Press the Windows key + R to call out the run box.
- Copy and paste “shell:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921} -Microsoft.Personalization\pageWallpaper” to the Run box and press Enter to open Desktop Background in Control Panel.
- Click the Browse to pick the folder containing your favorite wallpaper. The picture you like will appear in the box.
- Right-click on the picture and choose Set for monitor 1 or Set for monitor 2.
Other Tips
#1. How to extend wallpaper across the two Windows 11 monitors
Some people may want to spread a single image across both screens so that the two monitors can have different and coherent backgrounds. How to do that? You can try the following way:
- Open Settings and go to System > Display.
- Under Related settings, click Advanced display.
- Click Extend.
#2. Can’t set different backgrounds for dual monitors Windows 11?
If you can’t find the Set for monitor 1 option, it’s likely that you have opened the virtual desktop. To solve this issue, you can press the Windows key + Tab to make sure you only keep Desktop 1 and close all the others.
#3. Wallpaper selection
The computer monitors generally come with 1280×1024 pixels. If the image you have chosen for the wallpaper has fewer pixels, the operating system will stretch it out to match the screen size. This will disrupt the original resolution of the picture.
Bottom Line
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About The Author
Position: Columnist
Linda has been working as an editor at MiniTool for 5 years. She is always curious about computer knowledge and learns it crazily. Her articles are simple and easy to understand. Even people who do not understand computer can gain something. By the way, her special focuses are disk management, data recovery and PDF editing.
If you have a dual monitor setup, you can set a different wallpaper on each monitor using Windows Settings, File Explorer, or a third-party app.
Set a Different Wallpaper for Each Monitor via Settings
The Settings app is probably the easiest way to set a different wallpaper on each monitor. Just follow the steps below:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Select Personalization on the left and Background on the right.
- The Recent Images list shows images you have set as your background recently, plus some default Windows wallpapers. Right-click an image and choose the monitor on which you want to use the image as the background.
- If you don’t see the image you want, select Browse Photos to find a new image. This will set the new image as your wallpaper. You can then right-click that image to set it for a specific monitor.
Note: You can also choose a fit for an image, and it will apply to that image on the monitor you selected. For more on how that works, check out our article on How to Change Your Desktop Background in Windows.
Set a Different Wallpaper for Each Monitor via File Explorer
Setting different wallpapers on each monitor through File Explorer isn’t as intuitive as using the Settings app, but it comes in handy when you’re already browsing images.
- In File Explorer, navigate to the folder containing the images you want and select as many images as you have monitors.
- Right-click the image you want to use as a background on your primary monitor and select Set as desktop background from the context menu.
Windows sets the image you right-clicked as the background on the primary monitor and randomly assigns the other selected image to other monitors. If you want to change which images are assigned to which monitors, head to Settings > Personalization > Background, right-click each image in turn, and assign it to the monitor you want.
Note: If the images you choose aren’t the exact resolution of your monitors, they may not work properly, or they’ll rotate positions randomly. You can also fix this by heading to Settings > Personalization > Background.
Set Different Wallpapers for Each Monitor Using a Third-Party App
If you want to use different wallpapers on each of your screens, you can check out our recommendations for the best wallpaper control apps for Windows. Here’s a brief description of a few of our favorites for dual-monitor use.
- Dual Monitor Tools: A standalone open-source tool that you can use to manage dual monitors. You can have one image spread across your screens or different images for each monitor. When your primary monitor isn’t the topmost or leftmost screen, Dual Monitor Tools sets images correctly for proper display.
- DisplayFusion: Another multi-monitor app that brings several settings, including variable wallpapers and multi-monitor taskbar, along with easier window management across your screens. It comes in a free and premium version.
- John’s Background Switcher: A free app designed for setting different wallpaper on your monitors. It doesn’t have the additional multiple monitor tools as the other apps, but if all you need is better wallpaper control, it’s a simple, elegant solution.
Add Some Flair to Your Dual Monitor Setup
If you want more wallpaper ideas for your multiple monitor setup (or just some great wallpaper sources), check out the following articles:
- How To Use a Video As Your Wallpaper On Windows
- How to Change Windows 11 Desktop Background Wallpaper Automatically
- How to Set Different Background Wallpapers for Each Virtual Desktop in Windows 11
- Windows 11 Wallpapers: Best New Ones and Where to Download More
- 4K Wallpapers For Desktop: 6 Sites To Find The Best Ones
Questions, tips, or comments? Hit us up in the comments section!
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Changing the wallpaper on your dual monitors in Windows 11 can amp up your productivity and make your setup look personalized and sleek. It’s as simple as right-clicking on the desktop and selecting the wallpaper you want for each screen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you going!
Getting your dual monitors to show different wallpapers is straightforward with Windows 11. This method will help you customize each screen to your liking, making your workspace truly yours.
Step 1: Right-click on the Desktop
Right-click on any empty space on your desktop.
This will open up a context menu with different options. It’s the first step to access the settings you need.
Step 2: Click on «Personalize»
Select «Personalize» from the context menu.
This will take you to the Personalization settings, where you can control many aspects of your desktop appearance, including wallpapers.
Step 3: Choose «Background»
Under Personalize, click on «Background».
Here, you will see options to change your background image, solid color, or slideshow. This is where the magic happens for your dual screens.
Step 4: Click «Browse» to Select Your Image
Click on «Browse» to find the image you want to use as your wallpaper.
Navigate through your files to find the perfect image. You can even select multiple images if you want different wallpapers for each monitor.
Step 5: Right-click on the Image Preview and Select the Monitor
Right-click on the image preview, then select «Set for monitor 1» or «Set for monitor 2».
By doing this, you specify which monitor should display which wallpaper. Repeat the process for the second monitor to set a different wallpaper.
After completing these steps, you’ll see each of your monitors sporting a different wallpaper. This simple change can make a big difference in how you view and use your workspace.
Tips for How to Set Different Wallpapers on Dual Monitors Windows 11
- Use High-Resolution Images: Make sure your images are high-resolution to avoid pixelation on larger screens.
- Keep Themes in Mind: Choose wallpapers that complement each other or stick to a theme for a cohesive look.
- Utilize Slideshows: If you like variety, you can set up a slideshow for each monitor.
- Check Aspect Ratios: Ensure the images fit well within the aspect ratios of your monitors.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and colors; it can make your setup more dynamic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a slideshow for just one monitor?
No, in Windows 11, the slideshow applies to all connected monitors. You can’t set it for just one monitor.
Why does my wallpaper look stretched?
Your wallpaper might look stretched if it’s not the correct resolution for your monitor. Always use high-resolution images.
Can I sync my wallpapers across multiple devices?
No, Windows 11 does not currently support syncing wallpapers across different devices natively.
How do I reset to a single wallpaper across all monitors?
In the Background settings, select an image and choose «Set for all monitors» to revert back to a single wallpaper.
Can I use online images as wallpapers?
Yes, you can download images from the internet and use them as your wallpapers, but be mindful of copyright issues.
Summary
- Right-click on the Desktop
- Click on «Personalize»
- Choose «Background»
- Click «Browse» to select your image
- Right-click on the image preview and select the monitor
Conclusion
And there you have it! Setting different wallpapers on dual monitors in Windows 11 is a breeze once you know the steps. A well-chosen wallpaper can uplift your mood, increase productivity, and make your workspace feel more inviting. By following these steps, you can easily customize each monitor to reflect your personal style or professional needs. Remember, high-resolution images and cohesive themes can make a massive difference in how polished and professional your setup looks. So, why wait? Go ahead and start experimenting with different wallpapers today!
If you found this guide helpful, keep exploring more ways to personalize your Windows 11 experience. Happy customizing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.
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Here is how to set per-monitor wallpapers in Windows 11 to give your multi-monitor setup a better look. This guide involves no third-party apps or premium software for bloating customization Windows 11 — everything gets done using only the Settings app or legacy Control Panel.
Note: You cannot change personalization-related settings in Windows 11 if the operating system is not activated.
How to set a different wallpaper for each monitor in Windows 11
- Right-click the desktop, select Personalize and open the Background section. Alternatively, open the Settings app and go to Personalization > Background.
- Locate the «Personalize your background» option and select Picture from the drop-down list.
- Click the Browse photos button.
- Windows 11 will open a new File Explorer window to let you pick an image for the background. Once selected, the picture will appear in the «Recent images» section. Right-click the image and select Set for monitor #.
- Repeat the previous steps for all the other monitors.
Tip: Go to System > Display and click Identify to find monitor numbers in your setup. This will help you set a picture for the correct monitor right away.
Windows 11 shows ‘Set for desktop» instead of ‘Set for monitor’
Windows 11 does not allow you to set a different wallpaper for each monitor if you use more than one virtual desktop (Win + Tab). Instead, right-clicking a picture in the «Recent images» section opens a menu for setting backgrounds for specific desktops. You can bypass this weird Windows 11 quirk by removing all virtual desktops, creating per-monitor wallpapers using the guide above, and restoring the previously deleted desktops.
If you do not want to remove virtual desktops, try using the good-old Control Panel to set a different wallpaper for each monitor in Windows 11. Just keep in mind that accessing the needed section is a quirk on its own, but at the same time, it offers some convenient features the «new» Settings app is missing. For example, the Control Panel lets you simultaneously select several images for the background or pick an entire folder.
- Press Win + R and paste the following command into the Run window:
shell:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921} -Microsoft.Personalization\pageWallpaper
- The command above will launch the Control Panel with the «Desktop Background» section. Click the Browse button to select images for different monitors in Windows 11.
- Right-click a picture and select Set for monitor #.
- Repeat the previous step for all the other monitors.
That is how you set different wallpapers for each monitor in Windows 11 without using third-party programs.
Table of contents
- How to Set Dual Monitor Wallpaper on Windows 10
- Option 1: How to set up one background image for multiple monitors
- Option 2: How to set different wallpaper for each monitor
- How to Set Dual Monitor Wallpaper on Windows 11
- Option 1: How to set the same wallpaper for dual monitors in Windows 11
- Option 2: How to extend wallpaper across the two Windows 11 monitors
- How to Set Up Dual Monitor Wallpaper on Windows 10/11 Using Third-Party Software
- How to Set Dual Monitor Wallpaper: Fully Explained
- FAQ
Setting a dual monitor wallpaper can transform your workspace. You can be looking at a nice background when working and also keep things more organized. But how do you set a dual monitor wallpaper on Windows 10 or 11 ?
Also read:Windows 10’s End of Life Is Near: What You Need to Consider?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to easily spread your wallpaper across two screens.
Also read: How to Download and Install Windows 11: The Most Up-to-Date Information
How to Set Dual Monitor Wallpaper on Windows 10
Option 1: How to set up one background image for multiple monitors
The first thing you can do is set up one wallpaper for several monitors. This is easy to do:
- Launch the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- Once you’re inside the Settings app, select Personalization .
- On the left-pane menu, click Background .
- Move to the right pane, then scroll down to the Choose your picture section.
- Select a photo for your background, and if you don’t find what you like in the quick list, you can click the Browse button.
- Right-click the photo you selected from the list.
- Now, you will see three options:
- Set for all monitors
- Set for monitor 1
- Set for monitor 2
- If you want to use a single image for both monitors, select the Set for all monitors option.
- You may notice that the image fills each of the monitors you have. If you want it to span across two displays, you can click the drop-down list under Choose a fit , then select Span .
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Also read: Monitor Goes Black Randomly? Here’s What to Do!
Option 2: How to set different wallpaper for each monitor
But what if you want to have a different wallpaper on each monitor? We understand that there are users who prefer different images for their monitors. So, we’ll also share how you can configure this. Older Windows operating systems allow you to do this via the Control Panel . However, this feature was removed from Windows 10. Instead, you can set up the images via the Settings app. It’s true that the Control Panel offers more options for configuring wallpapers. That said, the Settings app still allows you to use different images for multiple displays. Here’s how to set up the wallpaper for dual-screen PCs. Follow the instructions below:
- Go to your taskbar, then click the Windows icon.
- Click the gear icon to open the Settings app.
- Select Personalization , then click Background from the left-pane menu.
- Now, select an image from the Choose your picture section. You can also click Browse to locate the photo you like.
- After selecting your background image, right-click it from the list, then select Set for monitor 1 or Set for monitor 2 .
- To set up the background photo for the other monitor, repeat steps 4 and 5.
Also read:[FIXED] Second Monitor Not Detected on Windows 10 PC
How to Set Dual Monitor Wallpaper on Windows 11
A dual-monitor setup can increase your productivity at home or office. If you’re using a Windows 11 dual-monitor setup, you already benefit from this productivity boost. However, you might not know that you can set different wallpapers for each monitor.
Windows 11 comes preinstalled with several themes and photos. These themes are available within the Personalization tab of the Settings app, and you can even create a custom theme . So, you can use different wallpapers to spice up your dual-monitor setup. However, note that to use personal images for your dual-monitor setup, you’ll need to set them up first.
Option 1: How to set the same wallpaper for dual monitors in Windows 11
Let’s start with the same wallpaper arrangement as we did with Windows 10:
- To access Settings , simultaneously press the Windows + I keys.
- When on the Settings screen, click Personalization and pick Personalize your background to display image options.
- Scroll down to access the Choose a photo or Browse photos option.
- From Browse photos , select an image in your storage and right-click on it.
- Next, choose Set for all monitors , and you’re done.
The second method to use is copying files to the Windows directory . Follow these steps:
- Select the images you want to use as a background and copy them.
- Next, open your File Explorer and navigate to:
C:/Windows/Web/Wallpaper/Windows
- Right-click on this window and paste the copied images.
- A pop-up window appears. From it, select Do this for all current items , then Continue .
- Next, go to Settings .
- Pick Personalization from the left navigation bar.
- Choose Background , right-click on the added image, pick Set for all monitors , and restart your PC to implement the changes.
Alternatively, you can use the Run command dialog to set your wallpapers. Here is a simple guide:
- Access the command prompt window by pressing the Windows + R combination.
- Key in the following command in the dialog box, then press OK :
shell:::{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921} -Microsoft.PersonalizationpageWallpaper
- Select Desktop Background from the options at the bottom of your screen.
- Choose a preferred wallpaper, right-click on it and pick Set for all monitors .
- Restart your PC.
Further reading:Windows Command Prompt: 28 Most Useful CMD Commands [with Examples]
You can also choose to set different images for your monitors. Here is how to set wallpaper for dual-screen on Windows 11:
- Press the Win + I combination to open your Settings .
- Select Personalization and Background from the left sidebar to access wallpaper settings.
- To choose your favorite wallpaper, pick the Browse photos option next to Choose a photo in the Background section.
- Next, right-click on the image you prefer from the Recent images tab and choose Set for monitor 1 from the options.
- Further, repeat the process by right-clicking on a different image and selecting Set for monitor 2 to set it as the second monitor’s wallpaper.
- You’ve successfully set a unique wallpaper on each monitor in Windows 11, and you’ll be able to see your images for each monitor.
- Before setting the wallpapers, ensure you know the monitor numbers. If you don’t, you can go to System from your Settings , select Display , then click on the Identify button. The monitor number will appear at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Also read:[FIXED] Windows 10 Display Is Too Big for a Monitor
Option 2: How to extend wallpaper across the two Windows 11 monitors
You might also want your wallpaper to span across all your monitors for a unified look. There is a feature available for extending your wallpaper to both monitors. Here’s how it works:
- Press the Windows + I keys at the same time to access Settings .
- Select the System option from the left navigation and then click on Display to access the display menu.
- Pick the Advanced display option.
- Next, select Extend from the drop-down menu to extend the wallpaper to both monitors.
PRO TIP
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Otherwise, you will notice that there are delays when you’re switching to different background images. To ensure that your PC is in its optimal condition, we recommend that you use Auslogics BoostSpeed .
This tool has an efficient cleaning module that can safely sweep out all types of computer junk.
What’s more, you can use it to tweak non-optimal system settings, allowing processes and services to run at a faster pace.
How to Set Up Dual Monitor Wallpaper on Windows 10/11 Using Third-Party Software
If, for any reason, you don’t want to go through the steps above, you can also set up your dual monitor wallpaper using third-party software. There are quite a few programs online that can help you manage dual monitors. Some popular options include: DisplayFusion will let you easily customize wallpaper on both monitors. Plus, there are additional features on board—you can manage windows, split your monitor, control your monitor remotely, and more. Ultramon is another option. You will be able to set wallpapers for your monitors, plus there are options to manage apps on dual monitors and control app positioning. Dual Monitor Tools is a collection of tools for managing dual monitors on Windows. You will want to download DMT Wallpaper Changer, but there are lots of other useful instruments like DMT Screensaver, DMT Screen Swap, and others. Once you’ve picked your tool, download it and follow the instructions for setting your wallpaper. Most third-party dual monitor management tools will let you use one image stretched across both monitors or set different images for each monitor.
How to Set Dual Monitor Wallpaper: Fully Explained
Setting up dual monitor wallpapers on Windows 10 and 11 can be great for enhancing your desktop experience. It can not only make your workspace more personal and visually appealing but also increase productivity. You may actually be more efficient when you can customize your desktop and pick the colors that help you focus.
As we’ ve explained in this article, you can use built-in settings in Windows or third-party software to set up wallpaper on dual monitors. Let us know in the comments below which of the methods above has worked the best for you!
FAQ
To extend the screen on Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Display. When you see the Multiple displays section, select to Extend these displays from the drop-down menu.
You can adjust the resolution on your monitor by going to Settings > System > Display. Select each monitor and choose the recommended resolution for each one.
If your dual monitor wallpaper looks too blurry or stretched, check if the wallpaper resolution matches the combined resolution of both monitors. You can also adjust the fit settings by going to Settings > Personalization > Background and selecting a different fit option like Span or Fit.
Make sure your settings are saved correctly. Sometimes, third-party software like DisplayFusion can help maintain settings across reboots. Also, check for any Windows updates that might address this issue.
If you are looking to set a slideshow, go to Settings > Personalization > Background. Under Background, select Slideshow. Next, choose the folder that houses your images. Set the desired interval for changing images, and ensure Shuffle is checked if you want a random order.