How to Change Wallpaper on Windows 11 without Activating?

Do you want to change the desktop background in Windows 11 without activation? If yes then in this guide, you’ll learn 2 different ways to change the wallpaper on Windows 11 without activating it.

Meanwhile, Windows 11 has a number of customization choices. You can alter the theme, have applications utilize a bright or dark style, and do a variety of other things. It enables you to change the desktop backdrop to a static image, a slideshow, or even utilize Windows Spotlight to search for beautiful images on the Internet. In addition, the Settings app’s Personalization area contains choices for customizing the taskbar and the Start menu.

Unfortunately, none of those solutions are accessible if Windows 11 is not active. If you use a lab PC or a virtual computer, this might be an issue.

Now that Windows 11 has been installed on your computer, it’s time to look at the new themes. Surprisingly, surprise, surprise! Your old Windows 10 key will not activate the new Windows 11 OS, at least not for now. Themes, personalization, and Taskbar settings will be disabled by default if Windows 11 is not activated.

However, there is a method to avoid all of this. Without activating Windows 11, you may change themes, backgrounds, and even the location of the Start Menu.

So, here are the 2 methods to change Windows 11 wallpaper without activating it:

Method 1. Change Windows 11 Wallpaper without Activating using File Explorer

Without activating Windows 11, you may use File Explorer to apply a new wallpaper.

Step 1. Go to the File Explorer. Alternatively, press Windows key + E to open it directly.

Step 2. Now, go to any folder that contains wallpapers.

Step 3. Once found, click on it and then select Set as background option in the context menu.

Set as background

Step 4. Alternatively, right-click on the wallpaper and select Set as desktop background.

Set as desktop background

Method 2. Set a New Wallpaper in Non-Activated via Photos App

You may also change or set a new desktop wallpaper in Windows 11’s Photos app without having to activate the operating system. Windows 11 comes with the Photos app preinstalled.

Step 1. Go to any folder that contains wallpapers.

Step 2. Once found, right-click on it and then select Open with > Photos.

Open with > Photos

Step 3. Finally, click the 3 dots menu and select Set as > Set as background.

Change Windows 11 Wallpaper without Activating

That’s it. These were the 2 best methods to change and apply a new wallpaper in Windows 11 without activating it. For this purpose, you can either use the File Explorer app or the Photos app.

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