How to Customize the Desktop Background

The desktop background, also known as wallpaper, is the image that appears on your computer screen when no programs or windows are open. Customizing the desktop background is a simple and enjoyable way to personalize your computer and make it feel more personalized to you. In this tutorial, we will go through the steps to customize the desktop background on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Customizing the Desktop Background on Windows

Step 1: Accessing the Personalization Settings

1. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop.
2. From the context menu, select "Personalize." This will open the Personalization settings.

Step 2: Choosing a Picture

1. In the Personalization settings, click on "Background" located on the left-hand side.
2. Under the "Background" section, you have three options to choose from:
   • Picture: Select a single image as your desktop background.
   • Solid color: Choose a solid color to set as your background.
   • Slideshow: Create a rotating slideshow of multiple images.

Step 3: Selecting a Picture

Option 1: Picture

1. Click on the "Browse" button.
2. Navigate to the location where your desired image is stored.
3. Select the image and click on "Choose picture."

Option 2: Solid Color

1. Click on the drop-down menu below "Background."
2. Select your preferred color from the color palette.

Option 3: Slideshow

1. Click on the drop-down menu below "Background."
2. Choose "Slideshow."
3. Click on "Browse" and select the folder containing the images for your slideshow.
4. Customize the slideshow settings such as slide duration and shuffle order.

Step 4: Apply and Save Changes

1. Once you have made your desired changes, click on the "Apply" button.
2. Close the Personalization settings.

Customizing the Desktop Background on Mac

Step 1: Accessing the Desktop & Screen Saver Settings

1. Click on the "Apple" menu located on the top-left corner of the screen.
2. From the drop-down menu, select "System Preferences."
3. In the System Preferences window, click on "Desktop & Screen Saver."

Step 2: Choosing a Picture

1. In the Desktop & Screen Saver settings, click on the "Desktop" tab located at the top.
2. On the left-hand side, you can choose from various pre-installed wallpaper collections, or click on the "+" button to add a custom folder of images.

Step 3: Selecting a Picture

1. Choose a collection or folder from the left-hand side.
2. Browse through the thumbnails to find the desired image.
3. Click on the image to preview it.

Step 4: Apply and Save Changes

1. Once you have selected your desired image, close the Desktop & Screen Saver settings.
2. The changes to your desktop background are automatically applied.

Conclusion

Customizing the desktop background allows you to add a personal touch to your computer and make it feel more welcoming. By following the step-by-step instructions in this tutorial, you can easily customize the desktop background on both Windows and Mac operating systems. Experiment with different images and colors to find the perfect desktop background that reflects your style and preferences.