How to Change the Default Desktop Wallpaper on Windows Server

Overview

This guide details the steps for setting and enforcing a default desktop wallpaper on Windows Server using Group Policy.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have administrative access to the server and the path to the wallpaper image file you wish to apply. The image should be stored in a reliable location accessible to the server (for example, a local path or a network share that is consistently available at logon).

Method

1. Click Start, click Run, and then type gpedit.msc.

2. Under Local Computer Policy, expand User Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, expand Desktop,
   and then click Active Desktop.

3. Double-click Active Desktop Wallpaper.

4. On the Setting tab, click Enabled, type the path to the desktop wallpaper that you want to use, and then click OK.

5. Reconnect or log out/in, and the new wallpaper will apply.