Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Windows Spotlight

Windows Spotlight is a feature in Microsoft Windows that automatically downloads and displays curated, high-resolution images as the lock screen background, accompanied by dynamic text overlays including productivity tips, fun facts, suggestions for Microsoft products, and occasional organizational messages or advertisements.^[1]^[2] Introduced with Windows 10 in November 2015, it sources images from Bing's licensed collection, primarily featuring scenic landscapes and nature photography from around the world, and allows users to provide feedback via a "Like what you see?" prompt to refine future image selections.^[3]^[4] Initially limited to the lock screen in Windows 10 versions starting from build 1511, Windows Spotlight expanded to the desktop background in Windows 11 with the 22H2 update in 2022, and later became available on Windows 10 desktops via preview updates in 2024.^[1]^[5] The feature requires an internet connection for content delivery and can be configured through settings or Group Policy in Enterprise and Education editions, with options to customize or replace images while retaining tips and messages.^[1]^[2] In updates from 2024 to 2025, such as KB5035941 in March 2024, KB5046633 in October 2024, and KB5052093 in February 2025, Microsoft has promoted Spotlight as a default background option, enhancing its visibility with updated icons, icon positioning at the top, color and background changes, and integration for weather, sports scores, traffic, and finance information on the lock screen.^[6]^[7]^[8]

Overview

Description

Windows Spotlight is a dynamic feature in the Windows operating system that automatically downloads and displays high-quality, curated images sourced from Bing on the lock screen, accompanied by educational tips, facts, or trivia to inform and engage users.^[9]^[10] It serves as a core personalization option, rotating these visuals with each lock screen activation to provide a fresh, visually appealing experience that integrates subtle learning elements, such as "Did you know?" prompts overlaid on the images.^[1] The primary purpose of Windows Spotlight is to enhance user engagement by transforming the lock screen into an interactive showcase of global imagery and bite-sized knowledge, drawing from Bing's vast collection to promote discovery without requiring manual intervention.^[11] This approach not only beautifies the interface but also encourages brief interactions, like rating images to refine future selections, fostering a more personalized computing environment.^[12] Debuting with Windows 10 version 1511 in November 2015, Windows Spotlight quickly became a signature element of Microsoft's consumer-focused personalization strategy.^[1] The images typically highlight stunning landscapes, natural wonders, or cultural landmarks, with overlaid text providing contextual facts—such as geographic details or historical trivia—to enrich the user's momentary pause at the lock screen.^[12] It remains compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 editions.^[1]

Availability and compatibility

Windows Spotlight is natively supported on Windows 10 starting from version 1511 (released in November 2015) and all subsequent versions, as well as on Windows 11 across its releases.^[13] It is not available on Windows 8.1 or earlier operating systems, which lack the necessary lock screen personalization framework. The feature is included in the Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions of both Windows 10 and Windows 11, enabling users to select it as a lock screen option without additional licensing.^[14] However, it is excluded from restricted variants such as Windows 10 in S mode, where lock screen customization is limited to prevent unauthorized app installations and downloads; switching to a non-S mode edition is required to access it.^[15] In Education and Enterprise editions, while fully functional, it may be disabled by default in managed environments via Group Policy or MDM for compliance reasons, but can be enabled manually.^[1] Since the 22H2 update in 2022, it is also available as a desktop background option in Windows 11, with support extended to Windows 10 via preview updates in 2024.^[1]^[5] Initially launched with primary support for English-language content, Windows Spotlight expanded to multiple languages by 2016, allowing localized images, tips, and facts based on the user's region and display language settings in Windows.^[16] Content localization occurs automatically through Bing-sourced assets tailored to the system's region configuration, supporting dozens of languages including Spanish, French, German, and Chinese, though occasional bugs may cause mismatches that require resetting language preferences.^[17] To enable Windows Spotlight, users navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, select Background from the options, and choose Windows Spotlight from the dropdown menu; an active internet connection is required for the initial download and ongoing updates of images and metadata.^[9] As of November 2025, it receives full support in Windows 11 version 24H2 and later updates, with ongoing enhancements such as improved image interaction, and no deprecation has been announced by Microsoft.^[1]

History

Introduction in Windows 10

Windows Spotlight was developed by Microsoft as part of the broader design overhaul for Windows 10, aiming to enhance the lock screen's visual appeal and integrate more deeply with Microsoft's ecosystem services, particularly Bing.^[18] This feature sought to move beyond static wallpapers by introducing dynamic, high-quality imagery sourced from Bing's curated image collection, thereby encouraging users to interact more frequently with the lock screen and promoting Bing's visual search capabilities.^[13] The initiative aligned with Microsoft's strategy to foster a more personalized and engaging user experience across its platforms, drawing inspiration from the dynamic backgrounds already popular on Bing's homepage and Windows Phone devices.^[19] The feature was publicly announced during Microsoft's Build 2015 developer conference on April 29, 2015, where it was demonstrated as an optional lock screen option.^[20] Windows Spotlight officially launched alongside Windows 10 on July 29, 2015, and was included in the initial release-to-manufacturing (RTM) build, version 1507 (build 10240).^[21] At launch, Windows Spotlight provided basic functionality centered on automatic image rotation from a pool of curated Bing photographs, typically updating daily or weekly to display scenic or thematic visuals on the lock screen.^[18] It included simple overlays such as fun facts, tips for using Windows features, or occasional suggestions tied to Microsoft services, but offered no advanced user interaction beyond viewing and providing basic feedback on images.^[13] This initial implementation focused on aesthetic enhancement and subtle ecosystem promotion without requiring user configuration beyond enabling the option in lock screen settings.^[19]

Evolution in Windows 11 and later

Windows Spotlight was retained and refined upon the launch of Windows 11 in version 21H2 in October 2021, maintaining its core lock screen functionality while benefiting from the operating system's enhanced support for high-DPI displays, which allowed for higher resolution images to appear sharper on modern hardware.^[22]^[23] In the subsequent version 22H2 update released in September 2022, Windows Spotlight expanded beyond the lock screen with the introduction of desktop integration, enabling users to apply dynamic images as their desktop background for a more immersive experience.^[24]^[25] The 24H2 update in October 2024 further evolved the feature by introducing contextual menu options like "Learn more about this background" to facilitate quicker access to image-related information.^[26] In February 2024, Microsoft extended desktop Spotlight functionality to Windows 10 via preview updates for versions 22H2 and later.^[5] As of November 2025, Windows 11 version 25H2 includes a "Learn about this picture" icon with improved visibility for easier interaction.^[27] User reports indicate occasional use of AI-generated images in Spotlight backgrounds.^[28] Broader ties to the Microsoft ecosystem have strengthened, with Spotlight increasingly prompting related content through services like Microsoft Edge, such as suggestions to explore image details via web searches integrated into the browser.^[29]

Features

Lock screen functionality

Windows Spotlight functions by automatically downloading high-quality images from Microsoft's Bing service in the background while the device is connected to the internet. When the lock screen activates—such as upon locking the device or waking from sleep—it displays one of these images as the background. The feature rotates through available images, typically presenting a fresh selection each day to keep the visual experience dynamic.^[1] The displayed images are optimized for high resolutions, including up to 4K, ensuring clarity across various display types. Transitions between images include subtle animations for a smooth effect, and each image is overlaid with semi-transparent fact cards providing contextual information, such as trivia about the depicted location or related tips. These elements enhance engagement without obstructing the core security function of the lock screen.^[9]^[30] By default, Windows Spotlight operates independently of a Microsoft account, though signing in enables personalized content recommendations based on user feedback. In the absence of an internet connection, after the initial download, the system falls back to a selection of cached images to maintain functionality. New images, drawn from a global pool of thousands curated for diversity and appeal, are refreshed daily.^[1]^[31] Users may briefly reference customization options, such as rating images to refine future selections, through on-screen prompts.^[9]

Image interaction and customization

Users can interact with Windows Spotlight images directly on the lock screen by selecting the "Like what you see?" option to express approval or "Not interested" to indicate disinterest, which influences the selection of subsequent images to better align with individual preferences. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from user input, adjusting the rotation of images over time to prioritize those likely to appeal based on past responses.^[32]^[33] Customization of Windows Spotlight occurs primarily through the Settings app under Personalization > Lock screen, where users select Windows Spotlight as the background type to enable the feature. Additional toggles include the option to display "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen," which overlays informational content on the images and can be disabled for a cleaner view. The feature also supports personalization tied to the user's Microsoft account and region settings, delivering content such as tips or image themes adapted to language and location preferences, while images are cached locally for viewing during offline periods.^[9]^[1]^[34] To save favorite Spotlight images, users access the cached files in the %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets folder via File Explorer, copying them to a new location and renaming with a .jpg extension to view and save them properly; these can then be organized in the Pictures\Spotlight subfolder for easy access. This capability was enhanced in Windows 10 version 1607 (Anniversary Update) with improved image metadata, including location details revealed upon hovering over the feedback prompt. Microsoft aggregates anonymized user feedback from likes and dislikes across devices to refine its image curation algorithm, favoring themes like natural landscapes that receive higher engagement over less popular categories such as urban settings.^[35]^[36]^[33]

Desktop integration

Windows Spotlight's desktop integration extends the feature beyond the lock screen, allowing users to apply rotating high-quality images as desktop wallpapers in Windows 11. This mode was first introduced as an experimental feature in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23511 in July 2023, accessible via right-clicking the desktop, selecting Personalize, and choosing the new Spotlight theme. It became an optional setting in the stable Windows 11 version 24H2 release on October 1, 2024, available through Settings > Personalization > Background > Personalize your background, where users select Windows Spotlight.^[37]^[38]^[1] In desktop mode, Windows Spotlight downloads and cycles through curated images from Microsoft's Bing servers, typically changing every 30 minutes to a few hours depending on user activity and network conditions, providing a dynamic background experience similar to the lock screen but optimized for the active desktop. To enhance usability, the feature applies a subtle blur effect to the wallpaper, ensuring desktop icons and elements remain legible against the vibrant imagery without overwhelming the interface. This integration maintains the educational overlays, such as "Learn about this image" prompts, directly on the desktop for quick access to facts or related content.^[39]^[40] Despite its appeal, desktop Spotlight has limitations tied to hardware and performance. It requires DirectX 12 compatibility, a standard for Windows 11, meaning older systems without supported graphics hardware cannot enable it, potentially excluding users on legacy PCs. On laptops, the frequent image downloads and processing contribute to higher battery consumption compared to static wallpapers, as the feature pulls new content over Wi-Fi even when idle. As of 2025, the implementation remains somewhat beta-like, with users reporting occasional glitches such as images failing to load, rotation stopping, or compatibility issues in enterprise editions like Windows 11 Pro for Workstations.^[41]^[42]^[43] Adoption has grown with Windows 11 version 24H2, where Spotlight is set as the default desktop background for clean installations and certain updates, simplifying setup for new users. In beta updates as of 2025, such as KB5052084, a right-click context menu on the Spotlight icon includes an "Ask Copilot" option to query information about the displayed image.^[1]^[44]

Technical aspects

Implementation and data sourcing

Windows Spotlight relies on the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app package named Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager to manage its core functionality for the lock screen, including the selection and display of dynamic content.^[45] Desktop integration, available in Windows 11 version 22H2 and later as well as Windows 10 preview updates from 2024, uses the separate UWP package MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy for handling images and metadata on the desktop background.^[46] These components ensure seamless operation within the Windows ecosystem without requiring user intervention for basic setup.^[47] Images and related content for Windows Spotlight are sourced from Microsoft's content delivery infrastructure, primarily through endpoints associated with MSN services. Downloads occur over secure HTTPS connections to domains such as assets.msn.com, arc.msn.com, and api.msn.com, which provide access to high-quality wallpapers curated daily by Microsoft.^[48] These endpoints deliver not only the image files but also JSON-formatted metadata containing details like fun facts, tips, and suggestions tied to each image, enabling interactive elements on the lock screen.^[48] The update process operates in the background to minimize user disruption, fetching new content daily while respecting network conditions. This is facilitated through Windows' built-in mechanisms for low-impact transfers, ensuring that fresh images replace older ones automatically on compatible devices.^[1] Personalization of content selection draws from user-specific factors, including system region and language settings, to tailor images and metadata accordingly; additionally, user interactions such as liking or disliking displayed images influence future recommendations by adjusting the algorithm's preferences over time.^[49]^[9]

Storage and caching mechanisms

Windows Spotlight stores its downloaded images and related data in designated local caches to support offline functionality and seamless background rotation on the lock screen and desktop. For the lock screen, the core storage location is the Assets subfolder of the Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager package, accessible via the path %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets.^[50] Desktop images are stored separately in the WPImages subfolder under %LocalAppData%\Packages\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalCache\Microsoft\IrisService\WPImages.^[51] Files in these directories lack extensions and consist of raw image data along with thumbnails, preventing direct viewing without extraction. For user access, these can be copied to a custom folder like Pictures\Spotlight, renamed with a .jpg extension, and sorted by file size (typically retaining those over 300 KB as viable full-resolution images).^[52] The caching mechanism prioritizes efficiency by maintaining a limited collection of images locally for offline availability, downloading new content from Microsoft servers as needed during active periods.^[1] Accompanying metadata—such as unique image identifiers, creator attributions, and overlaid fact text—is embedded directly within the image files, allowing the system to retrieve details for display without separate storage overhead.^[53] Image files are predominantly in JPEG format, with individual sizes ranging from about 400 KB for auxiliary elements to 1-2 MB for primary backgrounds, optimizing for quality while constraining overall cache footprint.^[54] Automatic management occurs through integration with Storage Sense, which periodically scans and removes unused cache files as part of temporary data cleanup when storage thresholds are approached.^[55] For manual intervention, users can access Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files to select and delete Spotlight-related entries, or directly clear the Assets or WPImages folder contents via File Explorer to refresh the cache and prompt redownloads.^[56] This approach keeps local storage modest, typically under a few hundred MB, by limiting retention and enforcing cleanup to prevent accumulation.

Privacy and reception

Privacy implications

Windows Spotlight collects anonymized telemetry data on user interactions, such as image views, likes, and dislikes, along with device information like region and operating system version, which is sent to Microsoft servers to enable personalization of future image selections.^[57] This feedback mechanism helps refine content delivery based on user preferences without requiring a Microsoft account for basic operation.^[58] The telemetry associated with Spotlight falls under Windows' optional diagnostic data, which users can configure as opt-in through the Privacy Settings > Diagnostics & feedback section.^[59] It incorporates IP-based location data for localizing content, such as region-specific images or facts, but does not include personal identifiers unless a Microsoft account is linked for enhanced personalization.^[60] Potential privacy risks include the integration of promotional elements resembling advertisements, such as links to the Microsoft Store within accompanying facts or tips displayed on the lock screen.^[61] Early reviews from 2015 and 2016 highlighted broader concerns about data tracking and bandwidth consumption tied to Windows 10 features like Spotlight, amid criticisms of default privacy settings that enabled extensive telemetry collection.^[62]^[63] Users can mitigate these implications by fully disabling Spotlight through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, which prevents all image downloads and associated data transmissions from occurring.^[1] In enterprise environments, administrators can enforce blocks via Group Policy settings, such as "Turn off all Windows Spotlight features," to eliminate any telemetry related to the service.^[64]

User feedback and criticisms

Users have praised Windows Spotlight for its aesthetic appeal, delivering high-quality, curated images that enhance the visual experience of the lock screen and desktop. The feature's integration of fun facts, tips, and trivia alongside imagery provides educational value, turning routine interactions into opportunities for learning about diverse topics like nature, history, and culture. However, criticisms have centered on subtle advertising embedded within the feature, such as promotions for Microsoft Edge browser and other services appearing in tips or overlays on images. Performance issues have also been reported, particularly slow or failed image downloads over metered connections, where Spotlight restricts data usage to prevent unexpected charges, leading to static or outdated content. Privacy concerns peaked around 2016 when French authorities, via the CNIL data protection agency, ordered Microsoft to halt excessive data collection in Windows 10, including telemetry related to features like Spotlight that track user interactions and preferences for personalization. EU privacy watchdogs reiterated these worries in 2017, emphasizing inadequate consent mechanisms for data sharing with Microsoft services.^[65]^[66] By 2025, feedback on Spotlight's desktop extension remains mixed, with users appreciating the added dynamism of rotating backgrounds but criticizing frequent glitches, such as images failing to update or conflicting with other wallpaper settings, which disrupt workflow. Limitations in customization have drawn expert scrutiny, as users cannot select specific image sources or regions beyond basic like/dislike feedback, restricting control over content relevance and frequency.

References

[1]
Configure Windows spotlight | Microsoft Learn
Mar 5, 2025 · Windows spotlight is a feature that displays different wallpapers and offers suggestions, fun facts, tips, or organizational messages.Configuration Options · Policy Settings · Custom Lock Screen And...Missing: advertising | Show results with:advertising
[2]
Essential services and connected experiences for Windows
Windows Spotlight. Windows Spotlight allows you to display different background images and dynamic text on your lock screen, including app info, Microsoft ...
[3]
Microsoft's Windows Spotlight blows your mind as it brightens your day
Aug 13, 2024 · Windows Spotlight rotates your desktop background on a regular basis, providing a backdrop of nature photography culled from Microsoft Bing's licensed archives.
[4]
Cannot like Spotlight wallpaper. - Microsoft Q&A
Jul 12, 2023 · Typically, you should be able to see a Like what you see? link on the lock screen when you use Windows Spotlight as your background option.
[5]
Microsoft brings Windows 11 Spotlight to Windows 10's desktop
Feb 16, 2024 · Microsoft has added some features to Windows 10 in the build 19045.4116 which includes Desktop Spotlight and URL share support.
[6]
March 26, 2024—KB5035941 (OS Build 19045.4239) Preview
Mar 26, 2024 · New! This update adds Windows Spotlight to your desktop background. This feature displays new images as your desktop wallpaper. If you want to ...
[7]
Inside this update - Microsoft Support
Now, along with weather updates, Windows spotlight can display sports scores, traffic conditions, and finance news right on your lock screen! Stay informed ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[8]
Customize the Lock Screen in Windows - Microsoft Support
You can personalize your lock screen by displaying detailed status information from a specific app. This feature allows you to choose an app to show relevant ...
[9]
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3785 (Beta ...
Jun 14, 2024 · ... Windows Spotlight experience in full screen mode. A single click on the Spotlight icon will open the Bing landing page for the image on desktop.
[10]
Windows 10 Spotlight Makes Its Debut for Windows Home
Announced and demoed at Build 2015, Windows Spotlight is a Lockscreen feature for Windows 10 that, when enabled, rotates lockscreen images and gives you the ...
[11]
What is the Windows Spotlight feature? | Sony USA
Mar 29, 2019 · Windows Spotlight is a feature of the Windows® 10 operating system that will show you images from the Microsoft® Bing® homepage, and let you ...
[12]
Windows 10 Build 10547 Launches with Windows Spotlight for All ...
Sep 20, 2015 · Windows Spotlight demoed by Microsoft. The personalized lock screen is now offered to all testers. By: Bogdan Popa Sep 20, 2015 09:38 GMT.
[13]
More Windows 10 features like Windows Spotlight lockscreen ...
Apr 29, 2015 · Microsoft showed off more Windows 10 features during its Build 2015 keynote. One of them is Windows Spotlight, a new lockscreen feature.
[14]
Reset and Re-register Windows Spotlight in Windows 10
Apr 17, 2017 · This tutorial will show you how to reset and re-register Windows Spotlight when it stops working or gets stuck on the same image for your account in Windows 10.
[15]
Windows spotlight is not working cant fix with registry on S mode
Jul 28, 2020 · Is it set correctly in Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen > Windows Spotlight in the dropdown menu? Try changing the dropdown to Picture, ...Windows 11 spotlight still messed up even after repairing with ...windows 11 lost Windows Spotlight function and just blue screenMore results from learn.microsoft.com
[16]
Windows 10 Tip: How to enable Windows Spotlight images on your ...
Sep 19, 2016 · To enable Windows Spotlight images on your lock screen simply head to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and where you see the background drop down menu ...
[17]
Windows Spotlight using wrong language [Fix]
Jan 31, 2024 · Press Windows + I to open Settings and navigate to Time & language > Language & region. Here, click on the dropdown beside Windows display ...Fix Windows Spotlight Using... · 1) Disable And Re-Enable... · 2) Change Windows Display...
[18]
Ending Support in 2025 - Microsoft Lifecycle
Find out which products will retire, reach end of support or move from mainstream support to extended support in 2025.Missing: Spotlight | Show results with:Spotlight
[19]
Microsoft wants to put ads on the Windows 10 lock screen - The Verge
Apr 29, 2015 · Microsoft is unveiling a new lock screen for Windows 10 today that will change over time and customize itself based on how each person uses ...
[20]
Spotlight: A personalized lockscreen in Windows 10 - Neowin
Apr 29, 2015 · Called Windows Spotlight this option mode for your lockscreen will display beautiful images, similar to what Bing does on phones and tablets.
[21]
Joe Belfiore: Build 2015 - Stories - Microsoft Source
Apr 29, 2015 · So I have here a very recent build of Windows 10 for the PC, and I'm going to begin on the Start menu. And I want to show you some of the work ...
[22]
What's new in Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2015 - Microsoft Learn
Jul 9, 2024 · Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2015 was first available on July 29, 2015. ... Windows Spotlight on the lock screen. Updates. Windows Update ...
[23]
Microsoft tests new Windows 11 feature drop for Insiders in the ...
May 19, 2022 · Microsoft is planning to roll out Windows Spotlight and an updated Family Safety approval feature to Windows 11 version 21H2.
[24]
What's new in Windows 11 version 21H2, initial release - Winaero
Jul 8, 2022 · Allows using Windows Spotlight as your desktop wallpaper. Set Spotlight As Desktop Background In Windows 11. Build 22000.778: Adds Search ...
[25]
What to expect in Windows 11's big '2H22' feature update | PCWorld
Aug 3, 2022 · New features in Windows 11 22H2 · A revamped File Explorer? · “Windows Spotlight” wallpapers · Snap layouts bar · Live Captions · Start Menu folders.
[26]
25 Best New Windows 11 2022 Update (22H2) Features - Beebom
Oct 15, 2025 · We have added the 20 best Windows 11 22H2 features, including Start Menu changes, Taskbar improvements, new accessibility additions, and much more.
[27]
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6690 (Beta ...
Sep 19, 2025 · [Desktop Spotlight]. We are trying out a change that adds “Learn more about this background” and “Next desktop background” to the context menu ...
[28]
What's new in Windows 11, version 25H2 for IT pros | Microsoft Learn
Oct 3, 2025 · New features and enhancements were introduced to Windows 11, version 24H2 periodically to provide continuous innovation for Windows 11.
[29]
Windows now using AI generated images for its 'spotlight ... - Reddit
Mar 14, 2025 · Several AI generated images claiming to be real photos are appearing on windows' spotlight screen saver feature.March 2025 Microsoft Photos update now rolling out to Windows ...Hey Microsoft, if you want AI that much, how about upscale windows ...More results from www.reddit.comMissing: curated Copilot integration
[30]
SpotlightExperiencesAndRecom...
May 9, 2025 · Choose whether users can receive customized background images and text, suggestions, notifications, and tips for Microsoft services.
[31]
Windows Spotlight Not Working? Here's How to Fix It - How-To Geek
Feb 2, 2024 · On Windows 10, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen. Click the "Background" dropdown, and choose "Picture." Windows 10 settings app ...<|separator|>
[32]
How to Configure Windows Spotlight in Windows 10 | NinjaOne
Sep 2, 2025 · This guide provides a straightforward step-by-step process for fixing problems with Windows Spotlight on Windows 10.
[33]
On lock screen the question "Do you like what you see?" doesn't ...
Mar 22, 2022 · Turn on Microsoft Edge. If Windows Spotlight is still not working, some necessary background applications may not be running. Select the Start ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[34]
How to change Windows Spotlight preferences? - Microsoft Q&A
Feb 1, 2019 · Windows Spotlight is a feature that displays different background images on the lock screen and offers suggestions occasionally. The Windows ...
[35]
Windows Spotlight suddenly decided to use Thai language instead ...
Dec 28, 2023 · Windows Spotlight suddenly decided to use Thai language instead of my system setting (US English). How to fix this?Language glitch on the Windows Spotlight screen(the lock screen)Windows spotlight language changed to Chinese, how to revert ...More results from learn.microsoft.com
[36]
[Article] How to save Windows Spotlight images for your wallpaper ...
Jul 16, 2025 · Right-click Start, Run, paste the directory, copy files, then use command line to add .jpg extension to the files.
[37]
Know Where A Windows Spotlight Picture Was Taken
If you're running Windows 10 with Anniversary Update (version 1607 or above), you can simply hover the mouse cursor on “Like what you see?” text on the upper ...
[38]
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23511
Jul 27, 2023 · To open the Windows Spotlight experience, right-click on the Spotlight icon on the desktop. ... You can also double click on the icon to directly ...
[39]
Windows 11 24H2 now rolling out, here are the new features
Oct 1, 2024 · "Starting today, we begin to release the Windows 11 2024 Update, also referred to as Windows 11, version 24H2. This update is a full operating ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[40]
Change the Desktop Background in Windows - Microsoft Support
To do so, right-click on the image preview under Recent images, then select Set for all desktops or select a specific desktop to apply the background to.
[41]
Windows 11 optional update adds spotlight wallpapers to your desktop
May 25, 2022 · To turn on this feature, go to Settings > Personalization > Background > Personalize your background. Choose Windows spotlight. Addresses an ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[42]
Windows 11 Specs and System Requirements - Microsoft
Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. Display, High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.Get Windows 11 · Compare Windows 10 & 11 · Worldwide sitesMissing: Spotlight | Show results with:Spotlight
[43]
Windows Spotlight not working on Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A
Oct 14, 2024 · I have Windows 11 Enterprise (24H2; build#: 26100.2033) on a corporate DELL 5521 notebook and the Windows Spotlight feature stopped working ...
[44]
Windows Spotlight broken on Enterprise and Pro for Workstations?
Jun 14, 2025 · Windows Spotlight is officially supported on Windows 11 Enterprise1. Administrators can restrict or disable Windows Spotlight via Group Policy ...Missing: operating | Show results with:operating
[45]
Windows 11 Update: Copilot AI Enhances Spotlight Feature
Feb 17, 2025 · Microsoft's latest move to integrate Copilot AI into the Windows Spotlight feature is a fascinating glimpse into the future of Windows 11. With ...
[46]
Windows Spotlight - Microsoft Q&A
Nov 1, 2025 · Hi, I have a PC that runs Windows 11 25H2. When I was in Windows 11 24H2, my windows spotlight in lock screen worked normally and didn't ...
[47]
Content Delivery Manager vs Automatic installation of sponsored apps
Jul 30, 2024 · Removing the Content Delivery Manager from Components stops bloatware apps from loading, but also stops the random lock screen images.Missing: UWP | Show results with:UWP
[48]
Manage connection endpoints for Windows 11 Enterprise
May 23, 2025 · The following endpoints are used to retrieve Windows Spotlight metadata that describes content, such as references to image locations, as well ...
[49]
Reset "Like the image that you see?" in Windows Spotlight?
Mar 26, 2024 · To reset Windows Spotlight, here are some other reset methods you can try: Open Settings - Personalization - Lock Screen - Select Pictures from the Personalize ...
[50]
spotlight pictures content search - Microsoft Q&A
Mar 4, 2024 · These images are downloaded and managed through ContentDeliveryManager, but not all of them are stored in the location you mentioned.
[51]
How to Find and Save Windows Spotlight Images | NinjaOne
Aug 6, 2025 · Discover how to find, extract, and download Windows Spotlight images using File Explorer or a PowerShell script.Methods for saving Windows... · Method 1: Manually locate and...
[52]
How do I get more information about Windows Spotlight images?
Dec 11, 2015 · Windows Spotlight is a new Windows 10 feature which displays random images on your lock screen. Now every now and then the picture happens to be ...
[53]
How to download all Windows Spotlight images - gHacks Tech News
Feb 20, 2016 · ... Megabyte in size and start at about 400 Kilobyte. Most resolutions are either 1920×1080 or 1080×1920. S2015 said on February 20, 2016 at 10 ...
[54]
Manage drive space with Storage Sense - Microsoft Support
Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage . Select Storage Sense. To tell Storage Sense how often to run and what to clean up, follow these instructions.Missing: Spotlight | Show results with:Spotlight
[55]
Windows Spotlight in Windows 10 lock screen repeating the same ...
Apr 18, 2024 · I'm finding that the Windows 10 Spotlight lock screen is repeating images over and over again, even after I've rated it once, they come back ...My lockscreen wallpaper have not changed for some timeWindows 10 Spotlight Lock Screen Picture never changes since last ...More results from learn.microsoft.com
[56]
Microsoft Privacy Statement – Microsoft privacy
### Summary: Windows Spotlight and Lock Screen Personalization Data Collection
[57]
Optional diagnostic data for Windows 11 and Windows 10
May 23, 2025 · This article describes all types of optional diagnostic data collected by Windows, with comprehensive examples of data we collect per each type.Device, Connectivity, And... · Data Use For Device... · Browsing History Data
[58]
Configure Windows diagnostic data in your organization
Sep 11, 2025 · This article describes the types of Windows diagnostic data sent back to Microsoft and the ways you can manage it within your organization.How Microsoft Handles... · Diagnostic Data Settings · Enable Windows Diagnostic...Missing: Spotlight | Show results with:Spotlight
[59]
Data collection summary for Windows - Microsoft
This article provides an overview of the types of data that are Required and Optional, the specific categories of personal data that are collected by Windows.
[60]
Microsoft is taking over your Windows 10 screen with ads, but there is
Feb 25, 2016 · WINDOWS 10's lockscreen usually rotates a selection of picturesque photographs but some users have noticed adverts creeping onto their computers ...
[61]
Windows 10: Microsoft under attack over privacy - The Guardian
Jul 31, 2015 · Windows 10 is under attack over default settings which users say compromise their privacy, just days after the operating system's successful launch.
[62]
Microsoft reaffirms privacy commitment, but Windows will keep ...
Sep 28, 2015 · Microsoft reaffirms privacy commitment, but Windows will keep collecting data. In response to feedback, the company will change its child ...
[63]
GPS: Turn off all Windows spotlight features - Group Policy Search
Out of Support Versions; User Policy Settings Only; Windows 10/Server 2016/2019; Windows 11/Server 2022/Server 2025; Windows 7/2008R2; Windows 8.1/Server 2012R2<|control11|><|separator|>
[64]
France orders Microsoft to stop collecting excessive user data
Jul 20, 2016 · Microsoft ordered to stop tracking Windows 10 users without consent French data authority gives Microsoft three months to comply.Missing: Spotlight | Show results with:Spotlight
[65]
EU privacy watchdogs say Windows 10 settings still raise concerns
Feb 20, 2017 · European Union data protection watchdogs said on Monday they were still concerned about the privacy settings of Microsoft's Windows 10 ...
[66]
Microsoft accused of Malware-like Bing Wallpaper app - Ghacks
Nov 21, 2024 · The Bing Wallpaper app appears to include behaviors and features that are generally only found in malicious apps.