Wallpaper settings

[bear2021]

whenever i go to change my home screen picture is only allows me to choose a solid color, how do I fix this?

[Max3Aj]

@bear2021, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
If your HP laptop only lets you choose a solid color for the wallpaper and not a picture, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons:

Fix 1: Check Windows Activation

If Windows isn’t activated, you can’t personalize your wallpaper beyond solid colors. How to check:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Activation.
3. Look under Activation state — if it says Not activated, you'll need to activate Windows to unlock personalization options.

Fix 2: Use the Right Settings Menu

Sometimes Windows shows a limited version of settings. Try this:

1. Right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize.
2. Under Background, change the drop-down from "Solid color" to Picture.
3. Click Browse to pick an image from your PC.

Fix 3: Group Policy or Registry Restriction (Advanced)

If this is a work or school laptop, or if someone applied a restriction, you might be blocked from changing the wallpaper.

Option A: Use Group Policy (Windows Pro/Education/Enterprise)

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Go to:
   User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization
3. Double-click Prevent changing desktop background.
4. Set it to Not Configured or Disabled, click OK.
5. Restart your PC.

Option B: Use Registry Editor (All versions)

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop
3. If there's a key named NoChangingWallPaper, double-click it and set the value to 0.
4. Restart your PC.

Fix 4: Corrupted User Profile

Sometimes, a corrupt profile prevents background image changes. Try creating a new user account:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
2. Add a new account.
3. Sign in with that account and test wallpaper settings.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support