Windows 11 allows you to set a slideshow on the lock screen using images from a selected folder. However, some users notice that the lock screen slideshow does not change images, shows only one picture, stops working after sleep, or never starts at all.
In most cases, the lock screen slideshow not working in Windows 11 is caused by incorrect personalization settings, power and battery restrictions, disabled background activity, or file location issues, not a system bug. Follow the steps below to fix the issue step by step.
How to Fix Lock Screen Slideshow Not Working in Windows 11
Follow the steps in order. After each step, lock your PC (Windows + L) to test the slideshow.
1. Make Sure Slideshow Is Selected for Lock Screen
First, confirm the correct lock screen setting.
- Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen
- Under Personalize your lock screen, select Slideshow
- Click Add a folder and select the image folder
- Make sure the folder contains supported image files
If Picture or Windows Spotlight is selected, the slideshow will not work.
2. Use a Local Folder With Supported Image Formats
Slideshow works best with local files.
- Use a folder stored on:
- Local drive (C:\Users\Pictures)
- Avoid:
- OneDrive-only folders
- Network drives
- Make sure images are in supported formats:
- JPG, PNG, BMP
Cloud-only files may not load on the lock screen.
3. Check Slideshow Advanced Settings
Power-related settings often stop slideshows.
- On the Lock screen page, click Slideshow
- Turn ON:
- Play a slideshow on the lock screen
- Turn OFF:
- Only use pictures that fit my screen (optional)
- Set When my PC is inactive, show the lock screen instead of turning off the screen
These settings allow the slideshow to continue properly.
4. Disable Battery Saver Mode
Battery Saver limits background visuals.
- Open Settings > System > Power & battery
- Turn OFF Battery saver
- Lock your PC and test again
On laptops, Battery Saver often stops lock screen slideshows.
5. Allow Background Apps to Run
Windows may block slideshow background activity.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Locate Settings or Windows Shell Experience Host
- Set Background app permissions to Always
This ensures the lock screen can update images.
6. Restart Windows Spotlight and Lock Screen Services
Refreshing background services can fix slideshow issues.
- Restart your PC
- Lock the screen after boot
- Wait a few minutes to see if images change
This resets lock screen processes.
7. Check Group Policy Settings (Windows 11 Pro)
Policies can disable lock screen features.
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter - Go to:
Computer Configuration
> Administrative Templates
> Control Panel
> Personalization
- Set the following to Not Configured:
- Prevent changing lock screen image
- Force a specific lock screen image
Apply changes and restart.
8. Check Registry Settings for Lock Screen Slideshow
Registry entries may block slideshow behavior.
Edit carefully.
- Open Registry Editor
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
- Remove entries that force a single lock screen image
- Restart your PC
Registry policies override personalization settings.
9. Update Windows 11
Some builds had lock screen slideshow bugs.
- Open Settings > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install all updates
- Restart your PC
Updates often fix slideshow-related issues.
10. Test With a New User Account
Profile corruption can break slideshow features.
- Create a new Windows user account
- Set up a lock screen slideshow
- Lock the PC and test
If it works, the original profile may be corrupted.
Final Thoughts
Lock screen slideshow not working in Windows 11 is usually caused by power-saving restrictions, incorrect folder selection, or policy settings, not a removed feature. In most cases, disabling Battery Saver and using a local image folder restores the slideshow immediately.To avoid future issues, keep images stored locally, review power settings on laptops, and avoid lock screen customization tools that override Windows settings.
