How to Set Different Wallpapers on Dual Monitors
The aesthetics of Windows user interface is just about as important as anything else on the operating system. And if you’re using a multiple-monitor setup, you’d agree that different wallpapers for each desktop can take the overall feel of your setup to a whole different level.
Although Microsoft didn’t make wallpaper settings for multiple monitors exactly straightforward, there are still a handful of methods you can employ to do so on your PC easily. Read on below to find out.
Set Different Wallpapers in the Settings App
Although this option was introduced in later builds of Windows 10, it has proven to be very intuitive and easy to apply. You’ll find the option in Windows Settings if you’re running a compatible build. Follow the steps below:
- Press Windows key + I to launch Settings
- Navigate to Personalization > Background
- In the Background section, navigate to Choose Your Picture and click the Browse button to select the images you want to appear above
- Once you’ve selected your preferred images to appear under Choose Your Picture, right-click on one of them and select one of the following options based on your preference: Set for all Monitors, Set for Monitor 1, and Set for Monitor 2
- Lastly, use the drop-down under Choose a Fit to appropriately align each of the wallpapers for your monitors’ sizes and resolutions
Note: If you don’t see the option to “Set for All Monitors,” it means your current Windows build is outdated and needs updating.
Set Dual-Monitor Wallpapers in File Explorer
This method was the go-to option before Microsoft introduced the one in Settings, and it’s just as quick and easy to use, albeit limited option-wise. Use the following steps:
- Go to File Explorer and open the folder where you have your wallpapers stored
- Press and hold the CTRL key, then click each of the wallpapers you intend to use for your monitors once
- Once you’re done selecting your preferred wallpapers, right-click one of them and select Set as Desktop Background
You should see different wallpapers on your monitors from this point. However, if you want to switch the selected wallpapers between your monitors, go to desktop and right-click on anywhere on the screen. Next, select Next Desktop Background from the context menu.
Use Control Panel
If you can’t get different wallpapers on your monitors with the previous method, then this one is the way to go. Albeit lengthy, it gives you the same level of control over how you set different wallpapers on your monitors.
To start,
- Press Windows key + R to launch Run Command
- In the Run mini window, type control /name Microsoft.Personalization /page pageWallpaper in the provided search box and click OK
- The input text will open a Desktop Background settings in Control Panel that cannot be accessed directly
- Click the Browse button and select the images you want to use as wallpaper
- Right-click on the wallpaper you want for each monitor and select one of the following options: Set for all Monitors, Set for Monitor 1, Set for Monitor 2
Final Notes
There you have it! One of the methods above should help you assign different wallpapers for your monitors. If you need more help with any of the steps demonstrated above, use the comments section below.
