If your laptop comes with the Windows 7 Starter edition operating system, not being able to change your desktop wallpaper can be frustrating. Unfortunately, there is no native operating system functionality to change this feature; however, there are a couple of methods by which this restriction can be circumvented. Keep reading this article to find out how.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Install a Third Party Program
Step 1. Download a software that can change the desktop background
Look for it among the different free programs available on the web. The most popular option is 'Oceanis', which can be downloaded by connecting to this site. Oceanis is a free and safe program, free of viruses or malware. This guide is specific to using this program.
Step 2. Extract the contents of the Zip file
The compressed archive you downloaded contains the executable file for the installation. To proceed with the extraction of the archive, select it with the right mouse button and choose the 'Extract all …' option from the contextual menu that will appear. You will be asked to select a destination to save the extracted files to. When the extraction process is complete, drag the 'Oceanis_Change_Background_W7.exe' file to your desktop.
Step 3. Run the 'Oceanis_Change_Background_W7.exe' file by selecting it twice with the left mouse button
The installation procedure will start automatically, after which the computer will restart. After the reboot is complete, you will notice that your desktop wallpaper will have changed, displaying the default wallpaper of 'Oceanis'.
Step 4. Start Oceanis
Once your computer has restarted, select the 'Oceanis Change Background Windows 7' shortcut on your desktop. In this way, the program interface will be displayed that will allow you to select an image from your computer, and turn it into the desktop background.
Create a slideshow by selecting multiple images via the relative check button, you can use it as your desktop background. In addition, if you wish, you can change the settings related to the display of the series of images
Method 2 of 2: Modify the registry
Step 1. Run the 'regedit' program
This program will allow you to edit the Windows registry. From the 'Start' menu, type the 'regedit' command in the search bar. From the list of results that will appear, select the item 'regedit'
- When editing the registry it is always good to be very careful what you do, a wrong modification could seriously damage the functioning of your computer.
- Find the correct folder. From the tree menu on the left of the window, select the 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER' node. From the list of folders that will appear, select the 'Control Panel' item and expand it. Now select the node called 'Desktop'.
Step 2. Change the value contained in the 'Wallpaper' key
As you may have guessed, this value stores the path of the image to use as a background for your desktop. Select the 'Wallpaper' key with a double click of the mouse and finally, in the 'Value data' field, enter the path of the image you want to use as wallpaper for the desktop.
For example: 'C: / Users / Luca / Images / nuovo_sfondo.jpg'
Step 3. Change the access permissions
Select the 'Desktop' folder with the right mouse button. Choose the 'Permissions' option. Select the 'Advanced' tab and then 'Owner'. Within the 'Change owner to' box, select your name (only your name and admin group should appear), then press the 'OK' button.
- Select 'Advanced' again. Uncheck the 'Include inheritable permissions from object's parent' checkbox. When prompted, hit the 'Delete' button.
- Press the 'Add' button. In the text field, type 'Everyone', then press the 'OK' button. Only allow 'Read' permission and then hit 'OK'. In the next window, press 'OK' again.
- Select the 'Everyone' item and make sure to select the 'Allow' check button for the 'Read' item. When finished, press the 'OK' button.
Step 4. Restart your computer.
When the reboot procedure is finished, you will be able to see the result of your work right in front of you, as the background of your new desktop.
