July 27, 2012

How to Change and Customize the Windows 7 Logon Screen using REGEDIT (Step-by-Step Guide)

Updated for 2025 – Important Disclaimer

Microsoft Windows 7 reached its end-of-life (EOL) on January 14, 2020. Microsoft no longer provides security updates, which means using Windows 7 can expose your system to vulnerabilities. If possible, consider upgrading to Windows 10 or 11. However, if you're still using Windows 7 and want to customize your logon screen, this guide will walk you through the process safely.

In earlier versions of Windows, changing the logon screen background required third-party tools like TuneUp Utilities. However, Microsoft introduced an official registry tweak in Windows 7 (Build 7057 and later) that allows users to customize the logon screen background without additional software. This method is safe when done correctly but requires modifying the Windows Registry.

In this updated guide, we'll walk you through the process while also covering potential risks, troubleshooting, and alternative solutions.



Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Windows 7 Logon Screen Background

Optional: Two images have been used for this method, Iron Man image can be downloaded from hereand the Arc Reactor image can be downloaded by clicking here!

Step 1: Open the Windows Registry Editor

  1. Press ⊞ Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter.
  3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to proceed.

🔴 Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Before proceeding, back up your registry:

  • In Registry Editor, go to File > Export.
  • Choose All under Export range.
  • Save the .reg backup file somewhere safe.

You will encounter a UAC when you launch the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Modify the OEMBackground Registry Key

  1. In Registry Editor, navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
  2. Look for a DWORD (32-bit) Value named OEMBackground.
    • If OEMBackground does not exist, right-click on an empty space in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it OEMBackground.
  3. Double-click OEMBackground and change its value from 0 to 1.
  4. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.


Step 3: Create the Necessary Folders

  1. Open Windows Explorer (⊞ Win + E).
  2. Navigate to:
    C:\Windows\System32\oobe
  3. Create a new folder named info (if it does not already exist).
  4. Open the info folder and create another folder named backgrounds.


Step 4: Choose and Place Your Custom Logon Background Image

  1. Select an image you want as your logon background.
    • 📌 Image Requirements:
      • Format: JPG
      • File size must be under 256 KB
      • Resolution should match your screen resolution to avoid stretching.
  2. Rename the image to backgroundDefault.jpg.
  3. Copy the image into:
    C:\Windows\System32\oobe\info\backgrounds
  4. If you receive a permission warning, click Continue.

When you click the New Folder button, you’ll encounter a confirmation dialog box.

Step 5: Apply the Changes

  1. Restart your computer or press ⊞ Win + L to lock your system and view the new logon screen.
copy/paste and rename the image as shown above (according to your display resolutions)

Supported Image Resolutions

Windows 7 allows different image resolutions depending on screen size. If your image doesn't match your screen resolution, Windows will use the closest available image:

ResolutionFile Name
Default (All resolutions)backgroundDefault.jpg
768×1280background768x1280.jpg
900×1440background900x1440.jpg
1024×1280background1024x1280.jpg
1280×1024background1280x1024.jpg
1024×768background1024x768.jpg
1280×960background1280x960.jpg
1440×900background1440x900.jpg
1600×1200background1600x1200.jpg
1920×1200background1920x1200.jpg


Troubleshooting Tips

🔹 Problem: The logon background does not change after restarting
✔️ Solution:

  • Make sure OEMBackground is set to 1 in the registry.
  • Ensure the image is named exactly as backgroundDefault.jpg.
  • Verify that the image file size is under 256 KB.
  • Try changing file permissions to give full control to administrators.

🔹 Problem: File Permission Errors
✔️ Solution:

  • Right-click the backgrounds folder > Properties > Security Tab.
  • Click Edit, then select Administrators and check Full Control.
  • Click Apply and OK.

Alternative Methods (For Users Who Want an Easier Solution)

If you prefer not to modify the registry manually, consider using free tools like:

  • Windows 7 Logon Background Changer (Download) – GUI-based tool that automates this process.
  • LogonStudio (Download) – Allows logon screen customization.

Conclusion

Customizing the Windows 7 logon screen is a straightforward process that requires modifying the registry, creating specific folders, and ensuring the correct image format. By following this guide carefully, you can safely change the logon screen without using third-party tools.

🔴 However, Windows 7 is outdated and insecure. If you're still using it, consider upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 for better security and support.

Further Reading & References

Updated: January 2025
This guide is based on tested methods and verified documentation from Microsoft.

LEAVE YOUR FEEDBACK and QUERIES IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW! :)

49 comments:

  1. Hey I tried to do this but the arc reactor is a bit off to the left. Any way I could possibly center it a bit better?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The best way is to resize the Ironman body using Photoshop. Select, copy and paste the Ironman body selection, click Free Transform, check Maintain Constant-Ratio and set that to 75-80%, now fill the remaining space with same color as background. In this way your Ironman would fit in your frame space and the are reactor would hopefully fit in the centre, as I have shown above.

      Thanks for commenting! :)

      Delete
    2. i have info already in the C:\Windows\System32\oobe and if i try to make the another one it will ask if i want to merge it or delete it what should i do with it?

      Delete
  2. Do you think you can do an image for Captain America as well? Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I think I can. Give me your email address, I'll send it as soon as I make it ;)

      Thanks for commenting :)

      Delete
    2. Also could u send it me too thx

      Delete
  3. same problem as alex. can u upload that img. I dont use photoshop :(
    thanks for the guide

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have given a link at the start of the steps to download these images, have a look there!

      Thanks for commenting :)

      Delete
  4. If it possible could you please upload the photoshop? It would be very helpful. Thanks. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I don't upload softwares on my website, you can download it using torrent.

      Thanks for commenting though :)

      Delete
    2. I think they mean the psd file, to sort out resolution hiccups

      Delete
    3. Oh in that case, I can help. Tell me your display screen resolution!?

      Delete
    4. i need it too. my display screen solution is 1600x900. thanks

      Delete
    5. can u also upload 1920 x 1080. thanks in advance

      Delete
  5. is there any chance to get this pic :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have given a link at the start of the steps to download these images, have a look there!

      Thanks for commenting :)

      Delete
  6. Thank you so much! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. i did all of the steps but the image doesnt appear!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. try again, I have reuploaded the iron man image!

      thanks for the feedback :)

      Delete
  8. I also did all the steps but still get the blue windows 7-screen... help ! :D
    Great guide tho ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The steps are very simple bro. Try it again step-by-step and carefully, you will hopefully succeed :P

      thanks for appreciation though :)

      Delete
  9. Would it be possible to reupload the Wallpaper? The link seems to be broken :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have reuploaded the iron man wallpaper, check that out. Dont worry!

      thanks for the feedback :)

      Delete
  10. Same again i did all the steps exactly as you said but still get the boring blue windows screen can you email me? ax_pyrah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Please repost the iron man picture!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have reuploaded the iron man wallpaper, check that out. Dont worry!

      thanks for the feedback :

      Delete
  12. please fix the pic link

    ReplyDelete
  13. Please reupload the picture again :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have reuploaded the iron man wallpaper, check that out. Dont worry!

      thanks for the feedback :

      Delete
  14. I have uploaded the iron man picture again... Sorry for inconvenience though... previous server was down for some reason!

    feel free to leave your queries here :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thx work great for me... only problem is the reactor is not positioned correctly. i'm just trying to figure out how to re size the picture

    cheers mate

    ReplyDelete
  16. i try to save the picture into the background folder then it says that i need permission from administrator? please help!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. i have followed every step exactly the same but it still hasn't worked, it is still the plain blue screen :( please help!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for reuploading the picture! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. please reupload the user picture

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey! Ive reached Oobe folder but i dont have an info folder :( Any solutions for me?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Can you re-upload the arc reactor please? :(

    The link is dead

    ReplyDelete
  22. didn't work on my pc too! She-j :(

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey The Arc Reactor link does not work PIZ UPLOAD HELP

    ReplyDelete
  24. i have info already in the C:\Windows\System32\oobe and if i try to make the another one it will ask if i want to merge it or delete it what should i do with it?

    ReplyDelete
  25. hey do you have any other ones like this

    ReplyDelete
  26. In the Info folder. Should you be creating another background folder? Or just put the image on the existing one? I have a background folder and there are backgrounds, so Im not sure if the Iron Man image would appear.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hey, so I was wondering if you had started doing anything like this for Windows 8.1? Specifically the second log in screen. I'd like to create an effect along the lines of the Tardis flying in, but with the solid color "requirement" (I see it as a guideline) I'm having difficulty. Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Cool Tutorial! Worked like a champ! However it seems the "Arc Reactor" link is dead. Could you please re-post? Thanks! (Looking forward to your other creations)

    ReplyDelete