The ways we’ve jotted down on how to change the Windows 7 logon screen come with the simplicity of not just carrying out smooth operation but also the added convenience of customization. Applying a personal touch to the desktop background and modifications to the icons or fonts in the UI at times just isn’t enough. And let’s admit – the same old startup image can be really boring. We’ve managed to put together a list of options you can adopt to make your Windows 7 experience even better. Unlike in previous versions, Windows 7 OS comes with the ability to change its startup screen without the need for any third-party software. But, doing so means tampering with system files and the registry. Hence, not only have we described a detailed procedure on how to change Windows 7 logon screen manually, but also listed some of the most reliable applications available to carry out the same, eliminating the hassle of messing up the OS.
– Change Windows 7 logon – Manual method:
With the ability to change the logon screen straight from Windows, a simple registry tweak should do the job. To begin, pressing the Windows (start) key + ‘R’ from the keyboard will bring up the Run program or you can launch it from the Start menu by typing ‘run’ into the search field.
After launching the program, you will need to access the registry editor which can be done by simply entering Regedit (.exe optional if doesn’t work at first) into the input field provided and further hit on OK.
With the registry editor open, the next step is to locate the background folder. To do so you’re going to have to navigate from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE by clicking the (+) button to Software –> Microsoft –> Windows -> Current Version –> Authentication –> Logon UI -> Background. Or you can also search for the required file ‘OEMBackground’ through the find option by right-clicking on the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder.
On locating the folder, the OEMBackground file needs a little messing around with, which can be by right-clicking on it and then selecting the edit option. Once open, change the number ‘0’ to ‘1’ below ‘Value data’ and hit on OK to complete.
With the main part over, the final step is creating necessary folders and adding the desired image file to it. Next, head over to C:\Windows\System32\Oobe from Windows Explorer and accept all permission dialogue boxes that appear on the way. On reaching there, create a new folder named ‘info’ and a second one named ‘background’ inside the info folder. After carrying out all aforementioned steps, the final one involves copying the desired image file which should be renamed as ‘backgroundDefault.jpg.’ into the newly created background folder. Also, for proper visual appearance, it’s recommended you utilize an image that matches your display resolution and should be maximum 256KB of size.
– Applications:
Additionally, if the above method seems complicated, you can choose between any one of the applications mentioned below to conveniently change the Windows logon screen.
Logon Studio – Bundled with several image options, the Logon Studio from Stardock appears to be one of the most convenient tools to date on the internet. So what makes it so good? Comprising thousands of screens readily available for download, you can easily select the ones that hold your attention. In addition to this, customized logon screens can be created and also uploaded through the software.
Logon WorkShop – For a more advanced approach, the Logon WorkShop will allow you to customize every single part of your startup screen. Including easy changes like the button size, accessibility button location and other button placement, margins, user tile width and height, background overlay, text color and shadow, the application wraps high capabilities into its convenient UI.
LogonUI Background Changer – The LogonUI Background Changer tool is a simple application that automatically carries out all steps found in the manual method. Also, it is capable of conveniently reverting back to the original startup screen with a single click.
If the manual method doesn’t work then any one of the applications mentioned above is sure to get the job done. Complicated as it may appear, following each step carefully shouldn’t affect the functionality of the PC in any way possible. Now that you have the guidelines for changing the Windows 7 logon screen, try it out. You may want to share some interesting logon screens with everyone after all.