How To Change Windows 7 Logon Screen Easily [Without Using Hacks & Tools]

Finally Microsoft has incorporated a new feature in the latest version of Windows which allows the end user to change the logon screen background without having to use any hacks or third-party tools.

In previous version of Windows, user had no option but to use third-parry tools like Tune-Up-Utilities to change the logon screen background. But in Windows 7, the case is different. Windows 7 now supports customization of Windows 7 logon screen officially. Replacing the old logon screen is as easy as changing desktop wallpaper (desktop background). Thanks to withinwindows for finding out this excellent feature.

Follow the given procedure below to change the Windows 7 logon screen:

Step 1: Download the registry file from here. Extract the file and double-click on the file to enable this feature (Alternative method: right-click, select Merge).

Step 2: Now, head over to the following folder:

C:\Windows\System32\oobe (“C” is your Windows Seven Installation drive)

Step 3: Here, create a new folder named Info. Again, create a new folder inside the Info folder and rename it as backgrounds.

Step 4: Copy your favorite image file to this folder and rename it as backgroundDefault. Note that the image must be in JPG format and the size should be less than 256 KB.

Step 5: You are done. Reboot your system and see the change.

The following files (sorted by width-to-height ratio) are supported in C:\Windows\System32\oobe\Info\Backgrounds folder:

* backgroundDefault.jpg
* background768×1280.jpg  (0.6)
* background900×1440.jpg  (0.625)
* background960×1280.jpg  (0.75)
* background1024×1280.jpg (0.8)
* background1280×1024.jpg (1.25)
* background1024×768.jpg  (1.33-)
* background1280×960.jpg  (1.33-)
* background1600×1200.jpg (1.33-)
* background1440×900.jpg  (1.6)
* background1920×1200.jpg (1.6)
* background1280×768.jpg  (1.66-)
* background1360×768.jpg  (1.770833-)

And users who prefer to use a third-party instead can check out free tools such as Windows 7 Logon Screen Changer and Logon Screen Rotator to set your own picture as logon screen background withe a mouse click. How to change Windows 8 lock screen guide might also interest you.