Solved Newly built PC--- Can't change desktop background image

jsx821

New Member
Messages
18
Hi,
I recently built my own PC (I5-4670K) and installed Win 8.1 64 Bit OEM Builder.
Installation went fast and easy.
Updated all my drivers/win updates in the past 2 hours.
Windows 8.1 is activated.

When I go to Taskbar and Navigation properties -> navigation menu -> "Show my desktop background on Start " and "Search everywhere instead of just my apps when I search from the Apps view" are BOTH GRAYED OUT.

When I go to Personalization to choose images for my background nothing happens. Not even windows desktop backgrounds or anything in my picture library gets recognized.

So confused.
 

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Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
So is the desktop back ground your trying to set at least setting on the traditional desktop or will it not set on both? Have you tried going to the picture image file and "right click" and then "open with" and select "Windows image viewer" and from there "right click" on the image and finally click on "set as default wallpaper"?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sager NP2740
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 4702HQ 2.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    W740SU
    Memory
    8 GB 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Pro 5200
    Sound Card
    High Defenition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    IPS Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250 GB mSATA
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps cable, NETGEAR Night Hawk AC1900
    Browser
    Firefox 38.0.5
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Malwarebytes Pro
So is the desktop back ground your trying to set at least setting on the traditional desktop or will it not set on both? Have you tried going to the picture image file and "right click" and then "open with" and select "Windows image viewer" and from there "right click" on the image and finally click on "set as default wallpaper"?

Thanks for responding. Yes it Won't load images for traditional desktop and metro. It will only load solid colors. For instance, when I use the charms menu to change the pattern for metro desktop background, it wont even let me select those.

Yes, i have tried downloading in an image off the web and right click to set as wallpaper.. didn't work.

I mean this isn't really an issue-- since I use a black back ground anyways. But it's really bothering me since I don't have the option and also since it's my first build..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
The other issue when I have seen this is Windows was not activated, your product key may have worked but a network error stopped it from activating through MS, has happen to me and that can stop you from changing back ground pictures believe it or not. So if you could be so kind and open the "file manager" and the right click on "This PC" and finally click on "Properties". Scroll down and make sure the system recognizes it has been activated. Let me know if this is not the issue and I will continue to press on with a solution.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sager NP2740
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 4702HQ 2.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    W740SU
    Memory
    8 GB 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Pro 5200
    Sound Card
    High Defenition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    IPS Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250 GB mSATA
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps cable, NETGEAR Night Hawk AC1900
    Browser
    Firefox 38.0.5
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Malwarebytes Pro
The other issue when I have seen this is Windows was not activated, your product key may have worked but a network error stopped it from activating through MS, has happen to me and that can stop you from changing back ground pictures believe it or not. So if you could be so kind and open the "file manager" and the right click on "This PC" and finally click on "Properties". Scroll down and make sure the system recognizes it has been activated. Let me know if this is not the issue and I will continue to press on with a solution.

Image has been attached to first post. The OS was installed on a brand new Samsung Evo SSD- which is my only storage drive for now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
Alright I did some searching and I found two possible links which sound similar enough where they may work and instead of stealing the authors work I will post the links and best of luck to you. I hope this works cause I understand your problem as even if there is something I don't use I hate knowing that my system is not fully functional as it should be. If there is anything I could do let me know and I hope these work along with someone else maybe jumping in and helping.


windows 8 - Unable to change wallpaper - Super User

http://www.eightforums.com/customization/10956-unable-change-desktop-wallpaper-select-theme.html
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sager NP2740
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 4702HQ 2.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    W740SU
    Memory
    8 GB 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Pro 5200
    Sound Card
    High Defenition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    IPS Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250 GB mSATA
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps cable, NETGEAR Night Hawk AC1900
    Browser
    Firefox 38.0.5
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Malwarebytes Pro
Alright I did some searching and I found two possible links which sound similar enough where they may work and instead of stealing the authors work I will post the links and best of luck to you. I hope this works cause I understand your problem as even if there is something I don't use I hate knowing that my system is not fully functional as it should be. If there is anything I could do let me know and I hope these work along with someone else maybe jumping in and helping.


windows 8 - Unable to change wallpaper - Super User

http://www.eightforums.com/customization/10956-unable-change-desktop-wallpaper-select-theme.html

I did everything in those two links. Still didn't work.....Sadly- I wiped all my data and did a reinstall. First thing I did was to check if I was able to change my background before I attempted to install any drivers/win updates. No luck.... Wow-- this is sooooooooooooooo annoying. What should I do here? Should I just buy a Windows 7 OS?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
Ok guys. I figured it out of luck and stupidity. Took me forever to figure out-- but it was such a simple oversight. I feel really dumb lol.

Change pc settings ->ease of access -> other options -> shows windows background (turn on)

i have win 8.1 pro on my other machine and that one never came with the windows background turned off. I don't know why mine did. Anyhow. I can finally celebrate my first build after 48hours of headaches!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
Wow I would have never thought to ever check there, kind of odd it came that way. Glad you figured it out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sager NP2740
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 4702HQ 2.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    W740SU
    Memory
    8 GB 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Pro 5200
    Sound Card
    High Defenition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    IPS Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250 GB mSATA
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps cable, NETGEAR Night Hawk AC1900
    Browser
    Firefox 38.0.5
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Malwarebytes Pro
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