Member Avatar for princess_2508

Hi ive tried so many times to change my desktop background, ive tried downloading and applying my pictures but nothing happens. There isnt even an option when i right click to change the background.
My computer is new and ive only had it a week so dould it be that i need to do something to get this option? Please help as its really annoying now. Thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Biker920

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As identified, netbooks commonly ship with Windows 7 Starter, and that edition does not expose the normal Personalization controls (no right‑click → Personalize and built‑in wallpaper chooser). That explains why the usual download-and-apply steps do nothing on a new machine. (learn.microsoft.com)

Practical next steps: confirm the edition (Start → Control Panel → System, or right‑click Computer → Properties and look under "Windows edition"). If it is Starter, the cleanest long‑term fix is an upgrade to a higher edition (Home Premium or above) using the built‑in Windows Anytime Upgrade path (Control Panel → System → "Get more features with a new edition of Windows 7"); the upgrade keeps files and programs but requires a paid key. Before buying, run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor as suggested to check driver and feature compatibility. (howtogeek.com)

If upgrading isn’t desired, there are safe, low‑risk alternatives: third‑party tools such as Starter Background Changer or Stardock’s MyColors/WindowBlinds let Starter users set wallpapers without changing the OS edition (they replace or emulate theme files). For technically confident users there’s also a manual workaround (replace the TranscodedWallpaper.jpg in %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Themes or edit the HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop wallpaper setting and lock permissions) — but Windows 7 Starter actively checks and may revert changes, and registry edits can break the system if done incorrectly. Back up the original file, create a system restore point, and download tools only from reputable sites. (howtogeek.com)

Summary: — if wallpaper is the only missing feature, a third‑party starter wallpaper tool is the quickest, lowest‑risk fix; if more personalization/features are wanted and the netbook meets requirements, upgrade via Anytime Upgrade after running the Upgrade Advisor.

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Member Avatar for happygeek

Let me guess, you are using a netbook with Windows 7? I say this as the Windows 7 Starter Edition installed on netbooks does not allow for desktop themes, configuration etc.

Member Avatar for princess_2508

Let me guess, you are using a netbook with Windows 7? I say this as the Windows 7 Starter Edition installed on netbooks does not allow for desktop themes, configuration etc.

Yes i have a netbook with windows 7, so thats it i cant get any different backgrounds? Is there something i can do?

Member Avatar for happygeek

Nope, Windows 7 Starter Edition has desktop customisation taken out. As far as I am aware there is no workaround other than to explore the use of third party desktop customisation/theme tools such as Windows Blinds and the like.

Edited by happygeek because: n/a
Member Avatar for princess_2508

Ok thanks can i download something so i can change my desktop background? If so what?

Member Avatar for princess_2508

Can i upgrade from windows 7 starter, for me to be able to get desktop background and wallpapers?

Member Avatar for Biker920

first go here and download Win7 upgrade Advisor this will tell you if your net book will support an upgrade to higher win7 version,If not as Happy Geek stated try a 3rd party program such as Window Blinds. Later---

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