To use a different wallpaper on each monitor in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Personalization > Background. Set Background to Picture, right-click a picture under Choose your picture, and select Set for monitor 1. Then right-click another picture and select Set for monitor 2.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Before you start
- Both monitors need to be connected and set to Extend these displays. See how to set up dual monitors in Windows 10.
- To see which screen is 1 and which is 2, go to Settings > System > Display and select Identify. A number shows on each screen.
- Pictures you want to use should be on your PC. Select Browse to add one to the list.
Set a wallpaper for each monitor
- Select Start > Settings > Personalization > Background.
- Under Background, choose Picture.
- Under Choose your picture, right-click the picture you want and select Set for monitor 1.
- Right-click a different picture and select Set for monitor 2.
If the picture you want isn’t in the list, select Browse, pick it, and then right-click it in the list.
Stretch one picture across both monitors
You can also use one wide picture across both screens.
- In Background, choose the picture.
- Under Choose a fit, select Span.
Span works best with a picture that’s about as wide as both screens together.
Another way: the classic Desktop Background window
The older Control Panel window gives you a bigger list of pictures to pick from.
- Press Windows logo key + R, type control /name Microsoft.Personalization /page pageWallpaper, and press Enter.
- Select Browse to choose the folder with your pictures.
- Right-click a picture and select Set for monitor 1, then right-click another and select Set for monitor 2.
- Select Save changes.
If the wallpapers don’t look right
- You can’t tell which monitor is 1 or 2. Go to Settings > System > Display and select Identify. A big number shows on each screen.
- One picture looks blurry. The monitors may have different resolutions. Use a picture at least as large as that monitor’s resolution, and choose Fill.
- A spanned picture doesn’t line up. In Display settings, drag the monitor boxes so their tops line up the way the screens sit on your desk.
- The wallpapers reset after unplugging a monitor. Windows ties each picture to a monitor. Set them again after you reconnect, or after a docking station changes the order.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see Set for monitor 1?
Check that both monitors are on and set to Extend these displays. The option only shows when Background is set to Picture.
Can each monitor have its own slideshow?
No. A Slideshow background shows the same pictures on all monitors.
How do I change the wallpaper back to one picture?
Right-click a picture and select Set for all monitors. For more, see how to change the wallpaper in Windows 10.
Which monitor is the main one?
The main monitor shows the taskbar clock and opens new windows first. See how to change the primary display in Windows 10.
Does this work with three or more monitors?
Yes. Each connected monitor gets its own Set for monitor option, so you can pick a different picture for every screen.
Can I use different wallpapers on a laptop and an external monitor?
Yes. The laptop screen counts as one monitor and the external one as another. Set the displays to Extend, then follow the same steps.
Where do I find good wallpapers for two screens?
Search for dual monitor or ultrawide wallpapers, and pick a picture whose width matches both screens added together, such as 3840 × 1080 for two 1920 × 1080 monitors. Download only from sites you trust.
Will my wallpapers sync to my other PCs?
Your theme can sync with a Microsoft account, but per-monitor settings depend on the monitors connected to each PC. Expect to set them again on another computer.
Microsoft’s reference is Change the desktop background in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: How to Set a Live Wallpaper on Windows 10.
Related: How to Set Different Wallpapers on Dual Monitors Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.