Change Windows Spotlight Lock Screen Using Regedit

Windows Spotlight automatically displays rotating, high-quality background images and suggestions on your lock screen. While this feature is typically managed through the standard Windows Settings interface, you can configure, enable, or force-disable Windows Spotlight settings across user accounts by modifying the Windows Registry. This guide provides the exact registry keys and DWORD values required to adjust Windows Spotlight lock screen behavior using the Registry Editor (Regedit).

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Configure Spotlight for the Current User

To enable or disable Windows Spotlight for your active user profile, navigate to the following registry path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager

Modify or create the following 32-bit DWORD values inside the ContentDeliveryManager key:

• RotatingLockScreenEnabled
  • Value data 1: Enables Windows Spotlight dynamic lock screen images.
  • Value data 0: Disables Windows Spotlight and reverts to a static image or slideshow.
• RotatingLockScreenOverlayEnabled
  • Value data 1: Displays dynamic facts, tips, and interactive icons over the lock screen image.
  • Value data 0: Removes interactive text and suggestions while keeping the rotating images active.

(Note: If either DWORD value does not exist, right-click an empty space in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it accordingly.)

Step 3: Manage Windows Spotlight System-Wide (Policies)

To enforce or block Windows Spotlight across all accounts on the system, navigate to the Cloud Content policy key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent

(If the CloudContent key does not exist under Windows, right-click Windows, select New > Key, and name it CloudContent.)

Configure the following DWORD values:

• DisableWindowsSpotlightFeatures
  • Value data 0: Allows Spotlight features to run normally.
  • Value data 1: Disables Windows Spotlight globally across the device.
• DisableWindowsSpotlightOnActionCenter
  • Value data 1: Prevents Spotlight suggestions from appearing in the Action Center.
  • Value data 0: Default behavior.

Step 4: Apply the Changes

1. Close the Registry Editor.
2. Restart your computer or sign out and sign back into your Windows account to apply the new lock screen configurations.