Last Updated on April 1, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake

When you upgrade your operating system to Windows 8, it all seems way too different and somewhat weird (unless you are a tech nerd). When you system boots into Windows 8, you see a large screen with a wallpaper covering the screen with the time and the date on the bottom right. This is your lock screen, like the one you have on your cellphone. You flick it and you see all these live tiles and tabs that contain all your softwares and applications. This is your Start Screen. It functions as the Start Menu present in the earlier Windows versions like XP, Vista or Windows 7. It takes times to learn, but you learn to adjust. The new features include new customizations as well.

Windows 8

Change the Background on your lock screen

We all want something gorgeous to look at once we power up our gadgets. Windows 8 takes care of that by giving you a full screen display of your wallpaper like that of a mobile phone. But, looking at a wallpaper time and again tends to get a bit monotonous, doesn’t it? That’s why we update our mobile lock screens and that’s why you’d be wanting to change your PC lock screen as well. But Windows 8 has changed a bit of its setting compared to all the earlier versions. But don’t worry: we’ve got you covered.

  • On your home screen, swipe or click on the bottom right of the display. A menu will slide in. This menu is called Charms menu.
  • Click on the PC Settings.
  • Now click Personalize and go to Lock Screen.
  • On the right side, you’ll be able to see the preview of the lock screen currently operating and below it, five of your recent wallpapers/background.
  • You can pick any one of these photos just by clicking on it.
  • You can choose one of your own photos as well. Click the “Browse” button below and select your desired photo.

Now you can see your holiday photographs or some abstract artistic wallpapers when you power up your Windows 8.

Display App Notifications on the Lock Screen:

Once you learn the hang of the new Windows 8, you enjoy this whole new interface and love to showcase your gorgeous photographs on the lock screen. But why stop there? You see, the new Windows comes with some mobile like features. On of them is displaying various app notifications on your lock screen. Isn’t that convenient! Plus, it also lets you view a detailed status for one application. But, that’s not all; you can choose those which applications you want to be notified about briefly and which particular one in detail.

Here’s how to configure:

  • Go to the Charms Menu (mentioned above) and click PC Settings.
  • Now click Personalize
  • Once in, click on the Lock Screen.
  • Scroll down to the bottom till you see Lock Screen apps.
  • Now you can choose which apps you want to be notified about. Click on the big “+” symbol to add an app
  • Below, you’ll see the “detailed status” section. You can configure that as well.

So there’s that. If you have any questions, drop them in the comment section below. Subscribe for more news, reviews and guides.

Cheers!