How To Use Different Backgrounds for Different Monitors

Monitor wallpaper displays can add a little pizzazz or personalization to your computer screen. When working on multiple monitors, by default, Windows and macOS will display the same desktop background on all screens. Fortunately, you have the choice to choose different backgrounds for each display.

If you want your screens to display unique backgrounds, keep reading for the easy way to achieve this on Windows and macOS.

Different Backgrounds for Different Monitors in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with several background photos and themes preinstalled. You can choose a theme from the Personalization tab within Settings or create your own. To use your images for two or more monitors, follow these steps.

1. Access the “Settings” using the “Windows + I” hotkeys. Or, click on the “Start” or search icon on the “Task Manager,” then type “settings” in the search bar.
   
2. Click on “Personalization,” then “Background.”
   
3. Choose “Picture” from the “Personalize your background” list.
   
4. Click “Browse Photos,” then select the image you wish to set as your desktop background. You can choose a photo from any folder where your pics are stored.
   
5. Right-click on the image, then choose “Set for monitor 1.”
   
6. To set the background on your second monitor, repeat steps two to five, selecting “Set for monitor 2” at step five.

Different Backgrounds for Different Monitors in Windows 10

Setting up a unique monitor background for several monitors was relatively straightforward in Windows 8. The menu in Windows 10 that allows you to do the same was buried. Fortunately, it has been moved to a logical position once again.

Follow these steps for an easy way to set different backgrounds in Windows 10.

1. Open “Settings” using the “Windows + I” hotkeys. Alternatively, click on the “Start” or search icon on the “Task Manager,” then type “settings” in the search bar.
   
2. Click on “Personalization,” then “Background.”
   
3. Select “Picture” from the “Personalize your background” list.
   
4. Click “Browse Photos,” then select the picture you want to set as your desktop background. You can choose a photo from any folder.
   
5. Right-click on the image, then choose “Set for monitor 1.”
   
6. Repeat steps two to five to set the background on your second monitor. Select “Set for monitor 2” at step five.

Different Backgrounds for Different Monitors on a Mac

Setting up different backgrounds on your Mac monitors can help liven up your work day and is pretty straightforward, just follow these steps.

1. Click on the Apple icon to access the main menu.
   
2. Click “System Preferences.”
   
3. Then “Desktop & Screen Saver.”
   
4. In the “Desktop & Screen Saver” window, select the picture you want to set as a background. Alternatively, drag the image from your desktop or a folder to the top of the preview window to set it as your new desktop wallpaper.
   
5. To set a desktop picture for your second monitor, click on the second window, then select an image.
6. Repeat these steps for multiple external monitors.
7. Once satisfied, click on the back button and close the window to save the changes.

FAQs

Which wallpaper is better for your eyes?

It’s better to avoid bright or neon colors, as these can become tiring to look at. Select neutral or dark shades of colors that still deliver high contrast without being solid black. The best colors for wallpapers and backgrounds are navy, burgundy, hunter green, deep purple, or silver.

Can you use two cursors on two monitors?

If you’re using Windows, multiple mouse usages are detected automatically. Once you plug your second mouse into a USB port, Windows automatically adds the drivers. Then you can control the cursor using either mouse. This addition is ideal if you want to mirror your main PC to a TV display.

Is a white or dark background better for your eyes?

Darker-colored backgrounds (Dark Mode) will reduce glare and blue light on your screen, making it better for your eyes compared to lighter colors (Light Mode).

Customizing Your Desktop Backgrounds

If you want to spice up your work day, displaying different backgrounds on your multiple monitors is one of many simple options. Windows and macOS offer free wallpaper options for you to choose from. Alternatively, you can set one of your personal images as the background. And for more custom screen entertainment, both operating systems allow you to set up slideshows as a desktop background or to display once you’ve been idle for a specified period.

Were you able to set up the wallpaper you wanted on each monitor? Tell us about the results in the comments section below.