If you have a dual or multiple monitors setup, you can set different wallpaper or background picture on each monitor. However, there is a common issue where users would see the “Set for desktop” option instead of “Set for monitor 1“, “Set for monitor 2“, etc. which are supposed to show up when you right-click a wallpaper in the Background settings.
This post shows you how to fix the issue and make the Set for monitor 1 and 2 options appear again when you right-click a picture wallpaper in the Windows 11 Personalization > Background settings.
Also see: How to Set Animated Wallpaper in Windows 11
Page Contents
How to set different background for each monitor in Windows 11
A quick recap on how to set different wallpaper on dual or more monitors in Windows 11:
1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Personalize from the context menu.
2. In the Personalization settings window, select Background.
3. Next, click the drop-down menu next to “Personalize your background” and select Picture if you want to set picture as wallpaper, or Solid color if you want to set only plain color as wallpaper for your monitors.
4. Right-click the image you want to set as wallpaper, and select “Set for monitor 1” to set the selected wallpaper for monitor 1, or Set for monitor 2 for your second monitor and so on.
If you see Set for desktop 1 and 2, but not Set for monitor, refer to the fix below.
Fix: Windows 11 Different Wallpaper on Each Monitor Not Working
The reason why you see only “Set for desktop” option instead of “Set for monitor 1 and 2” option when you right-click a wallpaper is because you might have other virtual desktop currently opened. You need to close all virtual desktops. The context menu for setting wallpaper will then change from “Set for desktop” to “Set for monitor 1“, “Set for monitor 2” and so on.
To close any opened virtual desktop, move your mouse cursor over the Task view button (black and white squares icon) on the taskbar, and then close Desktop 2, Desktop 3, etc. (if exist and no longer in use) until there is only one desktop left (usually Desktop 1 is the primary desktop you are currently using).
After closing all virtual desktop, go back to the Personalize > Background settings. Right-click a wallpaper and you should then see the “Set for monitor 1” and “Set for monitor 2” options (if you have more monitors, there will be more options).
Related: How to Set Up Slideshow Background in Windows 11
Can’t set different wallpaper on duplicate display in Windows 11
Another reason why setting different wallpaper on each monitor is not working and showing only “Set as desktop background” when you right-click a wallpaper is likely because you have your second monitor set as duplicate display mode.
Unfortunately, in Windows 11, users will not be able to set different wallpaper on secondary monitor if you are using “Duplicate display” mode on that monitor. When duplicate display mode is selected, technically everything will be duplicated across your monitors, including the wallpaper. Thus, it will act as if you are using one monitor with one wallpaper on both monitors.
Setting different wallpaper on each monitor only works if you use the “Extend these displays” mode. When this mode is used, your second monitor will basically be an extra space next to your primary monitor. In that case, you can have different items such as a different wallpaper on the second monitor.
