Tech Reference

How to change your background on a Chromebook, using its default photos or one of your own

google chromebook
You can set a custom image as your background on your Chromebook. Konstantin Savusia/Shutterstock
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Customizing your computer is part of the fun of getting a new device.

If you're new to Chromebook, however, getting used to the various quirks of the operating system can require a bit of effort, even for something as simple as changing your background.

But once you familiarize yourself with the device, it's an easy enough task and should only take a few minutes to complete.

To get you started, here's what you need to know to change your background on a Chromebook:

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

ASUS Flip 14-inch Chromebook (From $569.99 at Best Buy)

How to change your background on a Chromebook using the Wallpaper Picker

There are two primary ways to select a new desktop background on a Chromebook — using one of the images preloaded on your computer in the Wallpaper Picker or uploading one of your own images.

Here's how to use a photo from the Wallpaper Picker:

1. Right-click anywhere on your current desktop.

2. Select "Set wallpaper" — this will prompt a window to pop-up on your screen.

How to change background on Chromebook
Click "Set wallpaper."  Devon Delfino/Business Insider

3. Click the image you want to use. You can use the left sidebar to select from different backgrounds — like art, landscapes, or colors.

How to change background on Chromebook
Select which photo you'd like to use as your wallpaper.  Devon Delfino/Business Insider

And here's how to select your own image to use as a desktop background, provided you've already downloaded it onto your Chromebook:

How to change your desktop background on your Chromebook using your own image in the Files app

1. Click the button in the far-left bottom corner of the screen.

2. Tap the up arrow to open it fully.

3. Select "Files."

How to change background on Chromebook
Click the "Files" icon.  Devon Delfino/Business Insider

4. Under "Downloads" — located in the left sidebar —  right-click on your custom image.

5. Click "Set as wallpaper."

How to change background on Chromebook
Select "Set as wallpaper" from the list.  Devon Delfino/Business Insider

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Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino.