Bing Wallpaper gives your desktop a fresh background, but you might prefer your own photo or simply want fewer apps running in the background. Removing it is straightforward, and you don’t need a third party tool or an uninstaller.
To uninstall Bing Wallpaper on Windows 11, open Settings → Apps → Installed apps, search for Bing Wallpaper, click the three dots beside it, and select Uninstall. Follow the prompts, then choose your preferred background under Personalization.
If the app won’t uninstall or your wallpaper keeps changing afterward, here’s what to check.
Uninstall Bing Wallpaper Through Settings
Start with Windows 11’s built-in uninstall option:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Apps, then Installed apps.
- Type Bing Wallpaper into the search box.
- Click the three dots beside the app.
- Select Uninstall, then confirm.
- Follow any remaining prompts to finish.
This follows Microsoft’s recommended process for uninstalling Windows apps.
If Windows asks you to close Bing Wallpaper first, look for its icon near the clock. You may need to click the arrow that reveals hidden icons. Open the app’s menu and choose its exit option, if available, then retry.
Remove Bing Wallpaper Through Control Panel
If Settings doesn’t offer a working uninstall option, try Control Panel:
- Open Start, type Control Panel, and open it.
- Select Programs → Programs and Features.
- Find Bing Wallpaper.
- Right-click it and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change.
- Follow the instructions to complete removal.
Some apps appear in only one of these locations, so check both before assuming the uninstaller is missing.
Set Your Preferred Wallpaper After Removal
Your desktop may still show the last background after uninstalling. An unchanged picture alone doesn’t mean Bing Wallpaper is still running.
To choose a different background:
- Right-click an empty area of your desktop.
- Select Personalize, then Background.
- Under Personalize your background, select Picture.
- Click Browse photos and choose an image.
You can also select Solid color for a plain background or Slideshow to rotate through your own photos.
What If Personalization Settings Are Unavailable?
If Windows displays a message saying you need to activate before personalizing your PC, check Settings → System → Activation. This is separate from Bing Wallpaper removal.
If you haven’t activated your installation yet, follow our guide on how to activate Windows 11. Check whether you already have a valid product key or digital license before purchasing anything.
If you have Windows 11 Pro installed and need a license, you can find a Windows 11 Pro key at SftKey. Your license must match your installed edition; you don’t need to upgrade from Home to Pro just to change your wallpaper.
Wallpaper Still Changing? Check Windows Spotlight
Bing Wallpaper and Windows Spotlight are separate features. Removing the app doesn’t automatically turn off Spotlight.
If your desktop background keeps changing:
- Open Settings → Personalization → Background.
- Check the Personalize your background selection.
- If Windows spotlight is selected, switch to Picture or Solid color.
If the changing image appears on your lock screen instead, check Settings → Personalization → Lock screen. That screen has its own background setting.
Also check whether another wallpaper app or a slideshow is enabled.
What to Do If Bing Wallpaper Won’t Uninstall
If removal gets stuck or displays an error, work through these checks.
Close the App and Try Again
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If you see a process clearly identified as Bing Wallpaper, select it and click End task, then retry uninstalling.
Only end the app’s process. There’s no need to stop unrelated Windows services.
Restart Your Computer
Save your work and restart Windows. Try uninstalling again before opening Bing Wallpaper.
If the same error returns, note its exact wording. A missing installer file needs a different fix from a message saying the app is still running.
Check Administrator Access
If Windows requests administrator credentials, you’ll need an authorized administrator account to continue. On a work or school computer, contact your IT team if app removal is restricted.
Should You Delete Leftover Files or Registry Entries?
Use the uninstaller before attempting manual cleanup. Deleting an app’s folder doesn’t reliably remove its installed components and can make future uninstallation harder.
For a normal removal, you don’t need to edit the registry or run a cleanup script. Avoid deleting folders or entries just because their names contain “Bing” or “Microsoft”—they may belong to other software.
After uninstalling, restart if prompted and search Installed apps again to confirm the Bing Wallpaper entry is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Uninstall Bing Wallpaper?
Yes. Bing Wallpaper is an optional Microsoft wallpaper app. Removing it through Windows’ uninstall controls should not affect your system or your personal program and files.
Will Uninstalling Bing Wallpaper Remove Bing From My Browser?
No. Your browser’s search engine and homepage are separate settings. If you want to change them, do so in your browser’s settings.
Why Is the Bing Picture Still on My Desktop?
The last image may remain selected after the app is removed. Choose another picture under Settings → Personalization → Background.
Do I Need PowerShell to Remove Bing Wallpaper?
No. Start with Installed apps or Control Panel. Command line removal isn’t necessary for a normal uninstall.
Do I Need to Activate Windows to Uninstall Bing Wallpaper?
No. Windows activation is separate from uninstalling the app. If Windows asks for activation when you try to personalize your desktop, address that separately after removing Bing Wallpaper.