Desktop wallpaper
The `WallPaper` string value (`REG_SZ`) stores the path of an image that Windows can use as the desktop wallpaper for the associated user registry hive.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (1)
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\WallPaper
The WallPaper string value (REG_SZ) stores the path of an image that Windows can use as the desktop wallpaper for the associated user registry hive. The value C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Windows\img0.jpg refers to a locally stored Windows wallpaper image.
This path is specifically under HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT. It therefore does not change the wallpaper or the corresponding HKEY_CURRENT_USER value for a signed-in user.
Notes
Possible side effects
If the specified file is missing or cannot be read by the Windows process that uses the setting, the intended wallpaper cannot be displayed.
Writing the registry value directly does not necessarily refresh a desktop that has already been rendered. The write does not itself call the Windows SystemParametersInfo function or broadcast a settings-change notification to running applications.
Notes
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT is not the Default User profile hive from which Windows creates profiles for new users. The actual Default User profile is stored under C:\Users\Default, and its NTUSER.DAT file must be loaded as a separate registry hive. This value is therefore not automatically copied into newly created user profiles.
The value selects only the image file. Other settings, including WallpaperStyle and TileWallpaper, control its placement and presentation.
This registry value is not the Desktop Wallpaper Group Policy setting. In particular, it does not prevent users from selecting a different wallpaper for their own profiles.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: Theme File Format – Control Panel\Desktop section
Microsoft Learn: Predefined Keys
Microsoft Learn: Customize the default user profile by using CopyProfile
Microsoft Learn: SystemParametersInfoW function