tomashubelbauer / powershell-wallpaper

Controlling the desktop wallpaper using PowerShell

Powershell Wallpaper

Set the desktop wallpaper using PowerShell:

# Using PowerShell to write to the  registry
set-itemproperty -path "HKCU:Control Panel\Desktop" -name WallPaper -value "%UserProfile%\Desktop\wallpaper.jpg"
# Using `reg`
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" /v WallPaper /t REG_SZ /d "%UserProfile%\Desktop\wallpaper.jpg" /f

Clear the desktop wallpaper using PowerShell:

# Using PowerShell to write to the  registry
set-itemproperty -path "HKCU:Control Panel\Desktop" -name WallPaper -value ""
# Using `reg`
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop" /v WallPaper /t REG_SZ /d "" /f

Refreshing

The registry write will not have an immediate effect on the desktop background. It is necessary to initiate a per user settings reload:

RUNDLL32.EXE USER32.DLL, UpdatePerUserSystemParameters

Resources

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/winuser/nf-winuser-systemparametersinfoa

To-Do

Hook into an event indicating UpdatePerUserSystemParameters completion

This will ensure the call went through successfully and will enable to hold the script until it does.

Add working scripts for setting the desktop background color