How to Fix Desktop Background Turning Black When Highlighting

Experiencing a situation where your desktop background changes to black while highlighting on a Windows 11/10 device? This article provides effective solutions to tackle this troublesome issue. Numerous users have observed that their desktop background turns black when they highlight or select areas by dragging the mouse cursor on the desktop. In some cases, this issue arises when selecting desktop icons as well. While personalizing the background with your favorite images is easy, this glitch can be quite frustrating. If you’ve encountered this problem, the practical solutions outlined below can come in handy.

Desktop Background Turns Black When Highlighting in Windows 11/10

If you find your desktop background turning black on highlighting in your Windows 11/10 system, consider trying the following solutions:

1. Restart File Explorer
2. Restore the desktop wallpaper to its original location
3. Roll back the graphics driver
4. Update or reinstall the graphics driver
5. Disable the Remove background images setting

1. Restart File Explorer

This straightforward solution can often resolve temporary glitches. To restart File Explorer, open Task Manager, locate Windows Explorer in the Processes tab, select it, and click on the End Task option.

2. Restore the Desktop Wallpaper to Its Original Location

This solution has proven effective for many users. Sometimes, if you move your background image from its original location (for example, from Desktop to a different drive or folder), you may encounter this problem. In such cases, returning the wallpaper to its original location may resolve the issue. To fix this, identify the current desktop background using the Classic Desktop Background window, then re-establish the wallpaper via the Settings app. Navigate to Personalization > Background, expand the Personalize your background section, select Picture, and use the Browse photos button to locate your wallpaper.

3. Roll Back Graphics Driver

If after an update your graphics driver isn’t functioning correctly, you might see the desktop background issue. Rolling back the driver could be the solution. In Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click on the graphics driver, choose Properties, switch to the Driver tab, and hit the Roll Back button.

4. Update or Reinstall the Graphics Driver

An outdated graphics driver could lead to the black desktop background problem and other display issues. Ensure your graphics driver is current and observe if this resolves your problem.

If updating does not fix the issue, visit your PC or laptop manufacturer’s website to download the latest graphics driver and install it, then restart your computer.

5. Turn Off the Remove Background Images Setting

There is a specific setting in Windows that, when enabled, can prevent the desktop background from displaying. This can make your selected wallpaper invisible. To address this, you’ll need to disable the Remove background images setting. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Change the View by mode to either Small icons or Large icons
3. Select Ease of Access Center
4. Click on Make the computer easier to use
5. Scroll down the page
6. Uncheck the option Remove background images (when available)
7. Click Apply, then OK.

We hope these solutions help resolve your issue.

Why Does My Desktop Background Keep Going Black?

If your desktop background continues to revert to black, several factors could be at play, such as an application interfering with your background settings, a malfunctioning graphics card driver, or a setting where Solid color is selected as the desktop background. To pinpoint and resolve the issue, ensure your graphics driver is current, and switch the desktop background type from Solid color to Picture. Should the problem persist, boot your system in Clean Boot mode to identify any troublesome applications or programs.

How Can I Fix a Black Background on My Computer?

To remedy the black desktop background problem on your Windows device, start by changing the wallpaper. If the desktop still appears black, try altering the background type (such as Picture, Slideshow, Solid color, etc.) and verify your desktop background settings in Power Options. If the issue arose post-driver update, consider rolling back the driver. If all else fails, a system restore could be necessary.

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