Windows 11 installation images use the default wallpaper called “Bloom”, but now Microsoft is considering something else to replace it. In the latest release of Build 22598 Preview, Microsoft wants to use Windows Spotlight as the default desktop background.
Windows Spotlight extracts a variety of pictures from Bing to provide users with a fresh desktop background every day. Windows 10 allows Spotlight to be set as the lock screen background, and in Windows 11 22H2, this feature also includes desktop wallpapers.
When enabled, Windows Spotlight places a new icon on the desktop for users to switch between pictures, like or dislike a picture, and get more information about the current picture.
In addition to providing users with a steady stream of beautiful wallpapers, Windows Spotlight is also a good way for Microsoft to push Bing ads. Clicking on the “Learn this picture” button on your desktop launches Edge (of course) and Bing.
Microsoft is currently testing Windows Spotlight as the default wallpaper in Windows 11 build 22598 (along with 4K images in Windows Spotlight), which means the company may reverse course and change back to the OG “Bloom” wallpaper. Note that windows 11 build 22598 won’t force changes to your custom background unless you’re using the default Windows 11 wallpaper.