Have you ever noticed a desktop icon in Windows that says “Learn about this picture” and wondered what it is and how to remove it? This icon is related to Windows Spotlight, a feature that displays different background images on your lock screen and sometimes on your desktop. While Windows Spotlight can be visually appealing, the “Learn about this picture” icon can be distracting or unwanted for some users. If you’re looking to declutter your desktop and get rid of this icon, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through simple steps to remove the “Learn about this picture” icon and customize your desktop background to your preference.
Understanding the “Learn About This Picture” Icon
The “Learn about this picture” icon is a feature of Windows Spotlight. Windows Spotlight is designed to automatically download and display new background images and occasionally offer suggestions, tips, and advertisements on the lock screen and desktop. It’s a way for Microsoft to showcase visually appealing imagery and provide users with extra information about the displayed picture or related topics.
However, the “Learn about this picture” icon, which appears on the desktop when Spotlight is active, can be perceived as clutter, especially if you prefer a clean and minimalist desktop environment. Clicking on the icon usually provides options like “Switch to next picture,” “Not a fan of this picture,” or “I like this picture,” allowing you to interact with the Spotlight feature and influence the types of images displayed.
Steps to Remove the “Learn About This Picture” Icon
The easiest way to get rid of the “Learn about this picture” icon is to change your desktop background setting from Windows Spotlight to a static picture or a solid color. Here’s how you can do it:
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Open Windows Settings: Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to quickly open the Settings app.
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Navigate to Personalization: In the Settings window, click on Personalization.
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Select Background: In the Personalization settings, choose Background from the left sidebar.
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Change the Background Setting: Look for the “Background” dropdown menu. If it is currently set to “Windows spotlight,” you need to change it.
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Choose “Solid color” or “Picture”:
- To remove the icon completely and have a plain background, select “Solid color” from the dropdown menu. You can then choose a color from the color palette provided. A solid color background is often preferred by users who want a distraction-free desktop.
- To use a personal image as your background, select “Picture” from the dropdown menu. You can then click the “Browse” button to choose an image from your computer to set as your desktop background.
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Verify the Icon is Gone: After changing the background setting, go back to your desktop. The “Learn about this picture” icon should now be removed.
Alt text: Windows Settings showing Personalization and Background options, highlighting the dropdown menu to change from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Solid color to remove the “Learn about this picture” icon.
Why This Works
The “Learn about this picture” icon is directly tied to the Windows Spotlight feature for the desktop background. By switching away from Windows Spotlight to another background option like a solid color or a personal picture, you disable the Spotlight feature for your desktop, and consequently, the icon disappears.
Alternative Background Options
Once you’ve removed the “Learn about this picture” icon, you can explore different background options to personalize your desktop:
- Solid Color: As mentioned, this provides a clean and simple look. It can be less distracting and may be preferred by users who want to focus on their work without visual clutter.
- Picture: You can choose a single image from your personal collection or download a wallpaper from the internet. This allows you to personalize your desktop with images you enjoy.
- Slideshow: Windows also allows you to set up a slideshow of images from a folder on your computer as your desktop background. This can provide a dynamic background that changes at intervals you specify, without the “Learn about this picture” icon.
Conclusion
Removing the “Learn about this picture” icon from your Windows desktop is a straightforward process. By simply changing your background setting from Windows Spotlight to a solid color or a personal picture, you can eliminate this icon and customize your desktop to better suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a minimalist solid background or a personal photo, Windows offers flexible options to create a desktop environment that works best for you.
