How to set the desktop background on ChromeOS

Updated: 11/13/2018 by Computer Hope
Google ChromeOS logo.

ChromeOS computers are basic, inexpensive devices that allow access to the Internet and Google Drive. ChromeOS users can customize certain aspects of their machines, including the desktop background image. The following sections contain information on how to change your background image.

Change the desktop background to a default image

To use a background image that came preloaded on your ChromeOS device, follow the steps below.

  1. Navigate the desktop.
  2. Tap two fingers simultaneously on the trackpad.
  3. In the drop-down menu, select Set wallpaper.

Set wallpaper on Chromebook

  1. On the next screen, tap your preferred image to select and set a wallpaper.

Default wallpapers available to Chromebook users.

  1. In the upper-right corner, tap X to close the window.

Change desktop background to a custom image

To use a custom image, such as one of your photos, follow the steps below.

  1. Navigate the desktop.
  2. Tap two fingers simultaneously on the trackpad.
  3. In the drop-down menu, select Set wallpaper.

Set background wallpaper on Chromebook

  1. On the next screen, tap the Custom tab, and then tap the square with + in the middle.

Custom tab on the wallpaper selection screen on a Chromebook.

  1. In the prompt, select Choose File.

Choose file for Chromebook wallpaper

  1. In the next window, select your image file from the right side.
  2. After you've chosen your image, you are taken back to the Choose File menu.
  3. Under the Position: section, tap the down arrow to select how you want your background to be positioned on the screen.

Menu allowing users to select the positioning of their custom wallpaper.

  1. In the upper-right corner, tap X to close the window.