Updated on November 6, 2026
Use WinDynamicDesktop if you want Windows 10 to show a different wallpaper during the day and at night. If you just want your photos to rotate every few minutes or hours, use the built-in Slideshow setting.
Choose a clock schedule or a slideshow
| What you want | What to use |
|---|---|
| A day image and a night image at set times | WinDynamicDesktop with manually configured sunrise and sunset times. |
| A background that follows local daylight | WinDynamicDesktop with a location-based schedule. |
| A folder of photos that changes at a regular interval | Windows 10’s built-in Slideshow. |
Set up a day and night wallpaper
- Install and open WinDynamicDesktop from its official project page or its linked Microsoft Store listing.
- Choose a schedule. Use local sunrise and sunset or enter your own times. For example, set sunrise to 7:00 a.m. and sunset to 7:00 p.m. for a fixed day and night schedule.
- Choose a theme and apply it. Some themes have day and night images. Others change in several steps as the day progresses.
- Keep the app running in the notification area. If you want the schedule after restarting, enable the app’s option to start with Windows.
To use your own pictures, build or import a theme using the project’s custom theme guide. Try a bundled theme first to check that the schedule works.
Rotate pictures with the Windows 10 slideshow
Open Settings > Personalization > Background. Choose Slideshow, select your folder and set how often to change the picture. Windows cycles through the images at that interval. See Microsoft’s background settings. For a different picture each day, see our daily wallpaper guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can Windows 10 change wallpaper at a specific clock time?
The built-in slideshow uses an interval. For a fixed day and night change, use a schedule in WinDynamicDesktop.
Why is the wallpaper stuck on the day or night image?
Check that WinDynamicDesktop is running, the theme is applied, and the schedule and system time zone are correct. If you’re using the Windows slideshow too, switch to one method and test again.
Can I use my own day and night pictures?
Yes. Use a custom WinDynamicDesktop theme for scheduled changes. If you just want the pictures to rotate, put them in the same folder and use Slideshow.
Does a day and night wallpaper animate the background?
A time-based theme swaps still images during the day. The image stays still between changes.