Eliminates tiny, but jarring wallpaper jump between Windows login and desktop - creates buttery smooth transition
Ever notice how Windows zooms in your wallpaper by approximately 2% when you start typing your password? Well I do... I couldn't stand that jarring transition from the logon screen to desktop, so I built this script to create seamless visual continuity. By intelligently processing and syncing both lock screen and desktop wallpapers, this tool ensures your background flows smoothly from login to desktop.
- Smart zoom compensation - counteracts Windows' 2% zoom behavior
- Taskbar-aware cropping - accounts for taskbar height in calculations
- Centered positioning - maintains perfect image alignment
- Lock screen synchronization - sets both lock screen and desktop backgrounds
- Registry integration - uses Windows PersonalizationCSP for reliable results
- Temporary file handling - processes images in system temp directory
- Administrator privilege checking - ensures proper permissions for registry access
- DPI scaling awareness - adapts to different display scaling settings
- Robust error handling - graceful failure recovery
- Python 3.x with PIL (Pillow) library
- Administrator privileges - required for registry modifications
pip install pillow# Run as Administrator
python win11smoothbg.py "C:\path\to\your\wallpaper.jpg"python win11smoothbg.py Important: Always run the script as Administrator. The script will automatically check for admin privileges and prompt you if needed.
When you start typing your password on Windows login screen, the system applies a subtle ~2% zoom effect to the wallpaper. This creates a noticeable jump when transitioning to the desktop, breaking visual continuity.
- Processes your wallpaper - applies compensating zoom and positioning
- Sets lock screen image - uses Windows PersonalizationCSP registry keys
- Configures desktop background - applies tiled wallpaper settings for seamless transition
- Stores in temp directory - keeps processed files organized
- Detects current DPI scaling settings
- Measures actual taskbar height dynamically
- Applies 2% zoom compensation with centered cropping
- Uses Windows registry APIs for reliable wallpaper setting
This script modifies Windows registry keys and requires administrator privileges to function properly. You'll see this error if not running as admin:
This script requires administrator privileges. Please run as administrator.
- Input: Any image format supported by PIL (JPG, PNG, BMP, etc.)
- Output: PNG format stored in system temp directory
- Processing: Maintains original aspect ratio with smart cropping
Before: Tiny, but jarring zoom effect when typing password, noticeable wallpaper jump
After: Buttery smooth transition from login screen to desktop background
- Windows 11 - designed for modern Windows, won't work on Windows 10