Windows Spotlight Not Working

Matej Hradsky 20 Reputation points
2023-12-22T19:46:04.4266667+00:00

Subject: Issue with Windows Spotlight Not Working

Dear Microsoft Support Team,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to seek assistance with a recurring issue I've been facing on my Windows operating system. Specifically, I've encountered problems with the Windows Spotlight feature not functioning as expected.

The Windows Spotlight feature, which dynamically changes the lock screen background with curated images and provides information about Windows features and apps, seems to be unresponsive on my system. Despite trying various troubleshooting steps, I have been unable to resolve the issue.

Here are some details about the problem:

Symptoms:

  • The lock screen background does not change, and Windows Spotlight content is not displayed.
  • I do not receive new information or updates on the lock screen as expected.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

  • Checked internet connectivity to ensure Windows Spotlight can fetch new content.
  • Verified the lock screen settings to confirm that Windows Spotlight is selected.
  • Restarted the Windows Explorer process and the system itself.
  • Ensured that my user account has the necessary permissions.

System Information:

  • Operating System: [Your Windows version, e.g., Windows 10/11]
  • Build Number: [Your specific build number]
  • Additional relevant system information.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in resolving this issue. If there are specific steps or updates that I need to apply, please provide guidance on how to proceed.

Thank you for your time and support.

Best regards,

[Matej Hradsky] [PII removed]

Windows for home | Other | Desktop, Start, and personalization

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4 answers

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  1. Charalampos Loukopoulos 5 Reputation points
    2024-10-21T17:55:02.3133333+00:00

    Is it possible a windows feature can not be fixed be windows? I have this problem and no windows stuff has gave me the solution. it has to be fix automatically at the windows update or at least by help. I have tried everything and does not work. reset network del files del registry reset update...

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  2. C. Denninger 5 Reputation points
    2026-09-04T08:13:31.65+00:00

    Since the July/August 2026 Windows 11 (Dutch) system update Spotlight (in Windows lock-screen) works again.
    Note: I did not test the Windows background and I expect Microsoft not to fix this bug in Windows 10.

    So it wasn't the use of a local account, nor corruption of an account nor several other things and steps in these posts. In short: It wasn't us. It was indeed a bug in Microsoft's programming and they finally fixed it!

    Thanks for non-acknowledging this @Microsoft and all the help and suggestions of everyone else here!

    Now this bug is finally fixed these feedbacks can be finally closed: https://aka.ms/AA8iflt | https://aka.ms/AAt4ceb | https://aka.ms/AAaslmf | https://aka.ms/AAz1ary | https://aka.ms/AAzt31k | https://aka.ms/AAztamk | https://aka.ms/AAzt31p | https://aka.ms/AAzt31t | https://aka.ms/AAztic7 | https://aka.ms/AAztamr | https://aka.ms/AAzticc

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  3. MONIR 0 Reputation points
    2024-02-12T17:28:41.7+00:00

    I'm not from Microsoft....

    I'm not sure this will help or not.... but sharing. :)

    There are some concerns regarding the Windows Spotlight features.

    1. Windows Spotlight requires Background Apps to be turned on. So, please check if it's on.
    2. Windows Spotlight might be unable to function while Battery Saver mode. Also, if the device is connected to a metered network.

    However, if not done already then try resetting the Windows Spotlight. Remember, it might take 24 to 48 hours to be synced after reset.

    To reset use these commands - 

    DEL /F /S /Q /A "%USERPROFILE%/AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets"

DEL /F /S /Q /A "%USERPROFILE%/AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings"

    To Reregister, execute this PS - 

    Get-AppxPackage -allusers *ContentDeliveryManager* | foreach {Add-AppxPackage "$($_.InstallLocation)\appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode -register}

    Thanks.

    ~

    Regards,

    MONIR

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  4. Andrew H 0 Reputation points
    2024-02-12T17:07:03.3766667+00:00

    I have the same problem. I also tried multiple different "solutions" - none of which worked.

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