Desktop Background turns Black when highlighting [Fix]

If your desktop background turns black when highlighting on a Windows 11/10 PC, this post will help you resolve the issue. Some users have reported that their desktop background turns black when they drag the mouse cursor on the desktop to highlight or select some area. For some users, it also happens when they highlight or select desktop icons. While we can easily personalize the background with any of our favorite pictures, such a problem is annoying. For those who are facing this issue, the working solutions covered in this post are handy.

Desktop Background turns Black when highlighting in Windows 11/10

You can use the following fixes if the desktop background turns black on highlighting in your Windows 11/10 system:

Restart File Explorer
Restore the desktop wallpaper to the original location
Roll Back graphics driver
Update or Reinstall the Graphics driver
Turn off the Remove background images setting.

1] Restart File Explorer

It’s a simple but effective solution. If there is a temporary glitch, restarting File Explorer will help you fix it. To do this, open the Task Manager > look for Windows Explorer in the Processes tab > select that process > and use the End task option.

2] Restore the desktop wallpaper to the original location

This is one of the best solutions for some users and me. Though I faced the problem for a few seconds, and it was fixed automatically, the option is worth trying. When you move the background picture from its original location (say, Desktop) to another location (say, E drive or in another folder), this problem may start. The desktop background area will turn black when selected or highlighted. In this case, you must restore the desktop wallpaper to the original location or folder.

To solve the issue, first, find the current desktop background image using the Classic Desktop Background window or another way if you don’t know the saved location. After that, set the same background image using the Settings app of your Windows PC. Navigate to Personalization > Background > expand Personalize your background section. Select the Picture mode and use the Browse photos button to select your wallpaper.

If the desktop wallpaper or picture is missing or deleted, change the desktop background or wallpaper with another picture for your display. In case you are using multiple monitors or displays and want to use the same wallpaper across all monitors, then set that image as wallpaper. For the Choose a fit for your desktop image option (under the Personalize your background section), select the Span option.

3] Roll Back graphics driver

This fix also worked for some users and it can work for you also. If the graphics card driver is not working properly after an update and causing this issue, roll back the driver and see if it helps. In the Device Manager, expand Display adapters > right-click on the graphics driver > and select Properties. Switch to the Driver tab and use the Roll Back button.

Read: Roll Back Driver is greyed out in Windows PC

4] Update or Reinstall the Graphics driver

If your graphics card driver is outdated, it can turn your desktop background black when highlighting and cause other issues, such as a stretched screen display problem. So, update your graphics driver and check if the problem is solved.

If that doesn’t work, access your PC/laptop manufacturer’s official website and download the graphics card driver. Install them and restart your PC.

5] Turn off the Remove background images setting

There’s a setting in Windows that, if turned on, disables the desktop background. Not only this, all the settings related to desktop personalization are disabled in the Settings app. This can be why your desktop wallpaper is set but not visible, and you’re facing the problem. If this is the case, disable or turn off the Remove background images setting. Here are the steps:

Open the Control Panel
Switch the View by mode to Small icons or Large icons
Select the Ease of Access Center option
Click on the Make the computer easier to use option
Scroll down the page
Uncheck the Remove background images (when available) option
Press the Apply button and OK button.

Let us know if this helped.

Why does my desktop background keep going black?

If your desktop background keeps going black, it can happen for various reasons. For example, there’s an app or program that interferes with the desktop background setting, the graphics card driver is not functioning as needed, or you have selected Solid color as the desktop background setting. To solve this problem, keep your graphics card driver updated and switch from Solid color mode to Picture for desktop background setting. If this doesn’t work, Boot in Clean Boot state to find the app or program causing the trouble and remove it.

How do I fix a black background on my computer?

To fix the black desktop background on your Windows computer, first change the wallpaper and check if the desktop is still black. If yes, switch the desktop background type (Picture, Slideshow, Solid color, etc.), and check the Desktop background settings in Power Options. If the problem occurred after updating the driver, then roll back the driver. If nothing works, you may need to restore your PC.