How to Fix Windows 10 Spotlight Not Working

Windows Spotlight is a feature in Windows 10 that provides a rotating set of high-quality images on your lock screen, along with suggestions and tips for your PC. However, some users encounter issues where Windows Spotlight stops working or doesn’t display images. 

This issue can stem from various factors, such as system settings, network problems, or corrupted files.

If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry—several methods exist to get Windows Spotlight up and running again.

Common Reasons Why Windows 10 Spotlight Is Not Working

Before jumping into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the possible reasons why Windows Spotlight may not be working on your Windows 10 system:

Corrupted System Files: Corrupted system files can cause many problems, including preventing Windows Spotlight from functioning correctly.

Incorrect Settings: Incorrect configuration settings related to Windows Spotlight or lock screen preferences might cause the feature to malfunction.

Network Issues: A good or stable internet connection can help Windows Spotlight’s ability to download and update images.

Outdated System Updates: Outdated Windows 10 versions can sometimes cause compatibility issues with Spotlight, preventing it from working correctly.

Privacy Settings: Privacy settings in Windows 10 might prevent Spotlight from functioning correctly, particularly regarding Location and personalized content.

SOLVED: Windows 10 Spotlight Not Working

If you’re experiencing issues with Windows Spotlight, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the problem. Let’s go over some practical solutions.

Check Your Internet Connection

Windows Spotlight requires a stable internet connection to download new images and content. If your connection is slow or intermittent, Spotlight might not work correctly.

Steps to fix:

• Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
• Test your internet speed to ensure it meets the Windows Spotlight requirements.
• Restart your router or reconnect to your network if necessary.

Switch to a Different Lock Screen Background

Sometimes, switching the lock screen background can help reset the Spotlight feature.

Steps to fix:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.
2. Choose the Lock screen from the left sidebar.
3. Under the Background section, select a different option (e.g., Picture or Slideshow) instead of Windows Spotlight.
4. Restart your PC and set Windows Spotlight back again.

This can help reset the Spotlight feature and resolve any glitches preventing it from working.

Reset Windows Spotlight Settings

Resetting Windows Spotlight settings clears and refreshes the associated configuration files. These files manage Spotlight’s functionality, including image selection, caching, and syncing with Microsoft servers.

Steps:

• In Windows Explorer, go to %USERPROFILE%/AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings
• Rename settings.dat and roaming.lock to settings.dat.bak and roaming.lock.bak.
• Restart PC.

Clear the Spotlight Cache

Windows stores Spotlight images in a specific cache folder. Spotlight can prevent new photos from being displayed if the cache becomes corrupted.

Steps to fix:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState and press Enter.
3. Find the Settings folder and delete its contents.
4. Restart your PC.

After this, Windows Spotlight should be able to download fresh content.

Enable Spotlight via Group Policy Editor

In some cases, Spotlight may be disabled in the Group Policy settings.

Steps to fix:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization.
3. Find Do not use the lock screen and ensure it’s set to Not Configured or Disabled.
4. Restart your computer.

This will re-enable the Windows Spotlight feature if policy settings previously turned it off.

Check Privacy Settings

Windows Spotlight relies on your privacy settings to download personalized content, including Location and other preferences. If privacy settings are too restrictive, it may cause issues with Spotlight.

Steps to fix:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy.
2. In the left sidebar, select Location and ensure that location services are turned on.
3. Under Activity History or Recent Activity, check if Let Windows is enabled to collect my activities from this PC.
4. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Update Windows 10

Keeping your system up to date is crucial for resolving bugs and compatibility issues, including Spotlight problems.

Steps to fix:

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
2. Select Windows Update and click Check for Updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Updating your system ensures that Windows 10 runs the latest version, which can fix many underlying issues.

Reset the Spotlight Feature via Registry Editor

If none of the above methods work, reset the Spotlight feature via the Registry Editor.

Steps to fix:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent.
3. Right-click the CloudContent key and select Delete.
4. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

This will reset Spotlight and may resolve any persistent issues.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Suppose your files remain corrupted despite trying all troubleshooting methods. In that case, Windows 10 Spotlight is still not working, and if you suspect malware or a virus, it’s essential to protect your system with reliable third-party software. Investing in a robust virus and malware protection tool, like Fortect, can make a significant difference.

Fortect Premium automatically scans your PC, detects corrupted files, and repairs them, keeping your system running smoothly.

Proactively protecting your computer can avoid future file corruption and maintain your PC’s overall health and performance.

Download and install Fortect now.