Is the Windows Spotlight Not Working problem bothering you? Windows Spotlight is a one-of-a-kind feature that uses Bing to download photographs and display them on the lock screen.
It is present in all Windows versions. There is also a method for users to leave feedback on whether or not they enjoyed the picture. It also makes suggestions on the lock screen from time to time.
It’s a popular function because it changes the lock screen image every day. Every time you sign in, it gives you a fresh look. But, as we all know, nothing is flawless, therefore you may encounter some issues from time to time.
Error
The image may become trapped on the lock screen, or the feature may stop working altogether.
How to Fix the Windows Spotlight Not Working Error in Windows 10
We’ve come up with a number of ideas to help you solve the problem of Windows spotlight not working. The following are the solutions:
1. Run the Troubleshooter
Step 1. Press ‘Windows + R’ and type “Control Panel” into the dialogue box. The control panel is going to be opened. In the control panel’s search box at the top right of the window, type “troubleshoot.” From the list of results, choose “Troubleshooting.”
Step 2. In the troubleshooting menu, select “View All.” This will populate the windows with all of the troubleshooters available on your PC. Locate “System Maintenance” in the above-mentioned list of options and select it.
The troubleshooter for System Maintenance will now be started. Select the option “Run as administrator” from the Advanced menu inside the troubleshooter. Select “Apply Repairs Automatically” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3. Windows will look for errors and alert you if any are identified. It will also attempt to correct the faults on its own. Restart your computer and verify that spotlight is working properly.
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2. Disable the Metered Connection
“Set as metered connection” is a setting in the WiFi or Network Settings. It entails reducing data usage by turning off certain of the system’s programmes and functionalities.
Because it downloads photos on a frequent basis, Windows Spotlight is in the same boat. We can try disabling the metered connection option and see if the problem goes away.
Step 1. Make sure you have access to a working internet connection. Use the keyboard shortcut ‘Windows + S’ to access the start menu’s search bar. Then go to the settings menu. Select ‘Network and Internet’ from the drop-down menu in the settings.
Step 2. After you’ve opened Network and Internet, go to Network Status and click “Change connection properties.” To disable the metered connection, untick the “Set as metered connection” checkbox. It will remove your network from the list of network connections that are metered.
Restart your computer and verify that Windows Spotlight is up and running.
3. Choose Spotlight
One of the safest solutions is to re-select the spotlight. The computer will restart all processes and activate the spotlight in the settings and configurations when you re-enable the spotlight.
It will erase all old spotlight memories, and the Windows spotlight not working issue will be repaired quickly.
Step 1. Press the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to access the start menu’s search bar. Then, in the dialogue box, look for settings. Then go to the settings menu. In the options menu, look for the word ‘Personalization.’ It would be the second-to-last Right Word.
Step 2. Go to the customisation section on the left side of the screen and select Lock Screen. Select Picture from the lock screen’s drop-down menu and wait a few moments for the picture to be properly assessed.
Return to the lock screen settings after going back to settings. Select Windows Spotlight from the drop-down menu a second time. Allow some time for the image to be properly examined.
Step 3. Restart your computer after closing settings. Check to see if the spotlight turns on properly. Always keep in mind that downloading pictures necessitates access to the internet.
4. Remove Mail and Calendar from the Lock Screen
Windows connects to your Live account and retrieves information about your email and calendar. These items can be displayed on your screen, and it is already enabled.
It’s probable that the synchronisation process will have some issues. That’s why your Windows spotlight isn’t updating, and the spotlight may also refuse to load fresh images as a result of the updating error.
Disable these utilities and check for the Windows spotlight not working issue again:
Step 1. Press the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to open the start menu’s search bar, then type weather in the dialogue box. After the weather has opened, go to the bottom left of the screen and click on the settings.
Go to the general tab and look for the ‘Launch Location’ setting. Make sure ‘Default Location’ is selected. After then, close the weather app. Press ‘Windows + S’ to search for and open the lock screen.
Step 2. In the heading ‘Choose apps to show fast status,’ click the mail symbol. At the top, choose None. The calendar should be treated in the same way. ‘Show lock screen background on the sign-in screen’ should now be unchecked.
Finally, restart your computer and see if the Spotlight appears.
5. Delete the Contents of the Spotlight Folder
Deleting all of the picture files in the spotlight, as well as any leftover folders, may also provide a solution. When all of the content is erased, Windows recognises that something is missing. As a result, the folder will be immediately updated, and all remaining files will be downloaded.
Step 1. Use the keyboard shortcut ‘Windows + S’ to access the start menu’s search bar and type settings in the dialogue box. Go to the second from the top right and select ‘Personalization.’ Go to the left side of the screen and select ‘Lock Screen0.’ Select ‘Picture’ from the lock screen and wait for the picture to be fully reviewed.
Step 2. Exit the settings and navigate to the following directory. Replace the word user with the username from your profile.
C:\<USER>\ibrah\AppData\Local\Packages\
Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager cw5n1h2txyewy\
LocalState\Assets.
If you don’t see any folders, it’s because “View hidden objects” isn’t turned on. In File Explorer, go to ‘View’ and check the boxes next to “Hidden objects.”
Step 3. Exit after deleting the contents of this folder. Return to the lock screen settings and enable Windows Spotlight once more. Check if the problem has been resolved by restarting the computer.
6. Create a New Local Account
It’s possible that the Windows spotlight isn’t operating because of a profile error or because the administrator hasn’t granted access. As a result, creating a new account is also a viable option.
Step 1. Press ‘Windows + S’ to open the Settings dialogue box and search for settings. Accounts can be selected by clicking on them. Go to the left side of the window and select “Family and Other Users.” Select “Add Someone Else to This PC” after logging in.
Step 2. Windows will walk you through the rest of the process of creating a new account. Click “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” in the new window that appears. Select “Add a user without Microsoft” from the drop-down menu. Fill in all of the information and create a strong password.
Step 3. Now go back to Step 1 and do it again. Select “Sign in using a local account instead” from the drop-down menu. Use it to log in. Restart your computer and verify that the spotlight is operational. If you answered yes, you are free to relocate your personal files and settings.
Next, go to Accounts, then Settings. Select “Sign in with a Microsoft Account” from the drop-down menu in your account.Fill in your information and sign in.
7. Sign up for the Spotlight
If you’ve exhausted all of the aforementioned options, the final alternative is to re-register in the spotlight. Please don’t try this solution unless you’ve already tried the others. All applications should be closed.
Step 1. Press ‘Windows + S’ to open the start menu’s search bar. In the dialogue window, type “Cortana” and press Enter. In the Settings menu, uncheck all of the settings. It will disable “Cortana” on your computer.
Step 2. Press Windows + S to bring up the start menu’s search bar. Open the dialogue box and type “lock screen.” From the lock screen, select “Picture” and wait for the image to be properly assessed. Adjust the parameters as needed. Type “PowerShell” in the ‘Windows + S’ box. After right-clicking on the PowerShell, select Run as administrator.
Step 3. In PowerShell, run the following instructions, pressing enter after each one.
/cleanup-image /restore-health /dism /online
sfc /scannow sfc /scannow sfc /s
powershell
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object $_.InstallLocation -like “*SystemApps*” | Foreach -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml” | Foreach -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xm
Follow the instructions above to re-enable Cortana./Go to the lock screen settings and pick Windows Spotlight to re-enable Windows Spotlight. Wait a few moments for the photo to appear in the preview window.
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8. Disable the Proxy Settings
Step 1. To open the search bar, press ‘Windows + S.’ Open the dialogue window by typing ‘proxy’. Click the LAN Settings button near the bottom of the window. Select “Use a proxy server for your LAN” from the drop-down menu. To save, select OK.
Step 2. Verify whether or not Spotlight is operational.
The Last Word
I’m hoping that the Windows spotlight not working error has been resolved. If none of the previous ways work, you’ll have to resort to using Spotlight as a dynamic theme as an option.
