Disable Blurred Lock Screen on Windows 10 1903

Microsoft has done it again; automatically and incorrectly assumed that its users want to implement a new feature without notice. In this case a blurred background image upon login from your lock screen. Starting with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) the login screen adds a blurred background effect to your image (assuming you have one). Microsoft claims that they are helping you focus your attention to the login task. If this isn’t condescending I don’t know what is.

If you, like us, prefer a clear background this article will show you how to disable the acrylic material effect from the login and lock screens using the Registry Editor application.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Windows 10 Registry is risky, and it may prevent you from using your computer. We recommend making a full system backup of your PC and data if you are to attempt the following suggestion.

Disable Login Screen Blurred Background with Registry Editor

Click the Start windows icon at the bottom left of your screen and type “regedit“. Copy and paste the path below into the registry’s address bar:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Within the Windows (folder) key, search for a folder key labeled “System“. If you do not see it, create it.

Under the existing or new “System” folder key create a new DWORD (32-Bit) Value labeled “DisableAcrylicBackgroundOnLogon” and set the value from 0 to 1.

Once completed, you should be able to lock your PC or device and reveal the clear background image as before the update. Note that reversing this process or even deleting the new Disable key did not restore the blurred background setting. At least for us, but some users are reporting begin able to restore it.

We hope this article has been helpful. If so, please take a moment to like us on Facebook, share this on your social media. Let us know if you have any questions that we may be able to assist you with.