4 Solutions To Prevent Mac Wallpaper Resetting On Restart

If you've ever customized your Mac's wallpaper, only to find it mysteriously changing back to the default image after every restart, you know how frustrating it can be. This issue is more common than you think, but there are several effective ways to resolve it.

1. Disable "Dynamic Wallpaper"

Dynamic wallpapers are designed to change frequently throughout the day, often correlating with the sunrise and sunset based on your current location. If you have a Dynamic wallpaper set as your default, it will likely change after a restart. To stop this, you need to disable the Dynamic Wallpaper setting and opt for a static wallpaper instead.

• Steps to Disable Dynamic Wallpaper:
  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
  2. In the System Settings window, click Wallpaper.
  3. Select a wallpaper from the Pictures tab, which contains static wallpapers that won’t change automatically.

2. Disable the "Auto-Rotate" Feature

Even if you have a static wallpaper selected, the Auto-Rotate feature can still cause the background to change after a restart. Disabling this feature can help maintain your chosen wallpaper.

• Steps to Disable Auto-Rotate:
  1. Open System Settings and go to Wallpaper -> Colors.
  2. Look for the Auto-Rotate option in the Colors tab. If its borders are highlighted, it means this feature is enabled on your Mac.
  3. Click to disable it. Alternatively, select an option to have it changed according to your desired routine.

3. Store a Wallpaper Locally on Your Mac

Sometimes, the issue arises because the wallpaper is not stored locally on your Mac. Ensuring that your chosen wallpaper is saved on your local drive can prevent it from changing after a restart.

• Steps to Store Wallpaper Locally:
  1. Make sure the image you want to use as your wallpaper is saved in a local directory on your Mac, such as the Pictures folder.
  2. If you are using iCloud Photos, ensure that the "Download Originals to this Mac" option is selected so that the images are stored locally.

4. Delete the Picture Database File

The picture database file, known as “desktoppicture.db,” can sometimes cause issues with your wallpaper settings. Deleting this file can reset your wallpaper settings and resolve the problem.

• Steps to Delete the Picture Database File:
  1. Open the Finder and navigate to the Library folder. You can do this by holding down the Option key and clicking Go in the menu bar, then selecting Library.
  2. Locate the Preferences folder and find the file named “desktoppicture.db.”
  3. Move this file to the Trash and restart your Mac. This will reset your wallpaper settings, and you can then set your desired wallpaper again.

Additional Tips

Reset NVRAM and PRAM

Resetting your Mac’s NVRAM and PRAM can sometimes remedy unexpected wallpaper behavior. This is especially helpful if you're experiencing other system glitches as well.

• Steps to Reset NVRAM and PRAM:
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Locate the following keys: Command + Option + P + R.
  3. Turn on your Mac and immediately hold down these keys.
  4. Release the keys when you hear the boot chime for the second time.

Update macOS

Running an outdated version of macOS can result in software glitches that contribute to wallpaper issues. Keeping your Mac’s operating system up to date is crucial for maintaining stability and resolving such issues.

• Steps to Update macOS:
  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
  2. Go to Software Update.
  3. Follow the prompts to download and install any available updates.

By following these steps, you can effectively stop your Mac wallpaper from changing after a restart and ensure that your preferred background remains consistent.