Tip Stash: Change Your Login Window Wallpaper

Releases of OS X have always had the default user Wallpaper adorn the login screen and all user accounts. Only the latter can have its Wallpaper changed from whatever Apple chose to plaster over the screen leaving those with automatic login disabled out in the cold. Fortunately, with a little knowledge of where you Mac stores system files, you can swap out the Outer Space inspired abstract piece for any of your choosing.

By navigating through Finder into “YourHardDriveName/System/Library/CoreServices” and scroll down until you find an image titled “DefaultDesktop.jpg” which is what OS X designates as the image display behind the Login Window. You’ll need Admin privileges to delete the original (don’t worry, you can change it back to the default anytime) and place a new image with the same file name.

If you need some inspiration, look in “YourHardDriveName/Library/DesktopPictures” for the included selection of Wallpapers bundled with OS X.