[FIX] Error ‘Setting The Lock Screen Failed. Please Try Again’ For Windows 8/8.1

This article will show you how to fix "Lock screen error, Setting the lock screen failed" while setting new Lock Screen in Windows 8/8.1.

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
2 min read
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Lock Screen is one of the thousand new features introduced in Windows 8. In Windows 8.1, the Lock Screen feature has received improvements and introduced Lock Screen slide show. If your Windows copy is not activated, you can’t change Lock Screen, Start Screen, User Account Picture. But, sometimes you may receive the error while setting Lock Screen even if your Windows is activated. In this article, we’ll discuss about one such error:

This error is more feasible to occur on guest user accounts in advance with the result of forcing specified Lock Screen image by administrator account. Thus the fix goes in the same sense, following nullification of the way to fix particular Lock Screen image. So, without wasting your time any more, lets see how to fix this issue:

FIX : ‘Setting The Lock Screen Failed. Please Try Again’ In Windows 8/8.1

Registry Disclaimer: The further steps will involve registry manipulation. Making mistakes while manipulating registry could affect your system adversely. So be careful while editing registry entries and create a System Restore point first.

1. Press Windows Key + R and put regedit in Run dialog box to open Registry Editor (if you’re not familiar with Registry Editor, then click here). Click OK.

2. Navigate here:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization

3. In the right pane of this location, you’ll see the LockScreenImage named string. This string is the root cause of the error you’re facing while setting Lock Screen. Double click on string to modify:

4. In order to fix the issue, remove all the Value data you see and click OK. You can also delete the LockScreenImage if you like. Deleting it will be a good idea since there may be the possibility of restoring Value data by the system upon reboot, if the string is not set to read-only permission for everyone. Close the Registry Editor and reboot to get the issue fixed.

Hope you find the fix helpful! Go here, if you’re getting “Setting the account picture failed. Please try again.” error.

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Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.

29 Comments
Csleg Op

worked!

Brah

Why the hell don’t i have the personalization folder?

Tarou

I don’t have the LockScreenImage in my registry but my problem still exists. I still can’t change my Lock Screen.

Kapil Arya Author

^^ If it is not there, you can create it manually :)

Kevin

Thanks :)

Vashkar

Windows 8
Same error: Folder wasn’t there and was manually added as suggested. No resolve.

Andrew

Personalization folder doesn’t exist. How do I make a new one? please help!

Adrianna

I don’t have the personalization folder! What do i do? Please help!

BeK

The Personalization folder is no where to be found. How would I proceed without it??
Please don’t ignore this issue.

Sam

Same Wit u All..
Don’t hve the personalization folder..

pavan

same with me..!! personalization folder does not exist…

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Create that folder manually using right click on Windows key and select New -> Key.

Hyx

Thanks, it worked!

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Glad we could help :)

Nikulsinh

Hey dear, Last 3 days,
I am Change my Windows 8.1 Single Language Laptop Profile Pic, and Lock screen but can not be change, and Error will be occur.

Windows 8.1 is a Permanent activated by Company provide, means it is a Genuine version.

I am also trying above method but doesn’t change,
Pleas step by step process to change Profile Pic, and Lock screen

I hope you helping me… As soon as possible…

Thank you…

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Try creating a new user account and see if it works.

Phan Tri

No no, you only:
Settings/Change PC setting/Generate/Locksreen. You click right in any defaut picture in there and chose Revert to defauts.
That okay!

Neeramitra Reddy

I dont have the personalization folder what the heck must i do

Neeramitra Reddy

I dont see the LockScreenimage string in the personalization folder

Neeramitra Reddy

Iam not able to change the lock screen in my account(mine is the administrator) but iam able to change the lock screen in my brother’s account.
in mine it always goes to the standard or default image

Kapil Arya Author
sagar

hi..

iam not able to open any check update and change pc setting also its showing window like

c:\users\sgr\AppData\Local\P…\AAA_systemSetting_update_action.settingcontent-ms

the remote procedure call failed

please help me how to solve this issue ..

thank you

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Have you tried the steps mentioned above?

sagar

yes…
i tried all the ways but it is showing same issue
and while opening pc manage also not showing any result
and change pc setting also not working properly so what i have to do now please help to solve this issues

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Since you’ve multiple issues, I suggest you to Refresh your Windows 8.1:

https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-refresh-windows-8-1

James

I found something called AllowChangeDesktopBackground in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Personalization
Dose this have anything to do with it?

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Nope, that is responsible to allow or prevent changing Desktop background wallpaper.

Alison Eng

I can’t find the “policies” folder on my registry editor. I’m on Windows 8. What should I do? thanks

Don

Is there supposed to be “Personalization” in Win10?

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