Customising Your Boot Logo in Windows 11 — Here’s How
Thinking about swapping out that default boot logo in Windows 11? It’s a neat little tweak to give your PC a more personal touch. Luckily, it’s quite straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. Just a quick heads-up: messing with system files can be risky, so it’s always best to back up your stuff first. Better safe than sorry if something goes awry.
Choosing the Right Image
First things first, you’ll need an image to display during startup. Aim for a BMP file—Windows handles this format best—and try to keep it around 300×300 pixels. Going much larger might cause some stretching during boot, which doesn’t look great. Quick tip: if the image doesn’t look right, double-check the file — Windows can be a bit fussy.
Back Up Your System — Seriously!
Creating a backup isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential. If something goes wrong, you’ll want to be able to restore your PC to a working state. You can make a restore point by heading to Settings > System > Storage > Backup. It’s quick, easy, and worth doing before you dive into deeper modifications.
Accessing UEFI/BIOS Settings
Next, you’ll need to get into your PC’s UEFI — also known as BIOS — settings. Restart your PC and press the key that opens the firmware settings (usually F2, Del, or Esc depending on your manufacturer). If you’d rather avoid the key presses, there’s an easier way via Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup. Once in, look out for Secure Boot options and make sure they’re configured properly for what you plan to do.
Replacing the Boot Image — The Fun Part!
Now for the exciting bit — using a tool like HackBGRT. It’s user-friendly, and community feedback suggests it’s reliable. Run HackBGRT.exe as an administrator, and don’t forget to review the Config file. You’ll need to point it to your BMP image — for example, C:\Images\mylogo.bmp. Make sure your BMP is 24-bit, as other formats might cause issues or revert you to the default logo.
How to Install and Use HackBGRT:
- Download the latest version from a reputable site.
- Extract the files and run
HackBGRT.exewith admin rights. - Open the Config file and double-check the image path.
- Ensure your BMP image is in the correct format—no alpha channels and 24-bit is ideal.
- Follow the prompts to swap out your boot logo.
Reboot and See Your New Logo
Once set, restart your PC to check if your customised logo appears. If it does, fantastic! If not, revisit each step and verify your image’s format. And don’t forget: you backed up everything, right? It’s a safety net!
Tips to Make the Process Easier
When editing your boot visuals, take your time. Double-check your image dimensions to avoid stretched or pixelated output. It’s also wise to keep a backup of your original logo — just in case. Patience is key — Windows can be a tad tricky at times, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Customising Boot Logos
What file formats can I use for the boot logo?
Stick to BMP files for the best results. JPEG and PNG aren’t supported, so convert your images beforehand to keep things simple.
Will changing the boot logo affect my PC’s speed?
Nope, it’s purely visual. Your PC’s startup speed won’t be affected at all.
Could this process harm my system?
There’s always some risk when modifying system files. That’s exactly why creating a backup beforehand is a smart move — it’s your safety net.
Do I need to be a tech whiz to do this?
Not at all. Just follow the instructions carefully, and a basic understanding of Windows settings will do. No need to be a pro.
Can I revert to the default Windows logo later?
Absolutely! If you change your mind, just undo the steps or restore your backup — easy as.
Personalising your Windows 11 boot logo might seem like a small change, but it can make your PC feel more a part of you. Remember to back up your system, verify your image file’s specs, and take your time. Once you’re comfortable, you might even explore other ways to customise your system — a bit of personal flair can make things more enjoyable. Hopefully, this guide saves you a few hours of frustration as you put your own stamp on your machine.