Windows 7 Tips & Tricks

Add a custom User Account Picture

*Requires Administrator Privileges*
I like to add my own custom pictures to the default User Account Picture selection. It helps me identify which machine I'm on and some corporate Clients want every single Machine the same (background pic, user pic, etc.). Start Button >>> User Account Picture >>> Change Your Picture >>> (select) a Picture >>> Change Picture. You can, also, "Browse for More Pictures" located on the computer. To add a custom picture to the default Choices. (right-click) the Start Button >>> "Open Windows Explorer" >>> Organize Menu Button >>> "Folder and Security Options". View Tab >>> (select) "Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives" >>> (de-select) "Hide Protected Operating System Files". Apply >>> OK, then close and re-open Windows Explorer. Goto "C:\Users\All Users\Microsoft\User Account Pictures\Default Pictures". It's possible to add all the custom User Pictures you'd like. I always keep mine between 48x48 - 128x128 and save them as a .PNG file. All formats may not be compatible, but the most widely used formats are. Undo the changes made to the Advanced View Settings. Organize Menu Button >>> "Folder and Security Options" >>> View Tab >>> (select) "Don't Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives" >>> (select) "Hide Protected Operating System Files". The custom pictures should now show-up under the default Choices.