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How to set a custom boot image in Windows?

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Most PC manufacturers tend to put their custom logos instead of the standard boot logo during the boot process. It’s a subtle thing, and most of us don’t even notice that. However, if you’re one of those who want absolute control over every aspect of their computer, there are ways you can change this.

Having a custom boot logo can add quite the look to your PC. This is achieved using a software called HackBGRT which can manipulate boot image on UEFI based systems. However, since HackBGRT only supports UEFI systems, this method may not work on older systems.

Also, note that secure boot needs to be disabled in your BIOS for HackBGRT to work. Needless to say, changing the bootloader does carry a little bit of risk, so be a bit mindful of what you do.

Also read: Windows 101: How to clear all cache in Windows 10?

Changing the Boot image on Windows 10

Read on to find out how to manipulate boot images in Windows 10.

Step 1:  Download HackBGRT software. Once downloaded, open the setup.exe file and follow on-screen instructions to install. The software is open-source, and everything is available on GitHub.

How to set a custom startup image in windows pc in 3 easy steps?

Step 2: After you’ve run the setup file, you’ll be taken to a config.txt file. This file is for reference and allows further customisation. For now, go ahead and close it.

How to set a custom startup image in windows pc in 3 easy steps?

Step 3: Now an MS Paint window will open. Here you have to copy and paste whatever image you want to use as the boot image. Make sure you save the image as 24-bit BMP format in MS Paint.

How to set a custom startup image in windows pc in 3 easy steps?

And that’s it. Reboot your PC to see the new boot image load. If in case something goes wrong and you’re unable to boot your PC, you can either recover your PC using installation/recovery media if you have or you can use the backup bootloader created by HackBGRT.

For doing so, you’ll either need to access your PC using Linux or boot Windows into Safe Mode and use the command prompt to revert changes.

Also read: How to disable start-up programs in Windows?

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

  • “For doing so, you’ll either need to access your PC using Linux or boot Windows into Safe Mode and use the command prompt to revert changes.”

    …how do I “revert changes” with command prompt…???

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