How to change the MacBook Pro login screen at startup?

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Level 1

7 points

How to change the MacBook Pro login screen at startup?

There is a login screen that only appears after powering up my 16 inch 2021 MacBook Pro from a powered-off state. I strongly dislike the image and I'd like to change it to something else. Unfortunately, I cannot figure out how to do this. The answer seems to change for every macOS version and I have yet to find instructions for Monterrey.

To be clear, I'm not talking about the initial display of the white apple on the black screen, and I'm not talking about the login screen that appears after a restart. I'm talking about the login screen that only appears after powering up from a shutdown.

Anyone? Thanks.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Feb 26, 2022 1:35 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

mateoargano

Level 2

187 points

Feb 26, 2022 1:53 PM in response to t.linn

Good afternoon,

Apple doesn't generally allow this change; however, if you're comfortable with editing files, I'll be happy to help. Before you get started, make sure macOS is up to date (if you don't know how to do this, reference the following: How to update macOS on your Mac via YouTube, Update macOS on Mac via Apple Support).

Follow this guide to begin https://www.howtoisolve.com/how-to-change-the-login-screen-background-mac-macbook/

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Answer 2

t.linn Author

Level 1

7 points

Feb 26, 2022 2:07 PM in response to mateoargano

I'm not quite sure why I can't vote your reply as helpful but thank you, mateoargano. This is exactly what I wanted to do. Change the background to something other than the desktop I'm using. Unfortunately, the requirement to disable FileVault is a deal-killer for me.

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Answer 3

Feb 26, 2022 2:13 PM in response to t.linn

Understandable, FileVault is amazing and removing it had lots of cons. Disabling this feature renders a prominent part of the Secure Enclave useless. There may be some third-party software that can do this without workarounds. I recommend using GitHub to search for free, open-source software.

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Answer 4

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Feb 26, 2022 1:56 PM in response to t.linn

See:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253382773

You can only do it if you are the only user on the Mac

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Answer 5

Mal-S

Level 5

4,688 points

Feb 26, 2022 1:54 PM in response to t.linn

As the only user displayed at login you should see your desktop picture.

If you were to have more than one user at login you will see the Monterey default picture

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Answer 6

t.linn Author

Level 1

7 points

Feb 26, 2022 2:08 PM in response to lllaass

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Illaass. I am the only user however I'm not willing to disable FileVault so I'll have to live with the situation if there isn't another way.

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Answer 7

t.linn Author

Level 1

7 points

Feb 26, 2022 2:09 PM in response to Mal-S

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Mal-S. I am the only user however disabling FileVault is a no go for me. Looks like I'm stuck.

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How to change the MacBook Pro login screen at startup?

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