How do I make it so my lock screen and desktop backgrounds are two different things in macOS Sonoma?

Mark Kaiman wrote:

That's not what I'm trying to do. I want the JPL image as the lock screen, and something else entirely as the desktop wallpaper. Doesn't look like that's possible.

you are correct, that is not possible.

the Lock Screen wallpaper will match the desktop wallpaper of the account you are logged in to when you lock your screen. the login screen is a different matter. but you use the Lock Screen system preferences to change the login window.

you can only make the login screen match your user account's wallpaper. you cannot set it as a separate image.

if you are the sole user (not even a guest account) AND file vault is turned off you can go to System Settings, in the Lock Screen tab,  and set "Login window shows" to "List of users". then your login screen matches your desktop background.

if you are using file vault or have multiple users, the above will not work.  if that's your situation, you will need to wait for apple to address this. it may be worth your time to send feedback directly to apple. Feedback - macOS - Apple

I don’t think we’ve ever been able to choose our own wallpaper for Lock Screen within the settings. It usually mirrors the chosen desktop wallpaper. It is possible though. This link might get you in the right direction to figuring it out: https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/3-ways-to-personalize-your-macs-lock-screen/

Yes we have been able to have two distinct images for the wallpapers for LockScreen and Desktop before Sonoma. I've had an image for Lock Screen (sign in screen) wallpaper and a different image for desktop wallpaper. We seem to have lost that ability with Sonoma - a great loss. Many of us use a company logo or image for the lock screen and a personal image for the desktop.

You have it for the Screensaver one (show as wallpaper) because Sonoma Horizon is one of the new landscapes. It seems when you choose one of those it assumes you want to match wallpaper and screensaver. I would just double check after you exit the settings it’s not been enabled on either one. It tends to enable by default on mine. Force quit settings.

What is not working? You get the Sonoma one moving as a screensaver but it also shows as desktop wallpaper instead of your JPL Image? Try restarting as well.

Mac uses the same image for desktop wallpaper and lock screen. UGH didnt expect that.

Personlaize it this way" Apple _System settings_select Wallpaper-shoose from

• default options of colors
• Images from Finder like downloads and desktop folders ("Add folder, select, choose")
• Use pictures from "Photos" App (click "Add Photo Album"), Pick one

Instructions state last step #4 is to "Select wallpaper for background of Mac desktop and lockscreen. This isnt a step because that's just been completed using steps listed previously. So I'm ignoring it.

When you choose a wallpaper Or screensaver, there’s a setting at the top to also “show as screensaver” or “show as wallpaper”. So disable that for each.

Customize the wallpaper on your Mac - Apple Support

The article references Ventura, but does help in identifying all the screens. I am a sole user so the multiple user interface is slightly different.

Also, on my MacBook Pro M1 running Sonoma 14.0, they have replaced the "Mandatory" image on the Boot Screen with my Personal Desktop image. That is exactly the problem. I don't want it to be my personal image, but I do want the generic. I also do want the Desktop to be my chosen personal image as I had prior to Sonoma.

FWIW, the login screen and lock screen are two different things.

Here's an article which may or may not help with Sonoma.

Hi, I clicked link, takes me to Ventura info not Sonoma But Ill test and see how far I get. Thanks

Update- so far great help! bullet points of the 6 types of screens. making list for myself, then will test to confirm if this is true for Sonoma 14.5. BRB