Others

How to Use Internet Images as Microsoft Whiteboard Backgrounds

Olivia MillerOlivia Miller Oct 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to set stock or internet images, such as Bing images, as the background in Microsoft Whiteboard.

How to Use Internet Images as Microsoft Whiteboard Backgrounds
Product
Microsoft Whiteboard
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Customizing the appearance and layout of a Microsoft Whiteboard canvas.
Observed behavior
Microsoft Whiteboard currently lacks a native, dedicated option to set internet or stock images directly as the board's background.
Before you start

Ensure you have the image you want to use saved to your local device or copied to your clipboard before opening Microsoft Whiteboard.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert the Image as a Locked Canvas Object

Since native background image support isn't available, you can manually insert and lock an image to simulate a background.

While Microsoft Whiteboard does not offer a direct 'Set as background' feature for external images, you can achieve a similar effect by placing the image at the bottom layer of your board and locking it in place.

1
Prepare your image

Download or copy the internet image you wish to use to your local device or clipboard.

2
Insert into Whiteboard

Open Microsoft Whiteboard and navigate to your desired board. Paste the image directly onto the canvas, or use the 'Insert' menu to add the saved image file.

3
Resize the image

Click and drag the corners of the image to resize it so that it covers the necessary area of your canvas.

4
Lock the image

Right-click the image (or tap the more options menu) and select 'Lock to background'. This prevents the image from moving while you write or place other objects over it.

Insert the Image as a Locked Canvas Object
Workaround Complete: Your image will now act as a static background layer, allowing you to seamlessly collaborate and draw on top of it.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Flexible Canvas and Presentation Backgrounds

If you find Microsoft tools limiting when customizing your workspace, try WPS Office. WPS Presentation allows you to easily set any local or internet image as your slide background for highly customizable visual planning and presentations.

Easily insert and set any custom image as a slide background.Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Free, lightweight, and features a user-friendly interface.Rich library of built-in templates and graphic tools.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Bing images directly as a Microsoft Whiteboard background?

No, Microsoft Whiteboard currently does not support pulling Bing or internet images directly into the background settings. You must download or copy the image and insert it manually onto the canvas.

How do I prevent an image from moving in Microsoft Whiteboard?

To prevent an image from being accidentally moved, select the image on your canvas, click on the 'More options' (three dots) menu on the object toolbar, and choose 'Lock to background' or 'Lock'.

Are there any default backgrounds available in Whiteboard?

Yes, Microsoft Whiteboard offers a limited set of default background formats, such as grids, dots, and solid colors. You can access these by clicking the Settings gear icon and selecting 'Format background'.