Microsoft is reintroducing animated wallpapers in Windows 11, a feature reminiscent of the DreamScene tool from Windows Vista in 2007. The new functionality is currently available in Beta and Dev channel Insider builds and allows users to set any MP4 or M4V video as a live desktop background. Videos automatically scale to fit the screen, and there appears to be no practical limit on length or file size, making it possible to loop even multi-gigabyte 4K videos.
This built-in feature eliminates the need for third-party apps like Lively Wallpaper, though such utilities are still an option for users who prefer not to join the Insider program.
How to enable animated wallpaper in Windows 11
To try the feature, users need to be on Windows build 26220.6690 (Dev channel) or 26120.6690 (Beta channel) or higher. Here’s a simple guide:
- Join the Windows Insider Program via Settings -> Windows Update -> Windows Insider Program. The Beta channel is recommended for stability.
- After updating, verify your build number using the Winver command.
- Download and unzip ViVeTool, a free command-line utility that unlocks hidden Windows features.
- Open an elevated Command Prompt, navigate to the folder containing ViVeTool, and enable feature ID 57645315.
- Restart your PC or Windows Explorer.
- Go to Settings -> Personalization -> Background, select Picture, then Browse and choose an MP4 or MKV video from your storage.
- Once applied, the video will loop continuously as your desktop background.
- Animated wallpaper without Insider builds
Users who prefer not to join the Insider program can use Lively Wallpaper, a free open-source app available on the Microsoft Store. Lively allows preloaded animated wallpapers and the option to upload custom MP4 videos. Videos are processed and added to the library, and the wallpaper remains active while the app runs in the system tray. Closing the app from the tray will revert to the standard Windows wallpaper.
This return of animated wallpapers adds a dynamic, visually engaging option for Windows 11 users, reviving a nostalgic feature with modern compatibility and flexibility.
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