Windows 11 does not natively support animated video wallpapers directly through its built-in personalization settings. To add a dynamic video background to your desktop, you will need to utilize third-party applications specifically designed for this purpose. These tools allow you to transform your favorite videos or GIFs into captivating desktop backgrounds.
Why You Need Third-Party Software
While Windows 11 offers a range of static wallpapers and themes, it lacks the integrated functionality to set a video file as your desktop background. Third-party applications bridge this gap by running in the background, continuously playing your chosen video as your wallpaper and often providing additional features like custom playback options, performance controls, and dynamic content sources.
Popular Third-Party Applications for Video Wallpapers
Several reliable applications can help you achieve a video wallpaper on Windows 11. Here are two of the most popular choices:
1. Lively Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper is a free, open-source application that offers a straightforward way to set video, GIF, or even interactive web pages as your desktop background. It's known for its user-friendliness and efficiency.
- Key Features:
- Free and Open Source: No cost to use, with community support.
- Wide Format Support: Works with various video formats (MP4, MKV, WebM, AVI, MOV), GIFs, and even YouTube URLs.
- Performance Options: Pauses wallpaper playback when full-screen applications or games are running to save resources.
- Multi-Monitor Support: Configure different wallpapers for each monitor or span one across multiple displays.
- Customization: Adjust playback speed, volume, and more.
- Where to Get It: You can download Lively Wallpaper from the Microsoft Store or its official GitHub page.
2. Wallpaper Engine
Wallpaper Engine is a robust, paid application available on Steam, favored by many for its extensive customization options and vast community workshop. It's ideal for users who want deep control over their animated backgrounds.
- Key Features:
- Extensive Content Library: Access thousands of user-created wallpapers via the Steam Workshop, including videos, interactive backgrounds, and 3D scenes.
- High Customization: Tweak colors, playback speed, effects, and audio reactivity.
- Performance Controls: Fine-tune resolution, frame rate, and other settings to minimize impact on system performance.
- Multi-Monitor & Ultrawide Support: Excellent support for complex display setups.
- Pause Options: Automatically pauses wallpaper when playing games or using other applications to free up resources.
- Where to Get It: Wallpaper Engine can be purchased and downloaded from Steam.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding a Custom Video Wallpaper (General)
The process for adding a video wallpaper is generally similar across most third-party applications. Here's a generic guide:
Step 1: Choose and Install Your Application
Decide which application best suits your needs (e.g., Lively Wallpaper for free simplicity, Wallpaper Engine for advanced features) and download/install it from its official source.
Step 2: Launch the Application and Access Library
Once installed, launch the application. Most wallpaper applications will have a main interface where you can browse available wallpapers or manage your own. Navigate to the application's Library or Collection section, where you can see pre-loaded options or manage your custom additions.
Step 3: Add Your Video File
To add your personal video, look for an Add wallpaper button, often located in the top-right corner or a prominent area within the app's library interface. Select the option to add a new wallpaper, typically labeled "Choose a file" or "Browse for local video." This allows you to load animation files, such as GIFs or various video formats (e.g., MP4, WMV, MOV), directly from your computer. Browse to the location of your desired video file on your hard drive and select it.
Step 4: Set as Wallpaper
After selecting your video, the application will usually prompt you to confirm or apply it as your new desktop background. You might have options to adjust playback settings like volume, speed, or how it scales across your screen. Once configured to your liking, confirm your selection, and your video will begin playing as your desktop wallpaper.
Key Considerations for Video Wallpapers
While visually appealing, video wallpapers come with a few important considerations:
- Performance Impact: Playing a video continuously can use more CPU and GPU resources than a static image. This might be noticeable on older or less powerful systems, potentially affecting overall system responsiveness or game performance.
- Battery Life: For laptop users, video wallpapers can significantly drain battery life due to the continuous resource usage. Most applications offer options to pause the wallpaper when on battery power or when a full-screen application is running.
- Video Quality and Format: Use high-quality video files for the best visual experience. Ensure your chosen video format is supported by the application. Common formats like MP4 are widely compatible.
- Optimizations: Many video wallpaper applications include features to pause playback when a game is running, or when other applications are full-screen, to minimize performance impact. Make sure to explore these settings within your chosen app.
