Bring Your Desktop to Life: Windows 11 is Getting Native Video Wallpapers
Remember the days of dynamic desktops? It feels like a while ago, but animated backgrounds have a surprisingly long history in personal computing. They were a fun feature on older operating systems, adn have continued to evolve on platforms like Android and Linux. Even Apple now lets you use slow-motion videos as your lock screen background.
However, the resurgence of animated wallpapers is now underway, and Windows is joining the trend.It appears animated backgrounds are back in style, and Windows 11 is the latest to embrace them. But a truly seamless experience comes from having this functionality built right into the operating system.
A Hidden Feature Unveiled
Recently, a new customization option was discovered hidden within the latest Windows 11 Dev and Beta builds. You can now set a video as your desktop background directly through the Settings app. Here’s how to access it:
- Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Background.
- Click Browse photos.
- Rather of selecting an image, choose a video file.
Currently, Windows 11 supports the following video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, and MKV.Onc selected, your chosen video will play automatically on your desktop.
For those eager to try it out immediately,the feature ID is 57645315,allowing activation through ViveTool. Keep in mind,at this stage,video wallpapers are limited to the desktop and won’t appear on your lock screen.
Why Native Support Matters
While apps like Wallpaper Engine and Lively have offered this functionality for years, a native implementation offers a smoother, more integrated experience. It’s frequently enough more optimized and reliable than relying on third-party software. This is a significant step forward for desktop personalization on windows.
A Word of Caution: Resource Usage
Animated backgrounds are visually appealing, but they do come with a trade-off. Historically, they’ve been known to consume system resources and drain battery life. Hopefully, Windows’ native implementation will be more efficient.
I personally avoid using animated wallpapers on my devices for this very reason. it’s a balancing act between aesthetics and performance, and I prioritize the latter. However, if you’re looking to add a little dynamism to your desktop, this new feature is definitely worth exploring.
It will be interesting to see how this feature evolves and whether it eventually extends to the lock screen. For now,it’s a welcome addition for those who enjoy a more lively desktop experience.



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