Microsoft is finally adding a video wallpaper feature to Windows 11. The feature is currently being tested in preview builds and will allow users to set video files like MP4 or MKV as their desktop wallpaper. Once enabled, the videos will play every time you view your desktop, creating a more dynamic experience.
This idea is not entirely new. Microsoft first experimented with video wallpapers back in the Windows Vista Ultimate edition, where the feature was called DreamScene. However, it never returned in later versions of Windows, leaving users dependent on third-party tools.
One of the most popular third-party apps is Wallpaper Engine, which has been a top-ranked app on Steam for years. Its popularity shows how much demand there is for animated or video backgrounds on Windows PCs. With native support now in testing, users may soon be able to get the same functionality without paying for extra software.
Microsoft has also been working on dynamic animated wallpapers for Windows 11 for some time. Early design leaks suggested these wallpapers would adapt to the time of day or system activity. The feature was expected in 2023 but did not make it to the final release. The new video wallpaper option could be part of that broader effort to bring more customization and personalization to the operating system.
If the feature makes it to the stable release, Windows 11 users will have more freedom to personalize their desktops with creative video content, similar to what is already common on smartphones.
