Windows 11 is testing native video wallpapers in recent Insider Dev/Beta builds. It’s a modern take on Vista’s DreamScene and supports common video formats like MP4 and MKV. The feature is hidden behind a flag for now, so it’s not in stable builds. Third-party apps like Wallpaper Engine and Lively still make sense if you want deeper controls.
Table of Contents
What’s new in Windows 11
Native video wallpaper support and formats.
Microsoft is trialing built-in support to set a video as your desktop background. Early reports and screenshots show it playing standard files such as MP4 and MKV, with some outlets also mentioning AVI, MOV, and WEBM. Think of it as a lighter, native answer to popular apps that already do this.
Where it lives today.
The option is currently hidden in recent Windows 11 Insider Dev/Beta builds (build line around 26220.6690). It’s not exposed in stable Windows yet, and Microsoft hasn’t formally announced a rollout date. In other words, treat it as experimental.
Does Windows 11 support video wallpapers now?
Yes, but only in Insider preview builds and behind a hidden flag. There’s no public timeline for stable Windows yet.
A quick history lesson: DreamScene in Vista
Windows last had official “moving” backgrounds with DreamScene in Windows Vista Ultimate back in 2007. It played WMV/MPG clips as your wallpaper and leaned on the GPU, but it didn’t survive into Windows 7. The new Windows 11 test essentially revives that idea for a modern audience.
How to try it safely (Insider only)
Heads-up This section is for experienced users. Hidden features can break or disappear. Back up first.
1) Join the Insider Dev/Beta Channel.
Install a current Insider build (the feature has been spotted around 26220.6690). Keep a system image or a restore point handy.
2) Enabling the hidden flag.
Multiple reports say you can toggle an internal feature ID to expose the UI. Some guides reference feature ID 57645315 and a restart of Explorer. This is unofficial and may change. If you’re not comfortable with command-line tools, skip this and wait.
3) Roll back if things break.
Leave the Insider Channel or use System Restore if you hit crashes, artifacts, or battery drain.
Is there an official switch in Settings yet?
Not in stable Windows. Reports indicate it appears in Personalization after toggling the hidden flag on current Insider builds.
Will this replace Wallpaper Engine or Lively?
Probably not for power users at least not yet.
Wallpaper Engine is the go-to on Steam with massive use. It routinely shows very high concurrent user counts and sits on Steam’s charts—evidence of how many people keep it running. It also offers deep controls, Steam Workshop content, and mobile companion features.
Lively Wallpaper is a great free, open-source alternative with smart touches like pausing wallpapers during full-screen apps. For many, that’s “good enough” already.
Native Windows 11 video wallpapers should be simpler and safer for casual users once it’s officially shipped. But if you want playlists, interactive scenes, shaders, audio-reactive effects, or community packs, third-party apps still win.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Windows 11 Native (test) | Wallpaper Engine | Lively Wallpaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Hidden in Insider builds | Mature, paid app with huge library | Free, open-source |
| Formats | MP4, MKV (reports vary on others) | Videos, web, apps, 2D/3D, Workshop | Videos, GIFs, web sources |
| Library/Sharing | None yet | Massive Steam Workshop | Community packs |
| Performance controls | Unknown; early build | Extensive (FPS limits, pause rules) | Pauses on full-screen, per-app rules |
| Multi-monitor | Likely basic at first | Mature support | Mature support |
Should I uninstall Wallpaper Engine?
No. The native option may cover basics, but third-party apps still offer deeper customization, community content, and fine-grained performance controls.
Performance and battery considerations
Animated desktops constantly decode and render video. That can cost battery life and a bit of GPU time. Power-savvy apps pause when you launch full-screen games or switch to Battery Saver; expect Microsoft to add similar guardrails before a public release. If you’re on a laptop, start with short 1080p clips and see how your temps and battery respond. (Observation-based guidance; Microsoft hasn’t published official performance notes yet.)
Practical tips for good results
- Keep it short: 10-30 second loops feel lively without hogging resources.
- Right-size resolution: Match your display’s native res; 4K loops on a 1080p panel waste cycles.
- Pick efficient codecs: H.264 MP4s decode widely and smoothly on most GPUs.
- Avoid noisy audio: Mute the file or choose silent clips.
- Mind multi-monitor: Ultra-wide or stacked monitors may need separate clips per screen in third-party tools.
- Gaming focus: If you use Wallpaper Engine/Lively, enable “pause on full-screen” to avoid frame drops.
Related news: Gaming Copilot widens rollout
Microsoft is also expanding Gaming Copilot-an AI sidekick in the Xbox Game Bar to more Windows 11 PCs worldwide (everywhere except mainland China) and to the Xbox mobile app next month. Handy if you want quick tips and quest pointers without alt-tabbing to a browser.
FAQs
Does Windows 11 support video wallpapers natively?
Yes, but it’s hidden in Insider builds and not available in stable Windows yet.
Which formats work?
Reports mention MP4 and MKV, with some outlets adding MOV/AVI/WEBM. Expect Microsoft’s final list to be narrower at launch.
Will it hurt performance?
A looping video uses GPU/decoder resources. Expect some impact—usually small on modern PCs. Third-party apps can pause during games to reduce overhead.
How do I enable it today?
Join the Insider Dev/Beta Channel, then toggle a hidden feature flag (reports cite ID 57645315) and restart Explorer. This can change or break. Proceed only if you’re comfortable.
Will Wallpaper Engine still be useful?
Yes. It has a huge library and advanced controls. The native feature is convenient, but not a full replacement for power users.
Why is Wallpaper Engine always “top played” on Steam?
Many people leave it running all day. Steam’s charts show high concurrent usage and a long history near the top apps.
Checklist and next steps
- Casual users: wait for Microsoft’s official toggle in Settings.
- Enthusiasts: test on a spare machine or VM; log battery and temps.
- Power users: keep Wallpaper Engine/Lively for playlists, controls, and Workshop content.
Featured Answer Boxes
What is Windows 11’s video wallpaper feature?
A built-in option currently hidden in Insider builds that lets you set a video file (like MP4/MKV) as your desktop background. It’s essentially a modern revival of Vista’s DreamScene, aimed at giving Windows a native, simpler alternative to third-party live wallpaper apps.
How do I enable video wallpapers in Windows 11 today?
Join the Insider Dev/Beta Channel, then enable the hidden feature flag and restart Explorer. Some guides reference feature ID 57645315. This is unofficial and may change, so proceed only if you know how to undo the changes.
Does this replace Wallpaper Engine?
Not for heavy customization. The native feature should cover basics, but Wallpaper Engine and Lively still offer bigger libraries, effects, and performance controls. Casual users may prefer the built-in option once it officially ships.
Which formats work?
Early reports point to MP4 and MKV, with some outlets noting AVI/MOV/WEBM. Final support may change before general release.
Source: Windows Blog
