How to set a live wallpaper on Windows 11
Windows hasn't had a built-in animated wallpaper since the old Windows 7 "DreamScene" feature, so on Windows 11 you'll need a third-party app to get a live, moving desktop. Here are the three best ways, from easiest to most library-heavy.
Method 1: Generate one with Formosus
- Download Formosus for Windows (free to install) and run the installer.
- Describe your wallpaper — type a prompt; the app refines it into a cinematic, motion-friendly scene.
- Generate and apply — Formosus creates a seamlessly looping video and sets it as your desktop in one click.
Best when you want an original wallpaper made for you, not pulled from a shared library.
Method 2: Lively Wallpaper (free, open source)
Lively is a popular free, open-source app on the Microsoft Store. It can play local video files, GIFs, and even web pages as your wallpaper. Install it, add your video, and set it as the active wallpaper. Great if you already have loops you like.
Method 3: Wallpaper Engine (Steam)
Wallpaper Engine is the most popular paid option, with a huge Steam Workshop library of community wallpapers and interactive/audio-reactive scenes. Buy it on Steam, browse the Workshop, and subscribe to wallpapers to apply them. (Note: it's Windows-only — no Mac version.)
Performance tips for Windows 11
- Pick a wallpaper at your monitor's resolution to avoid wasted GPU work.
- Use an app that pauses playback when a window is maximized or a game is running.
- On a laptop, expect a little extra battery use (details here).
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