Windows guide
How to set an animated wallpaper on Windows 11
Set a moving desktop on Windows 11 with Lively Wallpaper (free) or Wallpaper Engine, using a 4K MP4 loop or a web wallpaper link, plus the status of Windows' own video wallpaper setting.
Windows 11 does not yet have a video wallpaper setting in its released versions. Microsoft tested one in Insider builds from September 2025, and as of October 2026 it has not reached everyone. Until it does, use one of these apps.
Lively Wallpaper (free, open source)
- Install Lively Wallpaper from the Microsoft Store or its GitHub page.
- Download the Windows 4K loop (MP4) from a wallpaper page.
- In Lively, click the plus button, then Browse and pick the MP4. Or paste the web wallpaper link into the URL box to run it live.
- Click the new wallpaper in your library to set it. Right click it to choose which monitor.
Wallpaper Engine (paid, on Steam)
- Open Wallpaper Engine and click Open Wallpaper at the bottom left, then Open from File.
- Pick the Wallmill MP4. For the live version, choose Open from URL and paste the web wallpaper link.
Both apps pause the wallpaper when a full screen app or game is running, so it costs nothing while you play.
When Windows adds video wallpapers
The Insider feature accepted MP4 and other video files from Settings, Personalisation, Background. Wallmill's MP4 loops are already in the format it takes, so you will be able to use them directly.