You will soon be able to set video wallpapers on Windows 11 with native support

Microsoft is gearing up to reintroduce video wallpaper support in Windows 11, a feature reminiscent of the Windows Vista era. This functionality was recently uncovered in the latest Insider Preview builds by a user known as @phantomofearth on X, although Microsoft has not officially confirmed its launch yet. Users will soon have the ability to set various video formats—including MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, and MKV—as their desktop wallpaper, similar to how they currently select static images. Once this feature is activated, videos will play whenever the desktop is visible, marking a nostalgic return to a concept that Microsoft previously tested with DreamScene, which was exclusive to Windows Vista Ultimate and ultimately phased out. The discontinuation of DreamScene left many users to rely on third-party applications like Wallpaper Engine and Lively Wallpaper for similar capabilities. However, the introduction of native support for video wallpapers could eliminate the need for these external tools, potentially easing compatibility issues and enhancing performance. Despite the excitement, concerns linger regarding the impact of video wallpapers on system performance and battery life, especially for laptop users. Currently, this feature is available only in the Insider builds within the Dev and Beta Channels, with a broader rollout expected after further testing, although no specific timeline has been provided. As the demand for personalized desktop experiences continues to rise, Microsoft’s move to reinstate video wallpapers highlights a long-standing desire among Windows users. If made publicly available, this feature would enable customization enthusiasts to enliven their desktops without the need for additional software or complicated setups.