Guide to Setting Live Wallpapers in Windows 10
Published
5 min read
How to Set Live Wallpapers & Animated Desktop Backgrounds in Windows 10
In the era of personalization, making your operating system look and feel unique has become more crucial than ever. For Windows 10 users, live wallpapers and animated desktop backgrounds can add an extra layer of charm and aesthetics to your workspace. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to set live wallpapers and animated desktop backgrounds in Windows 10, along with some tools and tips to make your experience seamless.
Understanding Live Wallpapers and Animated Backgrounds
Before diving into the ‘how-to’ section, let’s clarify what live wallpapers and animated backgrounds are. Live wallpapers are animated backgrounds that make your desktop more dynamic compared to static images. These wallpapers can change based on system events or time, and they can react to user interactions. Animated backgrounds may not always be as interactive but still bring life to your desktop by including moving elements.
Benefits of Live Wallpapers
- Personalization: A live wallpaper allows you to express your personality or mood through your desktop.
- Dynamic Environment: Unlike a static image, live wallpapers can create an engaging and ever-changing workspace.
- Unique Features: Many live wallpaper apps come with special features like weather updates, clocks, or calendars integrated into the wallpaper.
Limitations to Consider
- System Resources: Live wallpapers can use more CPU and GPU resources compared to static wallpapers. This can detract from performance, particularly on lower-end machines.
- Distraction: While some users find live wallpapers engaging, others may find them distracting, affecting workflow and productivity.
- Compatibility Issues: Many live wallpaper applications can have varying levels of compatibility, so it’s essential to choose trusted sources.
Setting Up Live Wallpapers
Method 1: Using Third-Party Applications
Windows 10 does not support live wallpapers natively, so the easiest way to set live wallpapers is through third-party applications. Here are some popular options:
1. Wallpaper Engine
Overview: Wallpaper Engine is a highly popular paid application available on Steam that enables users to use live wallpapers created by the community or create their own.
Steps to Install and Use Wallpaper Engine:
-
Purchase and Download:
- Visit the Steam Store.
- Search for «Wallpaper Engine.»
- Purchase the software and install it.
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Launch the Application:
- After installation, launch Wallpaper Engine from the Steam Library.
-
Browse for Wallpapers:
- You will find a plethora of live wallpapers available in the app.
- Use the search function or categories to filter the wallpapers you want.
-
Set the Wallpaper:
- Click on a wallpaper to preview it.
- Click the «Apply» button to set it as your desktop background.
-
Customization:
- Many wallpapers come with customizable settings, allowing you to adjust animations, color, and other features. Right-click on the wallpaper icon in the Wallpaper Engine app for more options.
2. DeskScapes
Overview: DeskScapes is another powerful tool for setting live wallpapers in Windows 10. It offers both animated and video wallpapers, allowing complete customization.
Steps to Install and Use DeskScapes:
-
Purchase and Download:
- Go to the DeskScapes official website.
- Download and install the software.
-
Open DeskScapes:
- Launch DeskScapes after installation.
-
Choose a Wallpaper:
- Browse through the collection of wallpapers available in the app.
- You can also create your own animated wallpapers using video files.
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Apply the Wallpaper:
- Select the wallpaper you want and click on «Apply» to set it as your background.
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Customization:
- You can adjust effects like brightness, contrast, and animation speed from the DeskScapes settings.
Method 2: Using Video Wallpapers
Another interesting alternative for live wallpapers includes using video files as your background. You can set a video as your wallpaper through different applications.
VLC Media Player
While primarily a media player, VLC can also be used to set a video as your wallpaper. Here’s how:
-
Download VLC:
- If you haven’t already, download and install VLC Media Player from its official website.
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Open a Video:
- Launch VLC and play the video you want to use as your wallpaper.
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Set Video as Wallpaper:
- Right-click on the video, go to «Video,» and select «Set as Wallpaper.»
Method 3: Using Windows Themes
For users who prefer a more traditional approach but still want some visual interest, using Windows themes can be a great option. While themes won’t offer live wallpaper functionality, they can provide a varied and colorful static experience.
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Settings:
- Open the «Settings» app (Windows + I).
- Click on «Personalization» then «Themes.»
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Choose a Theme:
- You can select a pre-installed theme or download new themes from the Microsoft Store. Choose one that reflects your personal style.
-
Apply:
- Once you find a theme you like, click on it to apply it to your desktop.
Tips for Choosing the Right Live Wallpaper
-
Performance Check: Ensure that your system can handle live wallpapers without affecting performance. Check your CPU and RAM usage when using live wallpapers.
-
Relevance: Choose wallpapers that resonate with you personally. If you love nature, find animated backgrounds depicting landscapes or animals.
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Aspect Ratio: Ensure that the wallpaper aspect ratio matches your display resolution to avoid distortion.
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Regular Update: Regularly change your live wallpapers to keep the desktop fresh and exciting.
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Usage Consideration: If you are using your system for productivity or work, be mindful of how distracting a live wallpaper might be.
Troubleshooting Live Wallpapers Issues
-
Performance Issues:
- If you experience lag or performance issues with live wallpapers, consider lowering the graphic settings in the wallpaper application or switching to static images.
-
Wallpaper Not Applying:
- Ensure the application is running and configured to apply wallpapers correctly. Restart the application or your computer if the wallpaper fails to display.
-
Compatibility:
- If you face issues with a specific application, check if there are updates available or look for alternative applications that offer similar functionality.
Conclusion
Setting live wallpapers and animated backgrounds in Windows 10 brings a new level of personalization to your desktop experience. Through the use of third-party applications like Wallpaper Engine and DeskScapes, you can select from a wide range of engaging and dynamic wallpapers. While there are benefits, it’s essential to consider system performance and potential distractions.
Whether you choose to apply vibrant live wallpapers or simply explore Windows themes, take the time to find the right fit for your workflow and aesthetic. Your operating system should not only be a tool but also a reflection of your personality and creativity. Happy customizing!
Эти программы помогут рабочему столу вашего компьютера каждый день выглядеть по-новому.
1. Dynamic Theme
Одна из самых прекрасных функций Windows 10 — автоматическая смена обоев на экране блокировки. Специально обученные люди отбирают такие красивые фотографии, что в них невозможно не влюбиться. Жаль, что живут эти изображения только один день и только на экране блокировки.
Программа Dynamic Theme решает эту проблему. С её помощью можно установить изображение дня из потока Windows Spotlight в качестве обоев рабочего стола или сохранить на жёстком диске компьютера.
Dynamic Theme — неофициальное приложение в Microsoft Store
Christophe LavalleЦена: Бесплатно
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2. Splashy
Если вы когда-либо искали красивые и при этом бесплатные изображения, то не могли пропустить веб-сайт под названием Unsplash. Это одно из лучших мест, где профессиональные фотографы выкладывают свои работы. Все они доступны для бесплатной загрузки.
Splashy использует каталог Unsplash для автоматической загрузки и установки новых обоев рабочего стола. В настройках можно установить интервал обновления, тематику картинок и активировать функцию автоматического старта вместе с Windows. Приложение имеет очень стильный и минималистичный интерфейс.
Скачать Splashy →
3. Artpip
Для тех, кто предпочитает видеть в качестве фона рабочего стола классические картины, рекомендуем попробовать приложение Artpip. Оно скачивает произведения живописи и автоматически устанавливает их на рабочий стол.
В настройках приложения можно выбрать век и стиль живописи, а также задать частоту смены обоев (только для Pro-версии). Понравившиеся работы сохраняются в галерее избранного приложения.
Скачать Artpip →
Automatically switching wallpapers is probably the best way to keep your desktop fresh and full of surprises. I personally have a great collection of beautiful wallpapers and like them to keep switching on my screen.
So, whether you are a desktop wallpaper fanatic or just want to charm up your computer’s screen, like me, I can show you 3 ways to automatically change wallpapers in Windows 10. Let’s have a look.
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Method #1 – Windows 10 Native
Windows has a built-in slideshow feature that can automatically change your wallpaper after a set interval. This feature only works with your own collection of wallpapers so the wallpapers must be downloaded first.
Below is a step-by-step explanation on how to use this feature:
- Windows 10 only accepts a single folder containing wallpaper collection. So first, put all your favorite wallpapers in a single folder.
- Now move to Windows Settings > Personalize > Background. Here click on the drop-down menu below Background and select Slideshow.
- Click on the Browse button below and select the wallpaper collection folder you created.
- To set the interval, click on the drop-down menu below the Change picture every heading and select the required interval (ranging from 1 minute to 1 day).
That’s it, now your desktop screen will automatically switch to a new wallpaper after the set interval.
Method #2 – Using third-party apps
You can also use a dedicated third-party app that can both download and change your wallpaper automatically. Below I have listed two of the best tools for this purpose that are also free:
1. John’s Background Switcher (JBS)
JBS is my first choice for its no-nonsense interface and working. To get you started, it has some default sets that don’t require any setup. You just select the set, and mesmerizing wallpapers start appearing.
If you want to create your own sources for downloading wallpapers, then you can get wallpapers from Instagram, Flickr, Facebook, SmugMug Photos, Vladstudio, Pixabay, and a few others.
You can also include your own wallpaper collection, along with these resources.
There is also an option to add any media RSS, basically allowing you to get wallpapers from any image websites, such as DeviantArt or Behance. Interestingly, each resource has further options to get the required wallpapers, that I must say are very customizable.
For example, from Flickr, you can get images based on time period, tag, keyword, person, group, and even your own Flickr photos.
I also really like its picture mode option that gives you full control over how you want the wallpaper to be applied. You can crop and fit, stretch, scale, and even get collages and montages using multiple images. For changing wallpapers, you can select the interval from 10 seconds to 7 days.
And best of all, it has support for dual monitors with dedicated options to charm your dual monitor setup.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Supports reliable sources along with RSS support.
- Dual monitor support.
- Default preset to get you started.
Cons
- Simple, but limited in features.
2. BioniX
When it comes to features and customizability, BioniX is decades ahead of JBS. However, in my experience, it’s a bit difficult to use and will work probably best in the hands of an advanced user.
The interface is a bit clunky and overwhelming, to the point I might just say “it’s not user-friendly”. I actually had to spend a few hours just to understand the tool and start adding wallpaper sources.
If you can deal with the interface, then it’s the most robust tool for manage desktop wallpapers. For wallpaper sources, you can either use Flickr Mass Downloader to download wallpapers from Flickr, or manually enter URLs of web pages from where you want to download images.
This approach does offer more control over what exactly you want, but it’s also a cumbersome task.
To list a few of its unique features, you can add effects to all wallpapers, get day/night wallpapers based on time, get dynamic webcam wallpapers, dedicated shortcuts, automatic categorization, filter to reject bad wallpapers (low resolution), and much more.
Pros
- Astonishingly customizable.
- Can add images from any website on the web.
- Day/night to show light or dark wallpapers at the respective time.
- Automatically rejects bad wallpapers.
- Get images from public webcams.
Cons
- The interface is a bit difficult to use.
- Adding wallpapers sources requires more manual intervention.
For both the above tools, dedicated pause and play buttons are available to start and pause wallpaper switching. Once you add the required resources, use these buttons to control the wallpapers.
Method #3 – Using Bing
Bing is known for its Daily Background Image that replaces its homepage with a new wallpaper every day. Many people only visit Bing to see its daily wallpaper, and I am sure you’ll agree that they are amazing.
If you find Bing background images beautiful, then you can get them on your PC as well. Using the Bing Wallpaper, you can change your wallpaper with latest Bing Daily Background Image as soon as it is updated.
Download the Bing desktop app and install it. At the end of the installation, check the check box next to Make the Bing homepage image your desktop background. You may check or uncheck other provided options as you please. That’s it, after a few seconds your desktop wallpaper will be changed with Bing’s Daily Background Image.
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To sum it up
These three methods should be enough to keep your desktop fresh. I should mention that frequently changing wallpapers will affect the battery timing of your laptop. If you have a low battery, then it’s better to disable automatic wallpaper changing or slow it down at least.
Furthermore, if you are using a ‘download and apply’ wallpapers service, then your network data will be used and it may even slow down other network activities while downloading images.
Don’t forget to let me know which method did you find the best, in the comments section below.
Опубликовано Обновлено
Одни и те же обои на рабочем столе постоянно надоедают. Часто хочется сделать так, чтобы они сами менялись и не нужно было лишний раз никуда нажимать. Ну так вот, это возможно сделать в Windows 10 причем без установки сторонних приложений. Сам процесс достаточно прост и сейчас я подробно расскажу, как организовать авто-смену обоев.
Инструкция
- Первое, что нужно сделать, это скачать откуда-нибудь изображения, которые вы хотите видеть в качестве обоев, и поместить их в отдельную папку. Папка эта может находиться где угодно, так как это не суть важно. Совет: выбирайте изображения так, чтобы они соответствовали соотношению сторон вашего монитора.
- Далее нажимаем на рабочем столе правой кнопкой мыши, открываем настройки персонализации и переходим на вкладку \”фон\”. Здесь есть селектор с аналогичным названием, в котором следует выбрать \”слайд-шоу\”. Ниже нажимаем кнопку \”обзор\” и выбираем нашу папку с изображениями.
- Теперь осталось выбрать, как часто нужно менять обои. В нашем случае устанавливаем частоту смены 1 день.
Вот и все, теперь можно наслаждаться результатами. Если какая-нибудь картинка вам не понравится, нажмите опять правой кнопкой мыши на рабочем столе и выберите пункт \”следующее изображение рабочего стола\”. Кроме того, в указанную папку можно добавлять и удалять любые картинки и они все будут использоваться.
