Use this free and open source app from the Microsoft Store
Published on March 13, 2024
What to Know
- Windows 11 lacks built-in support for live wallpapers, so you’ll need to use a third-party app.
- Select from 12 available in Lively Wallpaper’s Library (or upload a GIF, an HTML wallpaper, or a YouTube video).
Windows 11 does not have live wallpaper support, so you have to turn to third-party tools. This article explains how to set a live wallpaper in Windows 11 with a popular third-party app called Lively Wallpaper.
How to Start Using Lively Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper is the most popular app for customizing your Windows 11 desktop with an animated wallpaper. It’s free and open source, unlike many other wallpaper apps, which are freemium or require payment. Let’s start by downloading the app.
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Download Lively Wallpaper from the developer’s homepage or the Lively’s Microsoft Store page.
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After installation, launch the app from the Start menu or select the Open button on the Microsoft Store page for Lively Wallpaper.
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Lively Wallpaper’s home screen (called the Library) displays 12 available live wallpapers you can immediately use on your Windows 11 PC.
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Select your preferred wallpaper with a mouse click or touch to set the first one. Then, check the changed look of your desktop—it’s as simple as that!
Some of the wallpapers have more interactivity built in. For instance, try the «Triangles & Light» wallpaper, which changes the shade of light as you move your cursor on the screen. The «Periodic Table» wallpaper might interest science buffs as you can highlight individual elements and learn more about their atomic structure and weight with a tap.
Customize a Live Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper allows you to customize the wallpapers. To configure a live wallpaper, select the ellipsis on the individual tile.
- Select About to check the source files on its GitHub page.
- Select Preview to get an idea of the animation’s appearance before you set it as a wallpaper.
- Open Customize to tweak the options for your wallpaper choice. The options differ for each. Some might not be customizable, so their options will be grayed out.
The remaining items on the menu are intuitive and less critical when using the app. The default options are so good you might never need to touch this menu.
Use a Lively Wallpaper for Multiple Monitors
Lively Wallpaper supports multiple-monitor setups. Here’s how to use it across screens:
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Select Active Wallpaper(s) on the top-right.
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In Choose Display, pick a placement from the three options on offer.
- Selected screen only: The wallpaper will be applied to the selected monitor.
- Span across screens: The same wallpaper will span across two monitors.
- Duplicate same wallpaper: The same wallpaper will be applied on all the screens.
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Select OK to apply the wallpaper as per the settings above.
Tip
You can select Always pick screen when choosing wallpaper to choose a display on the fly. However, this only works with the Selected screen only choice.
How to Use Your Own Image or Video as a Live Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper allows you to use a GIF, an HTML wallpaper, a video, or a YouTube video as a live wallpaper on the desktop.
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Select + Add Wallpaper in the top-right of the app.
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You have three options to add a wallpaper with this dialog box.
- Drag and drop a supported file
- Select the Open button to upload a file from the PC
- Enter a YouTube URL or the URL of any other wallpaper
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Once you add a file, select OK to set the desktop background. The custom wallpaper will also be added to the Library. You can delete the wallpaper from the options menu and revert your desktop to the default wallpaper.
Create Custom Depth Wallpapers With AI
Lively Wallpaper has a neat tool that can convert any static image to a dynamic wallpaper by adding some «depth» with the help of AI.
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Select the Add wallpaper button on the top-right.
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Select Advanced in the dialog box.
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Select Download, as some additional files are necessary to use this feature for the first time.
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Select Depth Wallpaper and then pick an image to upload or choose an existing static wallpaper from the Library.
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Select Continue to let the AI create the depth.
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Go to the desktop and move the mouse around to see the depth effect at work.
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To increase or decrease the depth effect, select the ellipsis on the wallpaper in the Library and choose Customize. Move the Horizontal and Vertical sliders to change the effect.
Note
Selecting the Gear icon opens the Settings screen. Options include several ways to optimize the software to your liking. Most of the settings are self-explanatory, and you can leave them at their defaults. However, this is where you’ll go if the wallpaper isn’t filling up the desktop correctly or if the video player displays an error when playing a live wallpaper.
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Do you find working on your Windows 11 computer boring? It may be because you left the customizations in their default settings, or perhaps configured the theme and color preferences ages ago to the same old wavy background that Microsoft offers for Windows.
It is about time you made your work computer fun as well! No, we are not saying that you install games. But simply add more color and life to it.
Table of Contents
By default, Windows 11 only offers 5 static desktop backgrounds, the same ones used in the 6 themes that are offered. So it does not leave you with many options to choose from.
Themes and Desktop Backgrounds can be set from the Settings app >> Personalization in Windows.
But we are going to show you how you can set live, interactive wallpapers, also known as “animated wallpapers” on your PC. Not only that, but you can also have a GIF, or even a YouTube video running as your desktop wallpaper.
Lively Wallpaper is a free application that the Microsoft Store offers that can be used to customize your desktop background. You can perform the following using this app:
- Set up interactive wallpapers
- Configure wallpaper on one or multiple display devices, as per preference
- Set up a video from YouTube as a desktop background
- Set GIF animation as desktop background
- Play audio on live wallpaper when the desktop is in focus
- Customize the Taskbar theme
- Manage live wallpaper in different conditions (Battery-saving mode, Remote Desktop, etc.)
Continue reading to download and install the app, and then move on to customizing your desktop background. But before you do, there are a few downsides to setting up a live wallpaper on any device.
Why Not Set Live Wallpaper as Your Background
Live animated wallpapers indeed bring some color and magic to your PC. However, it also has a few cons you must consider.
Since the live wallpapers are continuously running in the background, they consume a huge amount of processor and memory that affects system performance. This consequently also affects the amount of power consumption, which is not ideal if you are using a laptop on battery.
Another thing to consider is the continuous shifts of the pixels on your device. This not only consumes the battery but could be dangerous for the screen if too many color changes occur.
That said, if you are still willing to take the risk, the sections below illustrate how to configure live wallpaper on your Windows 11 computer.
Download and Install Lively Wallpaper App
Let us begin by installing the free application.
- Open the Lively Wallpaper Microsoft Store page and click Get.
- Now click Open Microsoft Store from the popup at the top of the browser.
- The Microsoft Store application will now launch with Lively Wallpaper displayed. Click Get again.
- The application will now begin downloading and then installing. When it does, launch the application.
- On the first welcome screen, click Next.
- On the next screen, choose whether you want to run the app (and the live wallpaper) as soon as the computer starts, or run it later manually. Then click Next.
- Now choose how you would like to customize the Taskbar from the dropdown menu under Taskbar Theme. Click Next when selected.
- On the next screen, you will have a little pictorial of how to manage your wallpaper directly from the Taskbar. Click OK.
The Lively Wallpaper application is now ready for you to begin your personalization. You will be presented with the Home screen/Library where you can find the live wallpaper to choose from. Click on the background that you wish to set.
Note that this will only set the live background on the primary screen if you have more than one connected. Continue to the next section to learn how to manage the wallpaper across multiple screens.
How to Set Live Animated Wallpapers on Multiple Monitors
As we said, the application only sets the live wallpaper to the primary display device if more than one is connected. However, you can configure it to either duplicate across all screens, or expand it. Here is how:
- Click on the monitor icon at the top of the Lively Wallpaper app to open the Display Control Panel.
- From the Control Panel, under the Placement method section, select whether you would like the wallpaper to span across screens or Duplicate the same wallpaper.
- Now close the Control Panel to save the settings.
You can choose which live wallpaper to set on these multiple display devices before or after performing the steps above.
Set YouTube Video/GIF as Desktop Wallpaper in Windows 11
If you find that the default animated wallpaper offered by the Lively Wallpaper application is insufficient, you can add your GIF or a video from YouTube to the wallpaper library and have it running as your desktop background.
- Click on the “+” (plus) sign on the menu to the left of the app.
- On the next screen, click Browse and then navigate to the downloaded GIF to set it as live wallpaper. Or, paste a YouTube video link in the text field under “Enter URL” to set a video as your background, and then click the arrow button in front of it.
- If you enter a YouTube video URL in the last step, then you will be presented with a popup such as the one below. Click OK.
The GIF/Video will now commence playing in the background and repeat itself when it finishes.
How to Turn Off Live Wallpaper in Windows 11
If you are running live wallpaper in the background and think that they are consuming too much of your system resources, you can simply close the Lively Wallpaper application to revert your preferences to the way they were configured through the Windows Settings app.
Simply right-click on the Lively Wallpaper icon in the Taskbar and click Exit on the context menu to remove the close the app, and consequently remove the live wallpaper.
More Live Wallpaper Applications for Windows 11
There are other applications online that you can use to set up live animated wallpapers on your computer. However, some of them are either paid apps or offer only a limited trial period.
DeskScapes
DeskScapes is a paid application that you can use to set and adjust live wallpapers on your computer. However, you can try it out for 30 days before purchasing it as it offers a trial period with all the same options as the fully-paid version. It is compatible with Windows 11 as well as Windows 10 and 8.
After choosing a live wallpaper, you can then add special customized effects to it and also adjust the color saturation according to your preferences.
Wallpaper Engine
Wallpaper Engine is another paid application that you can use to set live wallpapers on your Windows PC. This application costs USD 2.79 at the time of writing. However, it doesn’t offer a trial period.
It provides one of the best live animated wallpapers that you can then customize as well. Another great feature this application offers is that it pauses the live wallpaper whilst you’re playing a game, freeing up system resources.
WinDynamicDesktop
WinDynamicDesktop is a free application that is also available through the Microsoft Store. It does not provide any interactive wallpaper. The only reason this app made it top the list is that it brings the wallpaper from the MacOS to Windows with the day and night effects.
The app synchronizes itself with your sunrise and sunset timing and changes the theme of the wallpaper accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Having a good desktop background wallpaper is not only important aesthetically, but also keeps your mind fresh in case you are working long hours on a screen.
Not too long ago, Microsoft released 2 special backgrounds for the Insiders which you can also try out if you do not wish to put any extra load on your processor or your RAM.
By Glen
Published September 15, 2023
Windows 11, with its revamped design and enhanced features, has brought a fresh wave of excitement for PC users. One of the standout features that users adore is the ability to set live wallpapers. These dynamic backgrounds can transform the mundane desktop experience into a visual spectacle. If you’re eager to dive into the world of live wallpapers on Windows 11, this guide is your roadmap.
Steps to Set Live Wallpaper on Windows 11
- Select the Right Software:
- Windows 11 doesn’t natively support live wallpapers. However, several third-party applications, such as Wallpaper Engine or Lively Wallpaper, can enable this feature.
- Download and Install:
- Visit platforms like Steam (for Wallpaper Engine) or the official website of your chosen software. Download and proceed with the installation.
- Browse and Choose:
- Once installed, open the software. You’ll find a library of live wallpapers. While these apps offer a good selection, you can also import premium live wallpapers from wallpapers.com.
- Customize and Apply:
- Preview the live wallpaper, adjust settings like speed or color (if available), and apply it to your desktop.
Expert Tips for a Mesmerizing Desktop Experience
- Performance Considerations: Live wallpapers, while visually stunning, can use more system resources. Ensure your PC’s specifications align with the software’s requirements.
- High-Quality Selections: Opt for high-resolution live wallpapers for a crisp visual experience. Platforms like wallpapers.com are goldmines for top-tier dynamic wallpapers.
- Stay Updated: Regularly update your live wallpaper software to enjoy new features, improved performance, and bug fixes.
Conclusion
Setting a live wallpaper on Windows 11 is a journey into visual delight. It’s a chance to infuse life, motion, and a touch of personal flair into your computing experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a lover of abstract visuals, or someone who enjoys the calm of space vistas, there’s a live wallpaper waiting to adorn your Windows 11 desktop. Dive in, and let your screen come alive with motion and color!
Вопрос о том, как установить живые обои рабочего стола Windows 11 или Windows 10 очень популярен среди пользователей, однако сделать это системные средствами не получится. Бесплатных программ для этих целей не так много, но они существуют.
Lively Wallpaper — сравнительно простая, полностью бесплатная программа с открытым исходным кодом и на русском языке, позволяющая поставить живые обои на рабочий стол Windows 11/10, возможно, одна из лучших среди бесплатных для этих целей, о ней и пойдет речь далее в обзоре. Также ниже вы найдете видео с демонстрацией работы программы.
Загрузка Lively Wallpaper
Скачать бесплатную программу Lively Wallpaper можно либо в официальном магазине Microsoft Store, либо с сайта разработчика, последняя версия доступна здесь (начиная с версии программы 1.0 требуется Windows 10 версии 1903 или новее или Windows 11): https://www.rocksdanister.com/lively/
Установка живых обоев не должна вызвать каких-либо проблем — дополнительное ПО не устанавливается, какие-либо нюансы отсутствуют.
После первого запуска программы запустится мастер настройки, в котором в текущей версии доступна лишь две опции: запускать ли Lively Wallpaper вместе с Windows (добавлять ли программу в автозагрузку) и выбор темы панели задач (например, можно сделать прозрачную панель задач), последнюю опцию в дальнейшем можно поменять в параметрах программы в разделе «Система».
Доступные живые обои, настройка, возможности программы
После этого откроется главное окно программы с набором уже готовых живых обоев для Windows 11 и 10.
Среди них представлены:
- Экран из «Матрицы»
- Периодическая система элементов Менделеева
- Различные графические эффекты
- Обои с эффектом параллакса при перемещении указателя мыши
- Рассветы-закаты, морская поверхность на закате.
Но возможности установки живых обоев не ограничиваются предустановленным набором, вы можете добавлять свои обои:
- Нажмите по кнопке «Плюс» в панели слева.
- Укажите файл с видео либо анимированным Gif, ссылку на YouTube, страницу HTML5 с нужным графическим эффектом, ZIP-архив с живыми обоями для Lively Wallpaper, шейдер с shadertoy.com
- После выбора нужных живых обоев (могут применяться не сразу, а через какой-то промежуток времени), некоторые из них можно настроить, для этого нажмите по кнопке настройки (кнопка с изображением экрана и цифрой) в заголовке программы.
- Настройки могут быть разными для разных обоев: например, для видео можно включить или отключить звук, где-то доступно изменение цветов и других параметров, как правило, разобраться не сложно. При наличии нескольких мониторов можно выбрать, для каких экранов будут применяться выбранные обои.
- В последней версии программы появилась опция «записи обоев». Суть работы: нажимаем правой кнопкой мыши по обоям в списке, анимация которых зависит от действий пользователя (например, Fluids), выбираем пункт «Предпросмотр обоев». Нажимаем по кнопке записи в строке заголовка и записываем видео, в котором будет сохранено ваше взаимодействие с живыми обоями. Затем это видео можно будет установить в виде записанных обоев.
- Рекомендую зайти в настройки программы (кнопка с изображением шестеренки слева внизу) и изучить доступные опции. Например, на вкладке «Производительность» вы найдете параметры для поведения программы в различных ситуациях: например, отключение живых обоев при работе ноутбука от батареи, работы полноэкранных приложений, таких как игры, при использовании удаленного рабочего стола, и другие опции, которые могут оказаться полезными для вашего сценария использования.
- Вкладка обои тоже может быть полезна, в случае если идеальной работы живых обоев со стандартными настройками добиться не удаётся. Здесь вы можете включить или отключить аппаратное ускорение для обоев, выбрать плеер для живых обоев из видео и анимированных GIF, задать разрешение для потокового видео из Интернета, изменить движок веб-браузера, используемого для отрисовки HTML5 обоев.
Ещё одна интересная возможность живых обоев Lively Wallpaper для пользователей, умеющих разобраться в коде или хотя бы подменить ресурсы — экспорт имеющихся обоев: для этого нажимаем правой кнопкой мыши по живым обоям в каталоге, выбираем пункт «Экспорт Lively.zip» и сохраняем файл в удобное расположение.
Затем останется открыть архив и редактировать в меру своих умений: например, сравнительно легко почти для любого пользователя будет заменить ресурсы (изображения в папке assets) в parallax.js обоях, а после редактирования рекомендую изменить описание в файле package.json (чтобы обои не дублировались в Lively Wallpaper). По завершении — упаковываем измененные файлы в ZIP-архив, и импортируем в программу, используя шаги 1-2 из инструкции выше.
Lively Wallpaper работает на удивление гладко (во всяком случае, в моем тесте), быстро (используется аппаратное ускорение), а при запуске любого полноэкранного приложения (например, игры), живые обои Lively полностью останавливаются, чтобы не использовать ресурсы компьютера.
Setting a live wallpaper in Windows 11 can add a dash of personality and dynamism to your desktop. It’s about moving beyond static backgrounds and bringing your screen to life with animated images or videos. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make your desktop more lively using third-party software, as Windows doesn’t offer this feature natively.
Step 1: Choose a Live Wallpaper Software
Start by selecting a reliable third-party application like Wallpaper Engine or Lively Wallpaper.
These applications are popular choices and offer a wide range of animated backgrounds. Wallpaper Engine is a paid option with extensive features, while Lively Wallpaper is a free alternative.
Step 2: Download and Install the Application
Download the software from its official website or a trusted source, and install it on your computer.
Ensure you follow downloading instructions carefully. Avoid third-party links that might offer malicious software. Once downloaded, follow the installation prompts.
Step 3: Open the Application
After installation, open the application to begin browsing available live wallpapers.
Both Wallpaper Engine and Lively Wallpaper have user-friendly interfaces, making it easy to navigate through various categories or upload your own video files to use as wallpaper.
Step 4: Select and Apply a Live Wallpaper
Browse the collection, select your desired live wallpaper, and apply it to your desktop.
Choosing a live wallpaper can be a fun process. Consider how the movement and colors will affect your work environment, as some might be too distracting during work hours.
Step 5: Customize Settings
Adjust the settings for performance and quality based on your computer’s capabilities.
Both applications allow you to modify performance settings such as frame rate or resource usage. This ensures the live wallpaper doesn’t slow down your system.
Once you’ve done these steps, your Windows 11 desktop will display your chosen live wallpaper. You’ll notice an animated background that adds a fresh vibe to your screen, making it more engaging.
Tips for Setting Live Wallpaper in Windows 11
- Make sure to choose software that’s compatible with your PC’s specs to avoid lag.
- Consider the impact on battery life if you’re using a laptop.
- Test different wallpapers to see which one suits your taste and work habits best.
- Regularly check for software updates to improve performance and add new wallpapers.
- Keep an eye on resource usage through your Task Manager to ensure your system isn’t overloaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a live wallpaper without third-party software on Windows 11?
No, currently Windows 11 does not support live wallpapers natively, so you need third-party software.
Does using live wallpaper affect my computer’s performance?
Yes, live wallpapers can use more system resources, affecting performance, especially on older machines.
Are there any free options for live wallpaper software?
Yes, Lively Wallpaper is a popular free option with a variety of features and options.
Can live wallpapers drain my laptop’s battery faster?
Yes, since they use more processing power, they can drain your battery quicker compared to a static background.
Is it safe to download third-party live wallpaper apps?
Yes, as long as you download from reputable sources and avoid suspicious third-party sites.
Summary
- Choose a live wallpaper software.
- Download and install the application.
- Open the application.
- Select and apply a live wallpaper.
- Customize settings.
Conclusion
Setting live wallpaper in Windows 11 can transform the look and feel of your desktop, adding a touch of personalization and flair. While Windows doesn’t natively support live wallpapers, third-party applications like Wallpaper Engine and Lively Wallpaper offer fantastic alternatives. These tools enable you to choose from a multitude of animated wallpapers or even create your own.
Before diving into the world of dynamic backgrounds, consider your computer’s capabilities to ensure a smooth experience. It’s essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and performance. Think of it as dressing your computer in a lively outfit that should be as comfortable as it is stylish.
If you’re ready to upgrade your desktop’s visual appeal, go ahead and explore the plethora of options available. Just remember to keep an eye on performance, especially if you’re working on battery power or using an older machine. With the right setup, your Windows 11 experience can be both beautiful and efficient, creating an environment that inspires creativity and productivity.
For further reading, you might explore community forums where users share their favorite live wallpapers and tips for optimizing software performance. Dive into the digital world of endless possibilities and bring your desktop to life!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.
Read his full bio here.