Windows 10 offers a range of customization options to enhance your overall user experience. One such feature is the ability to set a live wallpaper on your lock screen. Live wallpapers are dynamic and visually pleasing, allowing you to add a touch of personalization to your Windows 10 lock screen. If you’re wondering how to set a live wallpaper on your lock screen in Windows 10, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 device.
Step 2: Search for «Live Wallpapers» in the store’s search bar.
Step 3: Browse through the available live wallpaper apps and select the one you prefer.
Step 4: Click on the app to view its details and features.
Step 5: Click on the «Get» or «Install» button to download and install the app on your device.
Step 6: Once the app is installed, launch it and explore the available live wallpaper options.
Step 7: Select the live wallpaper you want to set as your lock screen background and follow the app’s instructions to apply it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Adds visual appeal and personalization to your lock screen. | 1. Some live wallpaper apps may contain ads or require in-app purchases for additional features. |
| 2. Offers a wide range of dynamic and interactive wallpapers to choose from. | 2. Live wallpapers may utilize system resources and affect battery life on laptops and tablets. |
| 3. Easy to download, install, and customize according to your preferences. | 3. Limited options for customization compared to desktop wallpapers. |
Setting a live wallpaper on your lock screen in Windows 10 adds a touch of personality and liveliness to your device. Explore the Microsoft Store and find the perfect live wallpaper app that matches your style and preferences. Customize your lock screen with vibrant visuals that bring your Windows 10 experience to life.
Video Tutorial:Why won t my live wallpaper play on my Lock screen?
Can you set a video as a screensaver Windows?
Certainly! Setting a video as a screensaver in Windows can be done by following these steps:
1. Make sure the video you want to use as a screensaver is saved on your computer.
2. Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select «Personalize» from the context menu.
3. In the Personalization settings, click on «Lock screen» in the left-hand sidebar.
4. Scroll down and click on «Screen saver settings» located under the «Screen saver» section.
5. In the Screen Saver Settings window that appears, select a screensaver from the drop-down menu. Choose «None» if you want a blank screen.
6. Click on the «Settings» button next to the screensaver drop-down menu.
7. In the Screensaver Settings dialog box, click the «Browse» button and navigate to the location where you have saved your video file.
8. Select the video file and click «OK» or «Apply» to save the changes.
9. Set the desired wait time before the screensaver starts using the «Wait» option.
10. Click «OK» or «Apply» again to exit the Screensaver Settings.
11. Finally, close the Personalization settings window.
Now, when your computer is idle for the specified time, your selected video will be played as the screensaver. Remember, it’s important to choose a video format that is supported by Windows for optimal compatibility.
Please note that the provided steps are based on the assumption of the Windows version and functionality available as of 2023. Different versions of Windows may have slight variations in the steps or options available.
Setting a live wallpaper on the lock screen of your iPhone can add some dynamic and visually appealing elements to your device. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. This can be done by tapping the «Settings» icon on your home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on «Wallpaper.» It is usually located in the list of options between «Control Center» and «Siri & Search.«
3. In the Wallpaper settings, tap on «Choose a New Wallpaper.«
4. You will see three options: «Dynamic,» «Stills,» and «Live.» Select the «Live» option.
5. Browse through the available live wallpapers and choose the one that you like by tapping on it. You can swipe left or right to see more options.
6. Once you’ve chosen a live wallpaper, you can preview how it will look on your lock screen. To do this, press and hold the screen to see the animation.
7. If you’re happy with the preview, tap on «Set» at the bottom of the screen.
8. You will be presented with three options: «Set Lock Screen,» «Set Home Screen,» or «Set Both.» Choose «Set Lock Screen» to set the live wallpaper only on your lock screen.
9. The live wallpaper will be applied to your lock screen, and you can exit the settings app to see the changes.
That’s it! You have successfully set a live wallpaper on your lock screen. Enjoy the dynamic visuals every time you wake up your iPhone.
Note: Live wallpapers are available on certain iPhone models with compatible software versions. Make sure your device supports live wallpapers and you have updated to the latest iOS version.
Can you have animated lock screen Windows 10?
Yes, it is possible to have an animated lock screen on Windows 10. Here’s how you can set it up:
1. Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and then selecting the gear-shaped icon.
2. In the Settings app, click on the «Personalization» category.
3. In the left sidebar, click on «Lock screen.«
4. On the right side, under the «Background» section, choose the «Slideshow» option from the drop-down menu.
5. Click on the «+ Add a folder» button to select a folder containing the animated images or videos you want to use for your lock screen.
6. Once you’ve added the folder, you can customize how your lock screen slideshow behaves by adjusting the settings below, such as the frequency of image changes and whether to shuffle the images or videos.
7. Optionally, you can enable the «Play a slide show on the lock screen» toggle switch to start the slideshow immediately when your screen is locked.
8. Close the Settings app, and now you should have an animated lock screen on Windows 10.
Please keep in mind that the folder you choose should only contain files with supported formats, such as images in JPEG, PNG, or GIF formats, and videos in MP4 or WMV formats. Additionally, animated lock screens may slightly impact system performance, so it’s recommended to use them on capable hardware for the best experience.
How do I set a GIF as my lock screen Windows?
To set a GIF as your lock screen in Windows, follow these steps:
1. Find the GIF: First, you need to have a GIF file that you want to set as your lock screen. Make sure it is saved on your computer.
2. Convert the GIF to a video format: Windows doesn’t directly support GIFs as lock screen wallpapers, so you’ll need to convert the GIF file to a video format like MP4 or WMV. There are many online tools and software available that can help you convert GIF to video. Choose a reliable one and convert your GIF file to the desired video format.
3. Open Windows Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
4. Go to Personalization: In the Settings app, click on «Personalization.«
5. Select the Lock screen tab: On the left sidebar, click on «Lock screen.«
6. Choose a Background: Under the «Background» section, click on the drop-down menu and choose «Slideshow.«
7. Add your converted GIF video: Click on the «+ Add a folder» button to add the folder where you have saved your converted GIF video.
8. Customize slideshow settings: If needed, you can adjust the settings like frequency, shuffle, or slideshow order. You can also select multiple folders with different GIFs for a dynamic lock screen experience.
9. Save your settings: Once you’ve added the folder and customized the slideshow settings, close the Settings app. Your GIF video will now be set as the lock screen wallpaper.
10. Test it out: Lock your computer screen, and you should now see your GIF video playing as the lock screen wallpaper.
Remember, these steps may vary slightly depending on the version of Windows you are using.
How do I set a GIF as my lock screen Windows 10?
To set a GIF as your lock screen in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Find the GIF: Start by locating the GIF you want to use as your lock screen. You can either download a GIF from a website or create your own using various online GIF generators.
2. Convert GIF to MP4: To set a GIF as your lock screen, you’ll need to convert it to MP4 format since Windows 10 doesn’t directly support GIFs for lock screen backgrounds. You can use online tools like EZGIF or CloudConvert to convert the GIF to MP4. Make sure to keep the duration of the MP4 short to prevent excessive battery drain.
3. Rename the MP4 file: Once the GIF is converted to MP4, rename the file extension from «.mp4» to «.gif.» Although the file format is still MP4, this trick will allow Windows to recognize and use it as a lock screen background.
4. Copy the MP4 (renamed as GIF) to a specific folder: Navigate to the following path on your PC: «C:\Windows\Web\Screen.» Create a new folder within the «Screen» folder and give it a name (e.g., «GIF Lock Screen«).
5. Place the MP4 (renamed as GIF) in the new folder: Move the renamed MP4 file into the new folder you just created.
6. Set the GIF as your lock screen: Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select «Personalize» from the context menu. In the left sidebar, click on «Lock screen.» Under the «Background» drop-down menu, choose «Slideshow.«
7. Configure slideshow settings: Click on the «Browse» button to locate the new folder you created in step 4 («GIF Lock Screen«). Select the folder and click «Choose this folder.» Finally, ensure that the «Change picture every» drop-down menu is set to «1 minute» to ensure smooth GIF animation playback.
That’s it! You’ve successfully set a GIF as your lock screen in Windows 10. Now, each time you lock your computer, you’ll see the animated GIF in action.
If you want to change the background of your lock screen and use a live wallpaper, you should know that the system doesn’t allow you to do so. The reason is that the lock screen is meant to be a secure area, so live wallpapers aren’t supported. If you’re interested in changing your lock screen background, you can use Wallpaper Engine. To install this application, you need to go to the Settings menu and click on the “Device” tab.
Once you have installed the software, you can set your Lock Screen background image. You can choose a picture or a group of images by double-clicking their name and opening them with the default viewer. To use a picture that you have uploaded yourself, open the Windows 10 settings and go to Personalization > Lock screen. Click the Background section and you’ll see a variety of images you can use. You can also download the Desktop Live Background app from the Microsoft store.
If you’re wondering if you can have a Live Lock Screen in Windows 10, you’re not alone. The Windows 10 Lock Screen lets you choose your background image and even beam in new images regularly. You can either use one picture as your background, or show off a collection of photos. Microsoft has been working on bringing animation to the Lock Screen, and it is expected to be a part of the CShell and Windows Core OS. If Microsoft does not add the feature, it will be up to third-party developers to step in.
You can choose to display information on your Lock Screen by installing apps. Microsoft offers suggestions. If you’re not sure which apps to install, you can choose one app and have that detailed status on your Lock Screen. Other options include the 3D Viewer, Weather, or Mail. Once you’ve selected an application, you can customize the Lock Screen to suit your personal preferences. There are even ways to enable Cortana on the Lock Screen if you wish.
How Do I Put Live Lock Screen on My Computer?
If you’ve been wondering “How can I put a live wallpaper on my lock screen in Windows 10” you’ve come to the right place. With Windows 10, you can customize the Lock screen with a single picture, a gallery of images, or multiple folders. If you’d like to have a different image on your Lock screen every time you sign in, you can do so in two ways: either by changing your existing wallpaper, or by uploading a new one.
You can also choose to have your lock screen display images from your Camera Roll folders or OneDrive account. Usually, these folders contain photos you’ve taken with other devices. These images will be displayed in the lock screen only if they are large enough to fit the screen. To change the size of the image, you can change the setting. You can also set the slide show to last for thirty minutes, one hour, or three hours. If you choose to put an app on your Lock Screen, you can choose from the list of applications available. The most popular ones include 3D Viewer, Weather, Mail, Calendar, and a few others.
How Do I Make My Lock Screen a Live Wallpaper?
To change the appearance of your lock screen, first open the Settings app. Go to the Lock Screen page and click the Background option. By default, it is set to Picture. If you would like to use an image that you have stored in your photo collection, click on the Picture option. This will let you browse to the image and choose the one you want to use as your lock screen background. While you’re here, you can also turn off Cortana and get fun facts from Windows.
In addition to the settings menu, you can use a third-party application to change your wallpaper. This software is not as comprehensive as Plasteur, but it is free and available for Windows 10 users. Regardless of what you choose, make sure you have a good graphics card. Then, make sure you have 3D Touch enabled. Finally, make sure you’re not using an older version of Windows that doesn’t support live wallpaper.
Can You Set a GIF As a Lock Screen Windows 10?
If you want a unique background for your lock screen, you can set up a slideshow or a picture. By default, Windows 10 includes a starter set of pictures as lock screen background images. These default images are stored in the %WinDir%WebScreen folder. This folder is an environment variable that points to the base installation directory for Windows. To change the default background, go to the Personalization page and right-click on the desktop.
You can also use an animated GIF as the background on Windows 10. However, since the GIF is pixelated, you may have to use an app that turns it into a moving picture. If you want to set a GIF as your background in Windows 10, you can use these apps. However, you should make sure that you have the right application installed first. If you don’t want to use a third-party app, you can simply use one of the many GIF converters that are available online.
Another option is to set a GIF wallpaper on your lock screen. GIFs are great because they are easy to size and can be used to show the status of apps. These wallpapers can be used to keep your personal information safe. For example, you can use an animated GIF wallpaper to keep your password safe. It’s also an easy way to show your company logo.
How Do I Get Animated Wallpaper on Windows 10?
If you want to get a more interesting and colorful lock screen wallpaper, then you can install an application called “Wallpaper Engine” in your Windows 10 PC. You can set animated wallpapers for your lock screen in various formats. For example, you can set an animated GIF image as your wallpaper. The application can be downloaded free of charge and is available in the Microsoft Store. This application also offers a variety of customization options for your wallpaper, so that it fits with the rest of your system.
However, if you’re using Windows 10, you probably won’t be able to find any animated wallpapers. If you want to get an animated wallpaper, you have to download an application that allows it. This application can also be installed on older versions of Windows. It can also be downloaded from the web, so you don’t have to download the latest version. The application will automatically change your wallpaper if you change orientation or move your device.
Does Live Wallpaper Slow Down PC?
There are many factors to consider before installing live wallpaper. Though the majority of live wallpapers do not affect the performance of the computer, some are more intensive than others. A high-end live wallpaper can use a significant portion of your CPU power and battery life. It is therefore not recommended for low-end systems. Ideally, the live wallpaper should be set to pause while other apps or games are running. For this reason, you should check the recommended minimum system specifications before installing live wallpaper.
The number of pixels per second occupying the RAM on a system depends on the size and type of live wallpaper. High-resolution live wallpapers tend to decrease the FPS of a game. For this reason, it is recommended that you choose a wallpaper with a minimum of 1024 MB of RAM, but it is not necessary to install a high-end device. While the live wallpaper will not significantly slow down your PC, it does consume some RAM.
How Do I Video My Lock Screen Windows 10?
In Windows 10, you can take videos and take pictures from your lock screen. The first step is to open up your settings. You can change the screen saver and the time the lock screen stays on. There are many settings you can change. You can also select whether to show the logon screen on resume. The settings you change for the lock screen apply to all screens. To see which screen is locked, click the Start menu, then click on the profile icon.
Then, go to Settings > Personalization. Click on “Lock Screen” and click “Change lock screen image.” You can change the image in the Background drop-down menu. Windows spotlight will display different images from Microsoft periodically. If you don’t want to see those images, you can select an image from your camera or computer. Changing the background image will make the lock screen more customizable. You can choose the picture that you like best.
Learn More Here:
1.) Windows Help Center
2.) Windows – Wikipedia
3.) Windows Blog
4.) Windows Central
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.
-
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.
-
Apply the Wallpaper:
- Select the wallpaper you want and click on «Apply» to set it as your background.
-
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.
-
Open a Video:
- Launch VLC and play the video you want to use as your wallpaper.
-
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.
-
Settings:
- Open the «Settings» app (Windows + I).
- Click on «Personalization» then «Themes.»
-
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.
-
Aspect Ratio: Ensure that the wallpaper aspect ratio matches your display resolution to avoid distortion.
-
Regular Update: Regularly change your live wallpapers to keep the desktop fresh and exciting.
-
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!
2024 Update!
This guide is to show different methods to run live wallpaper on top of Windows Lock-Screen securely that include videos or GIF files. So it is customizable.
It takes 2 programs to get it to work as soon as the Screen is locked with the assistance of Windows Task scheduler. These methods work on Windows 11,10, 8.1 & 7 as well.
Read the entire guide to see which method is better for you so that you download the correct tools for it to work well.
The programs are no longer available from links because the links have changed and some of the programs cannot be found anymore so I have attached all of them for easier access.
The Winrar must be installed first to be able to access the required tools.
WinRAR Download Latest Version
WinRAR — the data compression, encryption and archiving tool for Windows that opens RAR and ZIP files. Compatible with many other file formats.
www.win-rar.com
I had to split the Winrar because of the allowed upload file size limit of the forum. It might be required to update old version of Winrar if facing any issues.
Download both into the same directory and then open only one of them and extract the content into any directory.
Right click on one of the 4 RAR files and find the Winrar in the context menu and then choose: «Extract to All in One\»
——————————
Runsaver: is to run any program when screensaver is triggered. (This will replace any screensaver you might be using).
Nircmd: Used to run Screensaver as soon as the screen is locked in combination with a scheduled task.
Winrar: Used to extract the downloaded compressed files.
Topaz: Used to run videos as screensaver.
Audio/Video To Exe: Used to convert video files to EXE so that they run securely on the lock screen without giving access to any system files.
——————————
Extract Runsaver and add the two files called runsaver.exe and runsaver.scr to C:\windows\system32 folder and for 64bit windows also add it to C:\windows\SysWOW64 folder. (If it gives an error then extract the contents to a folder that you create on the desktop then copy the contents to that location).
Runsaver will create INI file in both directories which will be identical. If there are any errors then just search for all the runsaver.ini files under the windows directory and delete them, then add the program that you want again. (There might be more than 2 Runsaver.ini because windows will add the runsaver files to more directories)
To enable runsaver so that it runs the program when screensaver starts just select
RunSaver
as the windows screensaver from the same place that screensavers are selected for Windows. Select settings to add the video file.
Runsaver will run any program on the lock screen. However it will not be secure because it will give access to all files on the PC. The methods in this guide are done in a secure way so that no files can be accessed from the lock screen. Some programs will not run on runsaver if they are already running on the logon session. So close the program to work on the lock screen if there is an issue.
Extract Nircmd files and add them to C:\windows\system32 folder. (If it gives an error then extract the contents to a folder that you create on the desktop then copy the contents to that location).
——————————
To run the screensaver as soon as the screen is locked regardless of the delay assigned time then follow the below instructions. (Be aware that using this method will run the screensaver twice in a row in some cases).
Create a new task in Task Scheduler and choose a name that is related to the subject:
Under trigger choose new and do the same as the below.
Under actions, choose new and do the same as the below.
For laptops and portable devices do the same as the below so that it works while on battery.
The two below methods are 100% safe and will not give access to files on the PC.
Method 1:
Using the Topaz tool.
Some video file formats might not work for this method.
Copy the content in the folder TopazMSS-1.1.1.0 to C:\windows\system32 folder and for 64bit windows also add it to C:\windows\SysWOW64 folder.
To enable Topaz so that it runs the program when screensaver starts just select «Topaz — the multimedia screen saver» as the windows screensaver from the same place that screensavers are selected for Windows. Select settings to add the video file.
This method will not allow audio of the video while screensaver is running.
The screensaver will not allow the screen to turn off if it has been preset to be turned off while the screensaver is running. To let it turn off you have to change a setting in the windows media player.
Change the settings as it is showing below in WMP to allow the screen to turn off at the normal preset time.
If this affects your usual video playback. Then you can download any other media player as there are many that are free that can be used as your default video player to watch your videos so that you can use this method.
Method 2:
Using
Runsaver
tool safely.
Download the program from the download link section
Any video can be used to work on the lock screen with runsaver but to keep it secure, convert the video to exe file from
Audio/Video To Exe
.
Some video file formats might not work with Audio/Video To Exe.
After adding the file. Select convert, then select EXE. In the configuration. Choose the file to work in full screen and in loop.
It maybe be necessary to run the «Audio/Video To Exe» as an Administrator. If getting error messages just keep trying until it works. Be slow when using this tool so that it works well.
The important fields are:
The Antivirus might block the exe file so just add it to exceptions if it is blocked then end task from the task manager and run it again if it does not work the 1st time.
The screensaver will not allow the screen to turn off if it has been preset to be turned off. It will turn off if you set it to Exit When audio /video is done playing plus the preset assigned time instead of loop while converting it to EXE.
Audio will work normally with this method but it might change the aspect ratio of the video.
To exit the screensaver press on ESC button or Q . Not sure how to exit from touchscreen devices that don’t have a physical keyboard. If running another program on the lock screen then use Ctrl + Alt + Del to exit from it.
GIF files.
Use the below link to convert GIF files to video and then use it with any of the above methods.
Online GIF to MP4 Video converter
Upload the GIF file from Windows or add the exact URL for conversion.
To download the video. Select the 3 dots on the output video after it has been converted and select download.
The GIF files are limited to 50 MB for conversion from the website. If the speed is too fast in the output video then it can be edited to work better from the provided tools on the same website.
Customization has always been the hallmark of the Windows operating system. Windows 10 carries this legacy forward by allowing you to customize the Lock Screen, colors, background and windows themselves.
Nothing quite like the yesteryear of Windows XP, but there is a fair bit of personalization on offer in the latest version of Windows 10 that allow you to design the experience to your liking.
To fix various Windows 10/11 problems, we recommend Outbyte PC Repair:
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In this guide, we’ll be walking you through the steps necessary to customize the Lock Screen on your device and get the most of it in terms of form and functionality. We’ll also take a look at if it’s possible to bring some animation to your Lock Screen, as well as elements like widgets.
Let’s dive in.
A look at the Lock Screen
The Lock Screen is what you always see before signing into your account in Windows 10. It not only allows you to login into your system, but also provides a range of useful functionalities even before you access the desktop.
Not only will you see the current date and time on your Lock Screen, you’ll also find your calendar events and notifications from other apps. It’s possible to interact with Cortana here, and you can also showcase your favorite images and personal photos, even wallpapers from Bing on the Lock Screen.
We’ll also take a look at the additional bells and whistles available that you can use to further customize the Lock Screen, including whether it is possible to have animated Lock Screen backgrounds, widgets, as well as a closer look at the very popular Windows Spotlight service.
How to customize the Background in the Lock Screen
Windows 10 lets you customize the look of the Lock Screen a number of ways. These range from using the Windows Spotlight service that beams in new images regularly to your device, or using a single picture for the background. You can also showcase a collection of your photos, as images from one or multiple folders can be put to good use here.
Using Windows Spotlight
Windows Spotlight is a neat little feature that Microsoft has integrated into the modern Windows OS. This is a service that automatically connects to Bing to download new background images. Basically, this keeps your experience fresh every time you sign into Windows 10.
You can enable Windows Spotlight using the following steps:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Click or tap on Lock screen.
- In the Background dropdown menu, select the Windows Spotlight option to let Lock Screen use fresh new images from the service.
Completing the above steps will now have the Lock Screen use a new image every time you sign into your account. These are often some stunning photos taken from around the world, though Microsoft often curates some seasonal and promotional images into the mix, too.
Using a Single Image
Have a particular wallpaper or image that you want to use on the Lock Screen? Well, you’re in the right place. The operating system lets you set a single photo, which comes in really handy if you want an undistracted experience or want your company logo up here.
Follow these steps to customize the Lock Screen to display a single image:
- Fire up Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Now, click on Lock screen.
- Select the Picture option in the Background dropdown menu.
- Click the Browse button below the thumbnails to locate the image you want to use, and then select it to set it as the new background.
While you’re here, you might also want to turn off the Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen toggle switch for a cleaner experience.
Using an Image collection
Alternatively, if you have your own wallpaper collection, or a set of photos that you want displayed on the Lock Screen, you also have that option. Windows 10 lets you showcase a collection of images from one or multiple folders.
This is how you can display an image collection as a slideshow on the Lock Screen:
- Open the Settings
- Click on Personalization.
- Click on Lock screen.
- Use the Background dropdown menu to select the Slideshow
- Select the Pictures
- Click Remove.
- Now, click on the Add a folder This option lets you add one or more folders that contain your chosen images.
- Browse to the location of the folder with images that you want to showcase as a slideshow on the Lock Screen, and then select the folder.
- Click the Choose this folder
This will set up a slideshow with the images you want up there.
If you want to further customize the experience, the handily placed Advanced slideshow settings option lets you do that. Click on it, and then enable or disable the options you want to use while Windows 10 shows your collection of photos on the Lock Screen.
The options provided are:
- Include Camera Roll folders from this PC and OneDrive: Toggling this switch will have the Lock Screen also display images stored in two other locations, in addition to the folders you already selected. These being, Camera Roll and OneDrive Camera Roll folders, which usually include the photos that you take from your phone and other devices.
- Only use pictures that fit my screen: This one is pretty straightforward. Turning this switch on will only display images that fit the screen when displayed. Handy option to have, if you have multiple sizes of images in the folder, and only want to display big ones that fit your screen.
- When my PC is inactive, show lock screen instead of turning off the screen: Remember those fancy screensavers from the old days? This option is similar to those. You can set up a screensaver on Windows 10, which will be displayed instead of the screen being turned off. You can also use the dropdown below to specify when you want to turn off the screen, after a period of time.
Again, it’s a good idea to turn off the Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen toggle switch to keep the experience nice and clean.
How to disable the Lock Screen background in the sign-in screen
All this dynamic stuff not your cup of tea? You can also opt for a simpler sign-in screen by disabling the Lock Screen background there. In other words, the sign-in screen will no longer include the same image as the one that is used on the Lock Screen.
Here is how you can disable it:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Go to Lock screen.
- Turn off the Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen toggle switch.
Completing these steps, the sign-in screen will no longer have the same image as the one you have set on the Lock Screen. Instead, a solid color background will be shown from the current scheme that you have configured in the Personalization settings.
How to customize the Lock Screen app notifications
The Windows 10 Lock Screen is also capable of showing notifications from certain apps like Mail, Calendar, Messaging, Xbox and Weather. This feature lets you set detailed notifications for a single app, or show quick notifications for multiple.
Setting app detailed status
If you want to display notifications with detailed information from a particular application, you will find the option listed above. Once set up, the information will appear at the bottom-left corner of the Lock Screen.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click or tap on Lock screen.
- Under the Choose an app to show detailed status section, click the Plus (+) button to select the app you want to see the information for. Using the None option disables this feature.
Setting app quick status
You can also set up a whole bunch of apps to show the number of unseen updates at once. This will display icons with badges that will let you know at a glance the number of unseen updates that are available for each application that you have configured to appear in the Lock Screen.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Click on Lock screen.
- Under the Choose an app to show quick status section, click the Plus (+) button to add the app that you want to add to the experience. Using the None option removes it.
- Repeat the above step to configure quick notifications for additional applications.
How to set screen timeout in the Lock Screen
Have a habit of always locking their devices when they step out, either manually (by pressing the Windows + L key combination), or using Dynamic Lock? It is possible to set the time before the screen turns off automatically.
This is what you need to do:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click Lock screen.
- Click or tap on the Screen timeout settings
- You will be taken to the Power & sleep panel, where you can use the Screen dropdown menu to specify when your display should turn off when your device is plugged in. If you are changing these settings on a laptop, you will also see the option to adjust the screen settings when your computer is running on battery.
Once done, the screen will automatically turn off after the device is not active for the time you specified.
More customization options for the Lock Screen
Although Microsoft provides a handful of these above mentioned options for the Lock Screen, the thing about Windows is its enhanced customization potential, whether via personalization, hacks or even third-party software.
Let’s take a look at what additional options you have available for further customization.
Animated Lock Screen in Windows 10
Let us talk about whether it is possible to have an animated Lock Screen in Windows 10? As things stand right now, this is not possible on Windows 10. While there are several third-party software programs to make your wallpaper animated, true animation is not on right now.
Microsoft is preparing to bring animation to the Lock Screen in the near future, as part of the upcoming Windows Core OS and CShell. So far, it has only been shown on the Surface Hub 2. Still, there is a chance that the software titan will bring it to the operating system properly in due time.
For this to happen, some developer or a company will need to step up the game, if Microsoft doesn’t.
If you desperately want to add an animated wallpaper in Windows 10 as your lock screen wallpaper, you can convert the video or gif as wallpaper and set it. For that, you require a third-party application like Push Video Wallpaper.
Change Windows 10 login screen background
Bored of the generic looking background on the Windows 10 login screen? Technically, there are two sign-in screens in Windows 10, one for your password and another that serves as the lock screen. You can obviously also have the OS show your lock screen background on the sign-in screen.
This option is available as a toggle in the Settings.
- Fire up Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- And then Lock screen on the left.
- Toggle the switch at the bottom that says Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen to on here, and you will now have Windows display your same, chosen image on both the screens, allowing for a smoother transition.
Download Windows 10 Stock Wallpapers
Microsoft has a good thing going with the default wallpapers that it has released for Windows 10 over the years. They may not be as fancy and distinct as the ones that it made available for the previous versions of the OS, but they do add a nice, simple touch to proceedings.
The stock wallpaper even comes in a few additional variations — one for Windows 10 S and another for the new Light theme in the operating system.
You can download these images from the little gallery of the stock Windows 10 wallpapers that we have put together here.
Using an app to change Lock Screen Images
If you are the type that likes to change your background pictures often, then you are sure to enjoy this option of using an app to change your wallpapers. It certainly beats constantly accessing the Settings app every time you want to go with a new photo or image.
There are a number of applications available on the Microsoft Store that let you change background wallpapers. But the most popular one, by far, is backiee Wallpaper Studio 10.
This free app lets you browse and download different wallpapers with resolutions of up to 8K. These can then be used as both your desktop or Lock Screen wallpapers. Wallpaper Studio 10 can also set up slideshows of your favorite wallpapers that you download, and it also offers integration with Bing, allowing you to those images as your desktop background.
Backiee Wallpaper Studio 10 uses a freemium model, and a paid license for $1.50 lets you get rid of ads. Totally worth it, if you’re into personalization and customization of your Windows 10 system.
Add widgets to Lock Screen
Widgets used to be the real deal! They still are. Android and Windows both have their share of widgets, even though Microsoft has clearly moved away from them in favor of live tiles. But third-party developers have picked up the baton for these elements of interaction.
While the heydays of widgets on the operating system were during the time of Windows Vista and Windows 7, customization tools like Rainmeter still make use of these fancy elements.
Luckily, a nice little app is now available for Windows 10 users that lets you personalize you Windows Lock Screen by showing widgets right there. You get widgets for the latest news, weather updates, sports scores, stock market quotes, currency exchange rates, daily horoscopes, favorite quotes, custom content, as well as notes.
Just download Lockscreenify, pick any of the provided templates, and configure your data. All your information will automatically be updated on your Lock Screen.
This is another freemium application offering in-app purchases. But the free version works perfectly fine for the most part. And its unique feature set makes it your best bet if you want to add widgets to your Lock Screen, and have them update you with the latest info.
Well worth a download if you like your Windows 10 customized and personalized.
Windows Spotlight
By now, you must be familiar with Windows Spotlight, a feature built into Windows 10 that displays a randomly generated image every time you log into your system. When it comes to customization of the new operating system, this is a bit of a marquee feature, widely used, too.
Think of this as a curated, personalized slideshow of images that Microsoft beams to your Windows 10 device. The company downloads pictures and advertisements automatically from the Bing search engine, about once a week, and displays them on your Lock Screen.
They are saved here:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets
If you want to save Windows Spotlight wallpapers, navigate to the above folder, replacing it with your user name. Then copy the images to another location and rename them as .JPG extension.
As for the type of images that are downloaded, most of them are of famous historical locations, or natural landmarks from around the globe. More often than not, Microsoft overlays and displays information about where the pictures are taken, as well as information about creatures and locations.
You are also given an opportunity to mark whether you want to see more or fewer images of a certain type, which is a good way to personalize these backgrounds. Though sometimes, they are overlaid with links to advertisements for Microsoft products and services — particularly during special occasions.
Nothing too intrusive, though.
Conclusion
Customizing the Windows 10 Lock Screen is necessary if you want to personalize Windows 10 exactly to your liking. More so, for users that like to lock away their PCs and devices when they are away, whether in office or at home.
Microsoft has done a decent enough job providing users a range of different options to that end.
But third-party developers have also stepped up a bit in creating their own customization solutions. The logical next step would be bringing some level of animation to the Lock Screen, and seeing whether any new features that would bring about.
Shawn is a WindowsChimp Staff writer, who is a fan of making lists and does the same on this site. He has a Contemporary Writing degree and been in technology niche since last 3 years.