If a static background image for your Windows desktop is too boring for you, you can spice up your operating system with something called live wallpapers. In this guide, we will explain what it is exactly and how to install these animated backgrounds on Windows 11.
What are live wallpapers?
The difference between traditional wallpapers in Windows 11 and live wallpapers is obvious. While the good old-fashioned wallpaper is just a static image, live wallpapers are motion graphics and sequences.
There are those which are played simply like a video and are therefore above all beautiful to watch. Others, on the other hand, have a little more programming finesse and react, for example, to the way you move your mouse. Then maybe a color gradient or something similar changes.
But beware: before installing any pretty or awesome live wallpapers, as we’ll explain in a moment, it should be noted that animated backgrounds require more performance from the computer. This is less of a problem with high-end gaming PCs. However, entry-level PCs or laptops might – depending on what additional programs are running – sweat a bit.
Live wallpaper and how it works
If you still want to try live wallpapers, you will need additional software in Windows 11, as the Microsoft operating system does not inherently support animated backgrounds.
However, there are a number of programs from different vendors on the Internet and in the Microsoft Store. However, since most of them are not free or only allow a trial period, we recommend the program called Lively Wallpaper. This is available for free in the Microsoft Store and can be installed in no time.
Then it comes with a handful of live wallpapers and can be easily extended with new live backgrounds.
Other vendors offer software such as DeskScapes or Wallpaper Engine, which are also great for live wallpapers. However, the two variants aren’t free – although a price tag of around 4-5$ is probably not a deterrent.
Where to get live wallpapers for Windows 11
Nevertheless, we are focusing on Live Wallpaper as a free entry into the world of live wallpapers. You can choose one of the 12 preinstalled animated backgrounds and the program immediately displays the selected design on the desktop. With a right click on the selected live wallpaper, you access the “Personalize” menu item, where everything can be adjusted, whether in color, speed of animations, etc.
New or additional live wallpapers can be easily added by clicking on the plus symbol in the bar on the left. Two options are available: The Browse button, with which you can insert downloaded live wallpapers, videos, etc. And a field for an internet address where YouTube videos can be converted to live wallpapers.
If you want to choose the download option, just follow the “More wallpapers” link. This leads to the program’s community page on the Reddit platform, where hard-working users provide all kinds of cool backgrounds. There the live wallpaper fans also discuss the issues that may arise with the live wallpaper program.
