Great news for PC enthusiasts! Microsoft is finally bringing back a popular and nostalgic feature. Animated wallpapers, formerly known as DreamScene, are making a formal comeback in Windows 11 nearly twenty years after they initially debuted in Windows Vista. Users may now use looping movies as desktop backdrops with the latest version, giving an otherwise static workspace some movement and life.
In 2007, DreamScene made its debut as a feature of Windows Vista Ultimate. Using brief video clips rather than still photos to customize desktops was a novel idea at the time. However, DreamScene gradually lost its impact despite its wow quality. The function never gained widespread traction, used excessive CPU power, and depleted laptop batteries.
After eighteen years, Microsoft is now reviving the concept. Modern video decoding and strong GPUs have made animated backgrounds more effective and useful than before. The most recent Insider Preview build (26×20.6690) includes the new video wallpaper functionality. Currently concealed by an experimental flag, it seamlessly merges into **Settings > Personalization > Background** if enabled.
Just as they may choose static images now, they can choose video files. The videos create a dyn8amic backdrop experience on the desktop when they are active. The following file types are supported: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, M4V, and WebM. Microsoft may extend it in the future, but for now it just covers the desktop and not the lock screen.
When activated, the videos loop seamlessly on the desktop, creating a dynamic background experience. Supported formats include MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, M4V, and WebM. At the moment, it only applies to the desktop itself, not the lock screen, but Microsoft may expand it later.
The return of animated wallpapers shows that Microsoft is listening to personalization requests. Until now, Windows users relied on third-party apps like Wallpaper Engine, Lively Wallpaper, or DeskScapes to achieve the same effect. With this update, the feature is built directly into Windows 11—no downloads or workarounds needed.
Performance is still an issue, of course. Even though modern hardware greatly improves video playback, older or less expensive computers may experience increased power consumption when background animations are running continuously. However, the impact should be negligible for the majority of contemporary PCs.
Although a formal release date has not been disclosed by Microsoft, the inclusion of video wallpapers in Insider builds raises the possibility that it may be included in a later Windows 11 upgrade this year. All users might soon have the opportunity to add animated scenes to their desktops if testing proceeds without a hitch.
DreamScene may have been ahead of its time in 2007, but Windows 11 is giving it a well-deserved comeback. Animated backgrounds are now more than just a novelty; they’re a chic way to customize your computer thanks to their support for many video codecs, seamless looping, and simple integration into system settings. Your desktop is going to feel more alive than before, whether it’s an abstract loop, a favorite movie clip, or a serene ocean wave.
