Windows 11 brings a sleek design, smooth animations, and customization options that make your PC feel fresh. But if you’re looking to add a personal, dynamic touch, nothing beats a live wallpaper. Instead of a static image, live wallpapers add movement, interactivity, or even real-time system stats right on your desktop.
Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in live wallpaper option. But don’t worry—there are easy workarounds using third-party apps. In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to set live wallpapers on Windows 11, plus some tips for performance and customization.
What Is a Live Wallpaper?
A live wallpaper is an animated or interactive background that replaces the standard static desktop wallpaper. Examples include:
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Moving scenes (nature, space, abstract patterns)
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Animated GIFs or videos
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Real-time system dashboards (CPU, RAM, clock, weather)
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Interactive wallpapers that respond to mouse clicks or music
It’s like turning your desktop into a living canvas.
Why Use a Live Wallpaper on Windows 11?
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Aesthetic appeal – Make your PC look unique.
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Personalization – Use your favorite GIFs, videos, or themes.
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Dynamic information – Track system stats, weather, or time.
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Fun factor – Adds excitement to everyday computing.
Method 1: Use Lively Wallpaper (Free and Popular)
Lively Wallpaper is a free, open-source app available from the Microsoft Store.
Steps:
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Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
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Search for Lively Wallpaper → Click Install.
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Open the app after installation.
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Choose a wallpaper from the built-in library (like “Fluids v2” or “Matrix”).
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Or, click Add Wallpaper to import your own video, GIF, or YouTube link.
👉 Lively also lets you control playback, audio responsiveness, and performance settings.
Method 2: Use Wallpaper Engine (Paid, Steam App)
Wallpaper Engine is one of the most powerful and customizable live wallpaper tools.
Steps:
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Purchase and download Wallpaper Engine from Steam.
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Launch the app and browse thousands of community-made wallpapers.
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Select a wallpaper → Click Apply.
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Customize speed, quality, and effects to match your hardware.
👉 If you want endless options and interactivity, Wallpaper Engine is worth the small cost.
Method 3: Set a Video as Wallpaper with VLC Media Player
If you only want to use a video as your live wallpaper, VLC Media Player works perfectly.
Steps:
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Download and install VLC Media Player (free).
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Open VLC → Go to Media > Open File and play your video.
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Right-click the video → Select Video > Set as Wallpaper.
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The video will play in the background on your desktop.
👉 This method is simple but limited—you’ll need VLC running in the background.
Method 4: Use Rainmeter (For System Stats + Interactive Wallpapers)
Rainmeter is a powerful desktop customization tool.
Steps:
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Download and install Rainmeter (free).
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Browse and download Rainmeter skins from sites like DeviantArt or Rainmeter Hub.
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Install the skin → Activate it from the Rainmeter menu.
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Customize widgets like clocks, CPU meters, music visualizers, and interactive wallpapers.
👉 Great for users who love futuristic or productivity-focused desktops.
Method 5: Use Push Video Wallpaper
Push Video Wallpaper is a lightweight tool made for looping videos as wallpapers.
Steps:
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Download and install Push Video Wallpaper.
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Open the app and select your video/GIF.
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Adjust settings like looping, scaling, and playback speed.
👉 Works well for users who want a simple, video-based live wallpaper solution.
Performance Considerations When Using Live Wallpapers
While live wallpapers look amazing, they can impact performance.
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On Laptops: They may reduce battery life.
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On Low-End PCs: They can use CPU/GPU power, making games/apps laggy.
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Best Fixes:
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Use lightweight wallpapers (low-resolution or optimized).
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Enable “Pause wallpaper when full-screen” (available in apps like Lively).
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Stick to apps with performance settings.
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Best Sources for Live Wallpapers
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Steam Workshop (Wallpaper Engine) – Huge community library.
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Reddit & DeviantArt – Free Rainmeter skins and designs.
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WallpaperHub & MyLiveWallpapers – Animated wallpapers and loops.
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YouTube – Use any video link with Lively Wallpaper.
How to Remove or Change a Live Wallpaper
If you want to go back to a static background:
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Right-click your desktop → Personalize.
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Select Background.
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Choose Picture or Solid color.
Or, in the live wallpaper app, just stop/pause the wallpaper.
Tips to Make the Most of Live Wallpapers
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Match wallpapers with your gaming theme or work vibe.
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Use dark animated wallpapers to save power on OLED screens.
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Pair Rainmeter with productivity skins for a futuristic setup.
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Use wallpapers that pause during full-screen games for performance.
Conclusion
Setting a live wallpaper on Windows 11 is a fantastic way to add personality and life to your desktop. While Windows doesn’t have this feature built-in, apps like Lively Wallpaper (free) and Wallpaper Engine (paid) make it super easy. Whether you want dynamic video backgrounds, interactive themes, or futuristic system dashboards, you have plenty of options.
Just remember—live wallpapers look cool, but they can consume resources. Choose wisely depending on your system performance.
FAQs
Q1: Does Windows 11 support live wallpapers by default?
No, Windows 11 doesn’t include built-in live wallpaper support. You need third-party apps like Lively or Wallpaper Engine.
Q2: Do live wallpapers affect gaming performance?
Yes, slightly. But apps like Lively and Wallpaper Engine have a “pause when gaming” option to save resources.
Q3: Are live wallpaper apps safe to use?
Yes, if downloaded from trusted sources like the Microsoft Store, Steam, or official websites.
Q4: Can I use a GIF as a wallpaper in Windows 11?
Yes! Apps like Lively Wallpaper and Push Video Wallpaper support GIF backgrounds.
Q5: What’s the best free live wallpaper app for Windows 11?
Lively Wallpaper is the best free option—it’s lightweight, open-source, and feature-rich.