How to Set a Live Wallpaper on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to make your Windows 11 desktop more dynamic and fun? Static wallpapers are nice, but live wallpapers (also called animated or moving wallpapers) can transform your PC into something truly eye-catching. Imagine raindrops falling across your desktop, a cozy animated landscape, or even your favorite game or movie scene playing in the background.

In this step-by-step guide on how to set a live wallpaper on Windows 11, we’ll show you everything from the built-in options to third-party apps that unlock stunning live backgrounds.

Table of Contents

What Is a Live Wallpaper?

A live wallpaper is an animated desktop background. Unlike static images, these wallpapers can move, react, or even interact with your mouse or system audio.

Think of it as turning your PC into a digital canvas. Instead of a picture, you get a short film or an animation playing on your desktop.

Why Use Live Wallpapers on Windows 11?

✨ Aesthetics: They make your PC look unique.
🎮 Gamers & streamers: Show off themes from favorite games.
🎵 Music fans: Visualizers that move to your songs.
😌 Relaxation: Calm, looping animations like oceans or starfields.

Things to Know Before Setting a Live Wallpaper

🔋 Battery impact: Live wallpapers can use more resources (especially on laptops).
💻 Performance: On older PCs, you may notice lag.
✅ Third-party apps: Needed for advanced live wallpapers.
🎥 Formats: GIFs, MP4s, or app-based animations work best.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Basic Animations)

Windows 11 doesn’t include full “live wallpapers” natively, but you can use slideshow backgrounds (rotating pictures) as a lightweight animated option:

Open Settings > Personalization > Background.
Under Personalize your background, select Slideshow.
Choose a folder with multiple images.
Set the change interval (e.g., every 1 minute, 10 minutes, etc.).

👉 This isn’t a true live wallpaper, but it adds variety without extra apps.

Method 2: Using Microsoft Store Apps

Lively Wallpaper (Free)

100% free, open-source.
Supports videos, GIFs, interactive wallpapers.
Lightweight and beginner-friendly.

Wallpaper Engine (Paid)

Costs around $3.99 on Steam.
Huge community library of wallpapers.
Extremely customizable (supports 2D, 3D, audio-reactive, interactive).

Method 3: Using Videos as Wallpapers

Some apps let you set MP4 files or GIFs directly as wallpapers. This means you can use your own content, like:

A looping video of a campfire.
A clip from your favorite movie.
A GIF meme just for fun.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set a Live Wallpaper with Lively Wallpaper

Download Lively Wallpaper from the [Microsoft Store].
Install and open the app.
Browse built-in live wallpapers or click Add Wallpaper.
Choose a video, GIF, or YouTube link.
Click Apply — your desktop instantly changes.

💡 Tip: Right-click the Lively icon in the taskbar to pause wallpapers when gaming.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set a Live Wallpaper with Wallpaper Engine

Buy & install Wallpaper Engine from Steam.
Launch the app and explore the massive wallpaper library.
Search for themes (anime, nature, minimal, gaming).
Select a wallpaper and click Subscribe/Apply.
Adjust settings like FPS, resolution, and playback.

💡 Advanced users can even create their own wallpapers.

How to Customize Live Wallpapers

Both Lively and Wallpaper Engine allow:

Speed adjustments.
Audio-reactive effects.
Multi-monitor support.
Color filters.

How to Pause or Disable Live Wallpapers

Sometimes you’ll want to save battery or resources:

In Lively Wallpaper, right-click tray icon → Pause Wallpaper.
In Wallpaper Engine, toggle Pause when full screen.

Do Live Wallpapers Affect Performance?

Yes, but the impact depends on your PC specs.

💻 Gaming laptops & desktops: Barely noticeable.
🔋 Older laptops: May reduce battery life and cause stuttering.

Tips for Choosing the Best Live Wallpaper

Keep it simple if you multitask often.
Pick low-resolution loops for better performance.
Use darker wallpapers to save OLED display battery.

Comparison Table: Lively Wallpaper vs Wallpaper Engine

Feature	Lively Wallpaper (Free)	Wallpaper Engine (Paid)
Price	Free	~$3.99 (one-time)
Library	Limited (DIY or YouTube)	Massive Steam Workshop
Customization	Basic	Advanced (interactive)
Performance Impact	Low	Medium (but customizable)
Multi-Monitor Support	Yes	Yes

How to Use Your Own GIFs or Videos as Live Wallpapers

Open Lively Wallpaper.
Click Add Wallpaper.
Select a GIF or MP4 video.
Apply and enjoy your personalized live background.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Wallpaper stutters: Lower the resolution or frame rate.
Laptop gets hot: Pause wallpaper when not in use.
App not working: Reinstall or update to the latest version.

Conclusion: Personalizing Windows 11 Your Way

Live wallpapers bring your Windows 11 desktop to life — whether it’s calming scenery, gaming vibes, or creative animations. With Lively Wallpaper (free) and Wallpaper Engine (paid), you have plenty of options to explore.

By following this guide, you can:

Set up live wallpapers step by step.
Customize them for performance.
Add your personal touch with GIFs or videos.

Your PC doesn’t have to be boring — let your desktop tell your story.

FAQs About Live Wallpapers on Windows 11

1. Does Windows 11 have built-in live wallpapers?
No, only slideshows. You’ll need apps like Lively Wallpaper or Wallpaper Engine.

2. Are live wallpapers safe?
Yes, if downloaded from trusted sources (Microsoft Store, Steam).

3. Do live wallpapers use more battery?
Yes, especially on laptops. They constantly render animations.

4. Can I use a YouTube video as a live wallpaper?
Yes, Lively Wallpaper supports YouTube links.

5. Do live wallpapers work on multiple monitors?
Yes, both Lively and Wallpaper Engine support dual/triple monitors.

✅ Key Takeaways:

Windows 11 doesn’t support live wallpapers natively — you need apps.
Lively Wallpaper = free, beginner-friendly.
Wallpaper Engine = paid, advanced, huge library.
Performance depends on your PC/laptop specs.
You can even use your own videos or GIFs as animated backgrounds.