Microsoft is testing a new feature that allows Windows 11 users to set video wallpapers on their desktops. This capability was observed in recent builds of the operating system and enables users to select video files, such as those in MP4 or MKV format, as their wallpaper background. The videos will play whenever the desktop is viewed, similar to existing third-party solutions like Wallpaper Engine.
Historically, Microsoft included video wallpaper functionality in Windows Vista through a feature called DreamScene, which was available only in the Ultimate edition. However, this feature was removed in Windows 7. The demand for video wallpapers among Windows users has been notable, as evidenced by the popularity of Wallpaper Engine, which frequently ranks among the top ten most played applications on Steam, indicating a significant user interest in animated backgrounds.
Additionally, Microsoft has been exploring dynamic animated wallpapers for Windows 11 for several years. Earlier this year, a previous design leak showcased what these dynamic wallpapers might look like. Although these animated wallpapers were anticipated to be included in a 2023 release, they did not make it into the final version of Windows 11.
The introduction of video wallpapers marks a potential return to a feature previously enjoyed by users in earlier versions of Windows, raising questions about how this feature will be received and its impact on user experience.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/782383/microsoft-windows-11-video-wallpapers