Windows 11 Insider Builds Introduce Hidden Video Wallpaper Feature

For years, Windows users have relied on static images to customize their desktop, but Microsoft is quietly experimenting with something far more dynamic. In the latest Windows 11 Insider builds, a long-requested feature has resurfaced: the ability to use videos as desktop wallpapers. This addition feels like a modern revival of DreamScene, a feature first introduced with Windows Vista and later abandoned. Now, it seems Microsoft is finally ready to bring animated desktops back to life—without third-party apps.

A Hidden Feature in Windows 11 Insider Builds

The discovery was first shared by X user @phantomofearth, who spotted the option in build 2620.6690 across the Dev and Beta channels. Although the feature is not visible in the standard settings menu yet, it exists under the hood of Windows 11. With a quick tweak, users can unlock it and transform their static desktop into a living, animated experience.

Unlike past experiments with parallax or motion effects, this implementation loops actual video files (such as MP4s) directly on your desktop background. That means no additional software, no hacks—just a clean integration within Windows itself.

How to Enable Video Wallpapers

Currently, the option is disabled by default. To activate it, you’ll need to use a tool like ViveTool and manually enable the experimental feature.

Open Command Prompt with administrator rights and run the following command:

vivetool /enable /id:57645315

After executing the command, restart File Explorer (or your PC) for the change to take effect. Once enabled, you’ll be able to set a video as your wallpaper from:

Settings > Personalization > Background

⚠️ Note: This feature is limited to Insider builds 2620.6690 and later. If you’re on the stable release of Windows 11, you won’t be able to try it yet.

Supported Video Formats

Early testing shows that Windows 11 supports several common video formats for wallpapers, including:

• .mp4
• .m4v
• .mov
• .wmv
• .avi
• .mkv
• .webm

Once enabled, the “Choose your background” dialog will let you browse not only images but also video files. Simply pick a compatible file and apply it as your new animated wallpaper.

Smooth Performance Without the Lag

One concern with video wallpapers is performance impact. Fortunately, Microsoft seems to have anticipated this. Windows 11 relies on Media Foundation with GPU acceleration to render the videos efficiently.

Early benchmarks suggest the feature runs smoothly—even on older machines—without noticeable frame drops or heavy CPU usage. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can throw a two-hour movie on your desktop; the system enforces practical limits on video size and length to keep things under control.

Will Microsoft Make It Official?

The big question is whether Microsoft will officially roll out this feature in a future Windows 11 update. Past experiments with animated backgrounds were abandoned, but the growing demand for customization could push Microsoft to fully embrace it this time.

Until then, users craving animated wallpapers still have third-party options like Lively Wallpaper and Wallpaper Engine, which provide even more customization and effects. But if Microsoft finalizes this experiment, many users may finally get native video wallpapers—without needing extra tools.

Conclusion

Windows 11’s hidden video wallpaper feature is one of the most exciting personalization updates in years. While it’s currently tucked away in Insider builds, its performance and compatibility suggest Microsoft is preparing to bring dynamic backgrounds to everyone. If officially released, it could redefine how users experience their desktops, adding energy and motion to what was once a static canvas.