DreamScene is back_ Microsoft's resurrecting video wallpapers, a Windows feature last seen in 2007
By Dr. Eleanor Vance | Published on January 01, 0001
If you're new to PCs, you may have wondered at some point why your Windows desktop wallpaper is just so static. After all, since it's being displayed by the GPU, then surely it could be animated in some way? Well, wonder no more, because after first offering the functionality in 2007, before promptly removing it two years later, video wallpapers are making a return in a Windows 11 update.
Our chums over at dropped the details on this one, though I'd already seen it in action through social media (e.g. ). Very simply, in a current beta build of Windows 11, you can select a movie file for the desktop wallpaper to have a fancy
animated view behind your horde of shortcut icons (or behind absolutely nothing, if you're like me and hate icons on your desktop).
Windows DreamScene is back! Hidden in the latest Windows 11 Dev/Beta build (26x20.6690) is built in support for setting video files like .mp4 as your desktop background: pic.twitter.com/B4vdtfvqSc
That's it, I'm afraid, [[link]] as there's no other info about how well it works in practice, nor anything about GPU usage or the impact on battery life for laptops. But hey, it's better than nothing, right? Though part of me feels that when the update finally goes live, it probably won't change things very much.
The reason is that an awful lot of PC gamers already enjoy an animated desktop wallpaper, thanks to the likes of . From what I've seen so far about the implementation in Windows 11, it looks like there's not much you can really do, other than run a video file in the background. Wallpaper Engine, on the other hand, supports interactive wallpapers, including 3D stuff, supports multiple displays, and integrates with Corsair's iCUE and Razer's Chroma apps—all for a measly amount of bucks.
The last time Microsoft offered anything like this was back in 2007, as part of the optional Ultimate Extras for Windows Vista. The utility was called Windows DreamScene, and I can vaguely remember playing around with it for a while before just going back to a static wallpaper.
Microsoft clearly [[link]] got bored with it, too, as it greatly reduced the functionality of DreamScene in Windows 7, before binning it entirely in Windows 8. Fast forward to the start of this year, when it turned out that of bringing it all back, only to return to lurking mode.
Still, it's nice to know that it's really real and will get rolled out at some point relatively soon. And I know exactly what I'm going to do when I get the update: try a random mpeg file as my wallpaper, hunt around for a [[link]] suitable LOTR one, then bin it all and just use the default Windows wallpaper. Yeah, I'm not good with change.
1. Best gaming laptop:
2. Best gaming PC:
3. Best handheld gaming PC:
4. Best mini PC:
5. Best VR headset:
👉👈
Reader Comments
Sometimes I wish there were more ways to earn rewards through loyalty programs or frequent player bonuses. Adding seasonal events or special challenges could enhance the excitement even further. The progressive jackpots are thrilling, and it's exciting to watch the jackpot amounts grow as more players spin the reels. I hope they add even more jackpot slots because it adds a lot of excitement to the gameplay. The mobile interface is smooth and intuitive. I can play all my favorite slots on the go without experiencing any lag or glitches. The design is responsive and user-friendly, which makes gaming on my phone just as enjoyable as on my computer.
Sometimes I wish there were more ways to earn rewards through loyalty programs or frequent player bonuses. Adding seasonal events or special challenges could enhance the excitement even further. I appreciate the themed slot games, especially those based on movies and TV shows. They make the gaming experience more engaging and immersive. The combination of storyline, visuals, and bonus features makes each game feel unique.
The progressive jackpots are thrilling, and it's exciting to watch the jackpot amounts grow as more players spin the reels. I hope they add even more jackpot slots because it adds a lot of excitement to the gameplay. The payout process is generally smooth and reliable, though occasionally it takes longer than expected. Overall, I feel confident that my winnings are safe and will be credited properly. The mobile interface is smooth and intuitive. I can play all my favorite slots on the go without experiencing any lag or glitches. The design is responsive and user-friendly, which makes gaming on my phone just as enjoyable as on my computer.