Windows 11 brings back animated wallpapers — and DreamScene nostalgia 🎥

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Remember DreamScene? Introduced back in 2007 with Windows Vista, it let users set short video clips as their desktop wallpaper — a small revolution at the time for customization enthusiasts. After more than a decade in the shadows, that idea is back in Windows 11, powered by today’s hardware and users’ appetite for a more dynamic experience. But this time, Microsoft is thinking bigger.

The unexpected return of DreamScene 🌟

In the latest Insider builds, you can finally choose a video as your desktop background — directly from the personalization settings. Supported formats include MP4, MKV, MOV, and AVI. No third-party apps, no hacks, no Wallpaper Engine dependency. DreamScene is back, reimagined for the modern era with smoother integration and better performance.

How the new video backgrounds work 🎥

The feature lives in the Background settings menu, where users can pick any compatible video to play as wallpaper. Once activated, the animation launches as soon as you reach the desktop, giving Windows 11 a fresh, living look. For now, it doesn’t extend to the lock screen, and it’s still limited to Insider preview builds — but it’s a promising start.

Performance and limitations ⚡

The visuals are undeniably impressive, but questions remain about performance — especially on older hardware or laptops running on battery. Microsoft claims the impact will be minimal, thanks to optimized playback and automatic pausing when the desktop isn’t visible. Still, it’ll be worth watching how this feature evolves before its full rollout.

Nostalgia or innovation? 🎉

The return of animated wallpapers blends geek nostalgia with modern design flair. It’s a fun, creative way to personalize your workspace — and a reminder that even small details can make Windows feel fresh again. Whether it becomes a staple feature or just a nostalgic wink to Vista-era days, one thing’s clear: the desktop is about to get a lot more lively.