Windows 11 doesn’t support live wallpapers natively, but you can easily add this feature using a third-party app. One of the most popular and user-friendly apps for this purpose is Lively Wallpaper, which is free and open-source. Here’s how to set a live wallpaper on your Windows 11 desktop using Lively Wallpaper.
Getting Started with Lively Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper is a highly-rated application that allows you to personalize your Windows 11 desktop with animated wallpapers. Here’s how to get started:
- Download the App: You can download Lively Wallpaper from the developer’s homepage or directly from the Microsoft Store.
- Install the App: Once downloaded, install Lively Wallpaper on your PC.
- Launch the App: Open Lively Wallpaper from the Start menu or the Microsoft Store page.
Selecting a Live Wallpaper
When you open Lively Wallpaper, you’ll be greeted by its Library, which contains 12 preloaded live wallpapers. Here’s how to set one as your desktop background:
- Browse the Library: Scroll through the available wallpapers in the Library.
- Select a Wallpaper: Click on the wallpaper you like to set it as your desktop background.
Some wallpapers are interactive. For example, “Triangles & Light” changes light shades with cursor movement, and “Periodic Table” lets you explore elements by clicking on them.
Customizing Your Live Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper offers customization options for its wallpapers:
- Access the Menu: Click the ellipsis (…) on the wallpaper tile.
- About: Check the source files on GitHub.
- Preview: See a preview of the animation before applying it.
- Customize: Adjust settings specific to the chosen wallpaper. Note that not all wallpapers have customizable options.
Using Live Wallpaper on Multiple Monitors
Lively Wallpaper supports multiple monitor setups, making it easy to apply wallpapers across different screens:
- Select Active Wallpaper(s): Click this option at the top-right corner of the app.
- Choose Display: Select one of the following placement options:
- Selected screen only: Apply the wallpaper to a single monitor.
- Span across screens: Extend the wallpaper across multiple monitors.
- Duplicate same wallpaper: Apply the same wallpaper to all monitors.
Click OK to apply the settings. If you prefer to choose a display on the fly, enable the “Always pick screen when choosing wallpaper” option.
Using Custom Images or Videos as Live Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper also allows you to use your own media files as live wallpapers:
- Add Wallpaper: Click the “+ Add Wallpaper” button.
- Upload Options:
- Drag and drop a supported file into the app.
- Click Open to upload a file from your PC.
- Enter a URL for a YouTube video or another online wallpaper.
Once added, click OK to set it as your desktop background. Your custom wallpaper will appear in the Library for future use, and you can delete it anytime.
Creating Custom Depth Wallpapers with AI
Lively Wallpaper includes a feature to add depth to static images using AI:
- Add Wallpaper: Click the “+ Add Wallpaper” button.
- Advanced Settings: Select Advanced in the dialog box and click Download if necessary to get additional files.
- Depth Wallpaper: Choose an image to upload or select an existing one from the Library.
- Create Depth: Click Continue to let the AI add depth to the image.
To adjust the depth effect, go to the Library, select the wallpaper, click the ellipsis, and choose Customize. Use the sliders to modify the horizontal and vertical depth.
Optimizing Settings
Clicking the Gear icon opens the Settings screen, where you can optimize various aspects of the app. Most settings are straightforward and can be left at their defaults. However, if your wallpaper doesn’t fill the desktop correctly or you encounter errors, this is the place to make necessary adjustments.
By following these steps, you can easily enhance your Windows 11 desktop with dynamic and interactive wallpapers using Lively Wallpaper. Enjoy a more personalized and engaging desktop experience!
