Microsoft is reviving an old feature from its Vista era: animated wallpapers in Windows 11. This hidden capability uses MP4 or M4V video files, allowing users to fill their screen with moving backgrounds. To enable this feature, join the Windows Insider program and run a Beta or Dev channel Insider build (build number 26220.6690 or higher). Use the ViVeTool command-line utility to activate the feature. Alternatively, download Lively Wallpaper from the Microsoft Store for a free and open-source solution. This feature is available in current Beta or Dev Insider builds and can be enabled by following these steps:
1. Join the Windows Insider program (free).
2. Run a Beta or Dev channel Insider build.
3. Download ViVeTool and run it to enable the animated wallpaper feature.
Note: Lively Wallpaper is also available for those who don’t want to use an Insider build, offering a similar solution with animations that only work while the app is running.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/26/microsoft_animated_wallpaper_windows11