Two Decades Later, Windows Just Got More Personal By Bringing Video Wallpapers Back

For many people, one of the quiet joys of owning a computer is the ability to make it feel personal.

Whether it’s experimenting with themes, adding widgets, or simply choosing the right wallpaper, the desktop often becomes a reflection of identity. Wallpapers in particular have always held a special place. Be it a photo from the weekend, a snapshot of family, or a beautifully crafted image downloaded from the internet, and so on and so forth.

Windows has long been known for offering rich customization options, and now Microsoft is bringing back something that hasn’t been seen in nearly two decades: video wallpapers.

The feature was recently uncovered by Windows Insider testers, with Phantomofearth spotting a hidden code in the latest Windows 11 Dev and Beta builds (26×20.6690).

Within these builds lies the ability to set video files, including MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, and WebM, as a desktop background.

Once enabled, the video loops seamlessly whenever the desktop is visible, transforming a static background into a moving, animated canvas.

Longtime Windows users may remember DreamScene, a feature introduced in Windows Vista’s Ultimate edition.

DreamScene allowed looping videos and animations as wallpapers, offering a futuristic flair that was ahead of its time. Unfortunately, it was discontinued with Windows 7 and never returned in any official capacity.

In the years since, third-party apps like Wallpaper Engine and Lively Wallpaper stepped in to fill the gap, becoming staples for gamers and enthusiasts. Wallpaper Engine in particular remains one of the most popular apps on Steam, proof of just how much demand there is for this kind of feature.

What makes this revival special is that it’s built directly into Windows 11, and no extra software required.

It feels symbolic, too.

For years, critics have argued that Windows had become too rigid and utilitarian, losing the playful spirit of its earlier days.

By reviving DreamScene in a modern form, Microsoft signals a renewed focus on personalization and self-expression, alongside the productivity and functionality Windows is known for.

At this stage, Microsoft hasn’t officially announced the feature, and there’s no guarantee it will make its way into a stable release.

But its presence in preview builds shows that the company is at least testing the waters. For those who remember Vista, it’s a nostalgic return. For newer users, it’s a fresh way to bring life to the desktop.

Nearly 20 years after DreamScene first appeared, video wallpapers are finally making their way back to Windows. It’s been a long wait but sometimes, old ideas just need the right moment to shine again.