Tired of the boring static wallpaper on your PC? In a few steps, you can replace it with dynamic video wallpaper (also called live wallpaper). Like normal wallpaper, you can choose any content you want for your live wallpaper, including personal videos, preset videos, and even GIFs.
However, switching to live wallpaper on a PC isn’t easy. You can’t just add live wallpaper via your computer’s settings—you must download a third-party app first. We’ll walk you through the steps below and give you some pros and cons of live wallpaper.
Why Add Live Wallpaper to Your PC?
Live wallpaper is gaining popularity among those who use multiple monitors or external monitors with their PC or laptop. With live wallpaper, you can display video on secondary monitors without interrupting your workflow.
Adding live wallpaper is also smart if you use a TV as a secondary monitor, as video wallpaper can prevent images from burning into your TV screen over time.
However, there are some downsides to live wallpaper. The most obvious is that it can be distracting if you add it to your primary screen. It’s like trying to get work done with YouTube on in the background. A few other potential issues include:
- It’s difficult to add live wallpaper to a PC—you need to download an app
- It can drain your laptop battery quickly
- It may slow down your PC’s performance
How to Add Live Wallpaper to Your PC
Are you ready to add video wallpaper to your PC? Just follow these instructions.
1. Download a Live Wallpaper App
Unfortunately, Windows does not have live wallpaper settings on its PCs. You’ll need to go to the Microsoft Store and search for “Live Wallpaper” to find an app. Filter your search for apps only, and you should find over a dozen options to choose from.
Once the app is installed, do a Windows search to locate it on your PC. Click the icon to open the app and get started.
2. Choose a Live Wallpaper from the App’s Library
The easiest way to add live wallpaper to your PC is to choose a preset video from the app’s media library. Go to the library to view your options (it may not be called “Library” in your app, but it should be fairly easy to find the preset live wallpaper options). Once there, simply click on the live wallpaper you want to add to your desktop.
That’s it! The app will automatically apply the live wallpaper to your desktop. If you don’t like it, simply choose a different option from the app’s library. Go ahead and cycle through a few options to see how they look. You can change your live wallpaper at any time.
The live wallpaper included on the app may not be the most interesting in the world, but it can be convenient in certain situations. For example, lapping waves or a crackling fireplace can set the mood in social spaces. Library videos also tend to be the least distracting.
3. Customize Your Live Wallpaper with a Personal Video, YouTube Video, or GIF
If you want to customize your wallpaper, you can do that easily too. Look for an option within the app that allows you to add your own media. You might see an option that reads “import media,” “add wallpaper,” or simply a “+” sign. Give it a click, and you’ll be given a few options.
You can select a video or GIF from your PC to use as your live wallpaper. Just click the button that reads “Browse” or “Import” to select a file from your computer.
Or, you can insert a URL from a video-sharing site like YouTube. This allows you to turn practically any video into live wallpaper with copy-paste simplicity.
4. Set Up Your Live Wallpaper on Multiple Monitors
Most people who use live wallpaper have multiple monitors or external monitors. In order to display your live wallpaper on the correct monitor, you’ll need to access the “Settings” or “Controls” section of your live wallpaper app. Under this section, there will be an option to select a display.
The app should automatically detect all of the monitors connected to your computer. Simply choose one or more displays and the app will apply the live wallpaper as indicated.
A Livelier Desktop with Live Wallpaper
Live wallpaper on your PC is a little something extra that can make your day-to-day more enjoyable. And when used properly, it can improve your productivity across multiple screens. Choose a video wallpaper app and add live wallpaper to your PC today.