Windows 11’s built-in desktop background settings currently offer Picture, Solid color, Slideshow, and Windows spotlight. They do not provide a normal option for selecting an ordinary video file as a continuously playing desktop wallpaper.
Windows 11 Built-In Background Options
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop and select Personalize.
- Select Background.
- Choose Picture, Solid color, Slideshow, or Windows Spotlight.
- Configure the selected background option.
How to Use a Live Wallpaper
For an animated or video desktop, you need software that specifically provides live-wallpaper functionality. Install such software only from a source you trust, review its permissions, and check whether it supports your video format, multiple monitors, pausing, and performance controls.
Performance and Battery Considerations
A continuously animated desktop can use more CPU, GPU, and battery power than a static picture. On a laptop, configure the live-wallpaper software to pause animation on battery power or when full-screen applications are running if those controls are available.
Do Not Confuse a Slideshow with Video Wallpaper
Windows’ Slideshow option rotates through still images in a folder. It does not turn a video such as an MP4 into a live desktop background.
If You Do Not Need Animation
For the lowest overhead, use a Picture or Windows Spotlight background. Microsoft’s current Windows background settings are designed around static images, slideshows, solid colors, and Spotlight.
Summary
Windows 11 does not natively offer ordinary video files as desktop wallpaper. Use the built-in Background settings for static choices, or a trusted live-wallpaper application if you specifically need animation.