Setting a video as your wallpaper in Windows 11 can give your desktop a dynamic and personalized touch. It’s not an out-of-the-box feature, but with third-party software, you can easily make it happen. Follow these steps to add a lively background to your desktop.
Setting Video as Wallpaper on Windows 11
This guide will help you set a video as your wallpaper on Windows 11 using a third-party application called VLC Media Player. This is a great way to make your desktop look more engaging and unique.
Step 1: Download and Install VLC Media Player
First, go to the VLC Media Player official website, download the installer, and install the software.
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player that supports a wide range of video formats. It’s trusted by millions of users worldwide.
Step 2: Open VLC Media Player
Launch the VLC Media Player application from your desktop or start menu.
Once you open VLC, you are ready to move on to the next step, where you will load your desired video.
Step 3: Load Your Video
Click on "Media" in the top-left corner of the VLC window, and then choose "Open File" to select your video.
Ensure your video is in a format supported by VLC (like MP4 or AVI). After selecting the video, it will start playing in the VLC window.
Step 4: Set Video as Wallpaper
While the video is playing, click on "Video" in the top menu, and then select "Set as Wallpaper."
This action will make the video appear as your desktop wallpaper. VLC will take over your desktop background and play the video in a loop.
Step 5: Adjust Video Settings
You can adjust the video settings to your preference, such as volume and loop mode, by right-clicking the video and exploring the options.
Make sure the loop option is enabled if you want the video to play continuously. You can also resize the video or change its aspect ratio.
Once you complete these steps, your desktop will display the video you selected as the wallpaper, providing a dynamic and visually appealing background.
Tips for Setting Video as Wallpaper on Windows 11
- Choose Short Clips: Using short video clips can save system resources and reduce lag.
- Check File Format: Ensure your video is in a format supported by VLC Media Player.
- Loop Mode: Enable loop mode in VLC to keep the video playing continuously.
- System Performance: Be aware that playing a video as wallpaper may impact system performance.
- Test Different Videos: Experiment with different videos to find the best visual effect for your desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any video format for my wallpaper?
VLC Media Player supports a wide range of video formats, but MP4 and AVI are the most common and compatible choices.
Will setting a video as wallpaper affect my computer’s performance?
Yes, playing a video as your wallpaper can use more system resources, which might slow down older or less powerful computers.
Can I use VLC Media Player to set a live wallpaper on multiple monitors?
VLC Media Player can only set the video as wallpaper on your primary monitor.
How do I stop the video wallpaper and revert to a static image?
Simply close VLC Media Player, and your desktop will revert to your previous static wallpaper.
Are there other applications that can set videos as wallpaper on Windows 11?
Yes, other third-party applications like Wallpaper Engine can also set videos as your wallpaper, offering more customization options.
Summary
- Download and install VLC Media Player.
- Open VLC Media Player.
- Load your video.
- Set video as wallpaper.
- Adjust video settings.
Conclusion
There you have it! Setting a video as your wallpaper in Windows 11 is a fun way to personalize your desktop. While it requires a bit of extra software, the process is straightforward and can add a dynamic touch to your computer setup. Remember to keep an eye on your system performance, as running a video continuously can use up more resources.
Feel free to explore other third-party software options if you want more customization features. Tools like Wallpaper Engine offer additional settings and effects, making it easy to tailor your desktop exactly to your liking. So go ahead, spice up your desktop with a lively video, and enjoy the new look every time you use your computer!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.