Last Updated on September 20, 2026
Customizing the way Windows looks and operates is one of the first things many people do when setting up a new computer. There are many ways to go about customizing Windows from changing how the Start menu and taskbar function to changing themes, colors and background wallpapers.
When it comes to changing your desktop wallpaper, you have many options. You can use a solid color, photograph or even run a rotating slideshow from pictures you have on your hard drive. One thing that many people like to do is to add animated or live wallpapers as their desktop background rather than a static image. In this article, we will be showing you how to add live wallpapers, YouTube videos and personal videos as wallpapers in Windows.
Install and Apply Built-In Live Wallpapers
1. Download Lively Wallpaper
The first step in the process involves installing a free app called Lively Wallpaper. You can find this utility by going to the Microsoft Store on your PC and doing a search for Lively Wallpaper. Once you find the app, simply click on the button that says Get or Install. Wait for the app to finish installing on your computer.
2. Open the Application
You will then be able to open the software directly from the Microsoft Store interface. You can also launch it from your apps list under the Start menu. The program needs to run in the background to render your new desktop graphics.
3. Choose a Built-In Animation
Then when you open the app, you will be able to see the available animated wallpapers that you can use on your computer. To apply one of them, simply click on it. The software will automatically set it as your active desktop wallpaper.
4. Interact With Your Desktop
Some of these live wallpapers will let you interact with them on your desktop. The Fluids and Periodic Table versions respond directly to your mouse movements. The image below shows the Fluids live wallpaper applied to the computer. It looks incredible on modern high-resolution monitors.
Use Custom Videos and YouTube URLs
1. Add Your Own Video File
If you click on the + button, you can add your own video file to be used as your background wallpaper. You can drag and drop a video file or browse to one to have it used as your wallpaper. It will even include the sound from the video playback. You can also upload your own background wallpaper file if you have a custom one you wish to use.
2. Enter a YouTube URL
The section labeled Enter URL can be used to paste in a link to an online video. You can easily grab a link from YouTube for example. This will stream and play the video as your wallpaper. It includes the audio track as well.
3. Select Your Uploaded Media
We will now upload an MP4 video to the app. It will then appear as one of the choices under the main wallpaper selection screen. This puts your custom media right next to the default built-in animations.
4. Work With Your Video Background
Once we apply the video as our wallpaper, it will be played continuously on our desktop. We can then work on our computer while it is playing just like you would with a static image. The video runs smoothly behind all your open application windows.
5. Revert to Static Wallpapers
It is very easy to add live wallpapers, YouTube videos,, and personal videos as wallpapers in Windows with the right software. To go back to your other default wallpaper options, you can find the Lively Wallpaper app running in the system tray. Go there to close the app completely. This action immediately removes the animated wallpaper from your computer.
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