
The easiest way to personalize your Windows machine is by changing its wallpaper. While changing the wallpaper on Windows is simple, stationary wallpapers can become boring quickly. Although Windows does not have a built-in feature for live or animated wallpapers, you can use alternative apps to set live wallpapers on your Windows desktop. Here’s how to do it.
Method 1: Using Lively Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper is a popular app available on the Microsoft Store that allows you to set live wallpapers for free. It comes with a variety of great wallpapers and lets you add your own. Plus, it’s open-source, so your privacy is secure. Here’s how to use Lively Wallpaper:
1. Install Lively Wallpaper from the Microsoft Store.
2. Launch the app after installation. If an error message appears, follow the on-screen instructions to enable “Animate Controls and Elements Inside Windows.”

3. Choose a wallpaper from the 12 live options available.
4. To add your own wallpaper, click on the plus (+) icon in the top bar.

5. In the “Add Wallpaper” box, click “Open” and select the animated wallpaper you downloaded.
6. Click “Okay” to set the live wallpaper.

Lively Wallpaper doesn’t demand many system resources, but if you have an older Windows machine, you might notice a performance impact. Fortunately, the app provides numerous settings and options you can adjust to prevent it from consuming resources needed for other applications.
Lively Wallpaper also allows you to use YouTube links as live wallpapers. However, in our testing, this feature was not very impressive. Hovering over the video continuously displayed the player options, which detracts from the overall look.
Method 2: Using Wallpaper Engine
Wallpaper Engine is the ultimate live wallpaper app available on Steam. It offers a vast selection of live wallpapers, thanks to the contributions from Steam Workshop and the community. While it is a paid app, it is very affordable, costing just a few bucks.
Here’s how to get started with Wallpaper Engine:
1. Purchase and install Wallpaper Engine from the Steam store.
2. After installation, follow the setup instructions to reach the app’s home screen, where you’ll find the “Installed” section.

3. Navigate to the “Discover” or “Steam Workshop” section and browse through the available wallpapers. If you find a wallpaper you like, click “Subscribe” on the right pane. All subscribed wallpapers will appear in the “Installed” section.

4. When setting wallpapers, you can customize various settings, including color, alignment, position, and scale.

Additionally, you can access the “Settings” menu to adjust the overall lighting and quality of the wallpapers. This is particularly useful for those with less powerful PCs, as it allows you to fine-tune the quality for better performance.
Method 3: Using Wallpaper Alive
Wallpaper Engine is a great live wallpaper app for Windows, but it comes with a price tag. If you’re looking for a free alternative available on Steam, Wallpaper Alive is an excellent open-source option. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the Wallpaper Alive page on Steam and install the app.
2. Launch the app and click on Steam Workshop to access the wallpaper library.

3. Find a wallpaper you like and click Subscribe at the bottom.

4. The subscribed wallpaper will appear in the Wallpapers tab. To apply it, simply click on the wallpaper.

5. Configure the wallpaper to your preference and click Save changes.

There seems to be a significant issue with the app where the wallpaper acts as an overlay, hiding desktop icons. Many users have also reported problems with accessing the Windows context menu when right-clicking. Additionally, the app sometimes sets a lower resolution wallpaper, treating a 2K monitor as if it were a 1080p display.
These are some of the apps you can use to apply live wallpapers on Windows. While both Lively Wallpaper and Wallpaper Alive are excellent choices, Wallpaper Engine stands out due to its extensive library of wallpapers and customization options. Therefore, we recommend spending a few dollars on Wallpaper Engine for the best live wallpaper and customization experience.
What are some unique ways you customize your Windows PC? Let us know in the comments below.
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