Desktop wallpapers are squeamish to look at, but they tin exist a little static. It's fourth dimension to end all of that and set a video wallpaper instead.

Several tools are bachelor for this, each with slightly differing results. But whatever your platform, be information technology Windows x, macOS, Linux or Chrome OS, you should discover ane that works for you.

Select a Video for Your Desktop Background

Earlier yous get started setting a video as a desktop background, y'all need to spend a few moments considering which video clip you wish to apply.

Dissimilar types of videos are suitable for different purposes. For example, if y'all just desire to enjoy your favorite movie while you piece of work or browse the web, just choose a video of a suitable length.

If, however, yous really desire an eye-communicable desktop background, then selecting a shorter clip would exist more than appropriate, specially if it's something that will be striking when looped. Video clips and GIFs can both be used.

Here are four ways to set a video wallpaper for your desktop. These options can work on Windows ten, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.

1. Set a Video Background on Windows With PUSH Video Wallpaper

Set a video as the Windows 10 desktop background with PUSH

We reckon that the video wallpaper app gives the best results, and it's like shooting fish in a barrel to apply. On the downside, it'southward non gratis (costing around $10 to buy). Yet, yous do get a complimentary trial.

Begin by heading to the site and downloading Push button Video Wallpaper. Run the EXE file to install, and and then launch the app. Instantaneously, your desktop groundwork will exist transformed every bit the app runs, displaying a demo video clip on a loop.

To change this:

  1. Open the PUSH Video Wallpaper item from the taskbar.
  2. Click the + symbol to browse for a new prune.
  3. Select this to set a background.
  4. For short clips utilize the loop tool in the controls.

Other controls include a shuffle button, the option to modify video intervals, and a book/mute button. This could prove useful for controlling audio levels when yous might prefer to be working. Playlists of videos for a video wallpaper can also be created.

Create video wallpaper playlists

The result is a smooth, full screen desktop video wallpaper background, with app windows and icons sitting in the foreground. PUSH Video Wallpaper is a great selection to set a video as your Windows desktop groundwork.

Download: Push Video Wallpaper for Windows

2. Set up a Video as Your Wallpaper With VLC

Another way creating a desktop background video is cheers to that almost versatile of desktop media players, the VLC media player. Available from VideoLAN.org, the VLC media actor is available for all operating systems.

In theory, this method will piece of work on various Windows, macOS, Linux, even ChromeOS, BSD variants, and Solaris.

Download: VLC Media Player for Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS

How to Create a Desktop Groundwork Video Using VLC

Setting upwardly VLC Media Thespian to play videos as a desktop is straightforward. In older versions, nevertheless, you'll need to:

  1. Open Tools > Preferences > Videos and set the Testify Settings box to All.
  2. Side by side, expect for the Output setting and select DirectX (DirectDraw) video output in the drop-downwardly carte.
  3. Click Salve, then exit VLC and browse to the video clip you want to utilize as a background
  4. Right-click the clip and play it in VLC media histrion.
  5. As it plays, correct-click on the actor window and choose Video > Set up as Wallpaper. Alternatively, click Video > Set as Wallpaper from the menu.
Set a video wallpaper on any desktop with VLC Player

One time y'all're washed with the video, maximize VLC media player, open Video, and click DirectX Wallpaper again to remove the cheque. Then exit the program.

However, for more than recent versions of VLC media histrion, simply right click the video and select Video > Set equally wallpaper.

However, the VLC solution may not accommodate y'all. Although the video goes into full-screen manner and yous tin still admission your Windows toolbar and Start push button, desktop icons and shortcuts are missing.

It's more of a modified full-screen manner than a desktop background.

three. Set a Video Wallpaper Using YouTube

Set a video as a desktop background with YouTube

If the results from VLC media histrion don't meet your requirements, there are various alternatives of varying complexity.

Your best option is probably YouTube, which once again will work with Windows 10, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.

To set up a YouTube video as a desktop wallpaper:

  • Open YouTube.com and select your video.
  • Play the clip then ready information technology to total screen.
  • Alt-Tab through the open apps and place them on meridian of the video.

The video then becomes the groundwork. Note that again in this scenario, it is not a true desktop background as in that location are no desktop icons and shortcuts. Striking Esc to exit the full-screen view.

iv. Prepare a Windows Video Desktop Background With Desktop Live Wallpaper+

Set a video as the Windows 10 desktop background

A 4th option is for Windows 10 and uses a tool available from the Windows Shop. Desktop Alive Wallpaper+ puts yous in full control of the images, GIFs, and videos that play on your desktop background.

Install it using the link below, or by opening the Windows Shop on your computer and searching for "desktop live wallpaper."

Download: Desktop Live Wallpaper+ (Costless)

Afterward installing, you'll detect Desktop Live Wallpaper+ in the Outset menu, under Recently Added.

With Desktop Live Wallpaper+ running, setting a video wallpaper for Windows 10 is elementary:

  1. Click Add together Photos/Videos.
  2. Click Selection from PC to browse to where your video backgrounds are stored (the app also provides video download resource).
  3. Select each video, image, or GIF you desire to use as a background.
  4. Click Apply Changes.
Find videos to set as a Windows 10 desktop background

All the videos in the folder will play in turn. Want to change this? Simply click Add Photos/Videos to add more from your PC and click Apply Changes.

Apply the Settings tool to adjust Photo Elapsing and Use Transitions, and toggle Video Sound and AutoStart.

Set a video as the Windows 10 desktop background

If you desire to cease the video background on your Windows x desktop:

  1. Become to the Arrangement Tray.
  2. Correct-click Desktop Live Wallpaper+.
  3. Click Exit.
Stop Windows 10 desktop video backgrounds

The app will and then close.

Take Your Desktop Theming to the Next Level

You lot probably know of diverse ways to customize your desktop, from just irresolute the background picture to moving the taskbar. Simply calculation a video as the desktop background is the last stage of customization.

If yous haven't tried information technology already, now is surely the fourth dimension. You lot take four options:

  • Push Video Wallpaper for Windows.
  • VLC Media Role player for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS.
  • YouTube for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS.
  • Desktop Live Wallpapers for Windows.

VLC is probably the best solution for this, which should come as no surprise given how versatile information technology is as a media player.

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Well-nigh The Author

Christian Cawley (1599 Manufactures Published)

Deputy Editor for Security, Linux, DIY, Programming, and Tech Explained, and Really Useful Podcast producer, with all-encompassing experience in desktop and software support. A contributor to Linux Format magazine, Christian is a Raspberry Pi tinkerer, Lego lover and retro gaming fan.

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