Desktop wallpapers are nice to look at, but they tin be a little static. Information technology's time to cease all of that and set a video wallpaper instead.

Several tools are available for this, each with slightly differing results. But whatever your platform, exist it Windows 10, macOS, Linux or Chrome OS, you should discover one that works for you.

Select a Video for Your Desktop Background

Earlier yous get started setting a video equally a desktop background, you lot need to spend a few moments because which video prune you wish to use.

Different types of videos are suitable for different purposes. For example, if you only want to enjoy your favorite movie while you work or scan the web, just choose a video of a suitable length.

If, however, you lot actually want an center-catching desktop groundwork, then selecting a shorter clip would be more appropriate, especially if information technology's something that volition exist hitting when looped. Video clips and GIFs tin can both be used.

Here are four ways to fix a video wallpaper for your desktop. These options tin work on Windows 10, macOS, Linux, and Chrome Os.

1. Set up a Video Background on Windows With Button 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 easy to utilize. On the downside, it'south non free (costing around $10 to buy). All the same, you do get a free trial.

Begin by heading to the site and downloading PUSH Video Wallpaper. Run the EXE file to install, and then launch the app. Instantaneously, your desktop background will be transformed as the app runs, displaying a demo video clip on a loop.

To alter this:

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

Other controls include a shuffle button, the option to modify video intervals, and a volume/mute button. This could show useful for decision-making sound levels when you lot might prefer to be working. Playlists of videos for a video wallpaper can besides exist created.

Create video wallpaper playlists

The result is a smooth, total screen desktop video wallpaper background, with app windows and icons sitting in the foreground. Push button Video Wallpaper is a slap-up option to set a video as your Windows desktop background.

Download: PUSH Video Wallpaper for Windows

2. Set up a Video every bit Your Wallpaper With VLC

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

In theory, this method will 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 Background Video Using VLC

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

  1. Open Tools > Preferences > Videos and set up the Testify Settings box to All.
  2. Next, look for the Output setting and select DirectX (DirectDraw) video output in the drop-down menu.
  3. Click Save, so exit VLC and browse to the video clip you desire to use every bit a background
  4. Right-click the clip and play it in VLC media actor.
  5. As it plays, right-click on the player window and choose Video > Set equally Wallpaper. Alternatively, click Video > Set as Wallpaper from the menu.
Set a video wallpaper on any desktop with VLC Player

Once you're done with the video, maximize VLC media player, open Video, and click DirectX Wallpaper again to remove the check. Then go out the programme.

All the same, for more than recent versions of VLC media thespian, but right click the video and select Video > Set as wallpaper.

However, the VLC solution may not adjust you. Although the video goes into full-screen mode and yous can still access your Windows toolbar and Start button, desktop icons and shortcuts are missing.

It's more of a modified full-screen mode 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 thespian don't encounter your requirements, in that location are various alternatives of varying complication.

Your best option is probably YouTube, which again will work with Windows ten, macOS, Linux, and Chrome Os.

To set a YouTube video as a desktop wallpaper:

  • Open YouTube.com and select your video.
  • Play the prune then fix information technology to full screen.
  • Alt-Tab through the open apps and place them on top of the video.

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

4. Set a Windows Video Desktop Groundwork With Desktop Live Wallpaper+

Set a video as the Windows 10 desktop background

A 4th option is for Windows ten and uses a tool available from the Windows Store. Desktop Live Wallpaper+ puts you in full control of the images, GIFs, and videos that play on your desktop groundwork.

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

Download: Desktop Live Wallpaper+ (Gratis)

After installing, y'all'll find Desktop Live Wallpaper+ in the Outset carte du jour, nether Recently Added.

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

  1. Click Add Photos/Videos.
  2. Click Option from PC to scan to where your video backgrounds are stored (the app besides provides video download resources).
  3. Select each video, image, or GIF you want to use equally 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 plough. Want to change this? Only click Add Photos/Videos to add more from your PC and click Apply Changes.

Use the Settings tool to accommodate Photo Elapsing and Employ Transitions, and toggle Video Audio and AutoStart.

Set a video as the Windows 10 desktop background

If you desire to finish the video groundwork on your Windows 10 desktop:

  1. Go to the System Tray.
  2. Correct-click Desktop Live Wallpaper+.
  3. Click Leave.
Stop Windows 10 desktop video backgrounds

The app volition and so close.

Take Your Desktop Theming to the Next Level

You probably know of various ways to customize your desktop, from simply changing the background moving-picture show to moving the taskbar. But adding a video as the desktop background is the last stage of customization.

If you haven't tried information technology already, now is surely the time. You have 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 it is as a media actor.

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About The Author

Christian Cawley (1599 Articles Published)

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

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