DreamScene Returns to Windows 11 with Video Backgrounds

21 Sep 2025

Microsoft has breathed new life into the much-missed DreamScene feature, with its latest Windows 11 26x20.6690 Dev/Beta Insider build. For the uninitiated, DreamScene was a popular feature that allowed users to animate their desktop backgrounds with video files, last seen in Windows Vista. Its sudden removal left many fans wanting, but now the wait may finally be over, as users who participate in the Windows Insider program can explore this revived feature.

How to Enable DreamScene in Windows 11

To dive into the enhanced desktop visual experience, users need to be part of the Windows Insider program. Once enrolled, enabling the feature is a straightforward process. It requires activating feature ID 57645315 and restarting explorer.exe. Following these steps, users can navigate to the Settings menu to select a desired video file for their desktop. A variety of formats are supported, including .mp4, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .wmv, .avi, and .webm.

Current Limitations and Alternatives

As enchanted as this revival may seem, there are certain limitations. For one, the feature is experimental and only available on the desktop – the lock screen remains unaffected by this lively backdrop option. Users should also be aware that there is no guarantee DreamScene will move beyond its current Insider build status to a stable public release.

For those wary of relying on an experimental feature, alternatives like Wallpaper Engine offer robust and customizable options for animated backgrounds. These alternatives have become increasingly popular, providing users with various dynamic features that have filled the void left by DreamScene’s earlier disappearance.

The reintroduction of DreamScene might indeed imbue a sense of nostalgia for long-time Windows users and offers a creative outlet to personalize desktop environments. However, its journey to a widespread release remains uncertain, prompting enthusiasts and casual users alike to weigh its experimental allure against tried-and-true desktop enhancement tools currently in the market.

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