Lively Wallpaper
Lively Wallpaper is a free, open-source program that lets you use videos, animations and interactive web pages as your Windows desktop wallpaper. It can pause the wallpaper when a full-screen program or game is open to save resources.
github.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (winget)
- ✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 2.2.1.0
- Release date
- Sept. 18, 2025
- License
- GPLv3
- Installer type
- inno
How do I use this?
Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.
winget install --id rocksdanister.LivelyWallpaper -eSHA256 (file verification)
98f4e96bb8e2c416384eeaf48016eadaea9dce8263b8d212052775ebcf2d7e34We couldn't find a macOS version of Lively Wallpaper in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Linux version of Lively Wallpaper in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Android version of Lively Wallpaper in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
Lively Wallpaper 2.2.1.0: what's new?
Highlights
- Use videos, GIFs and web pages as wallpaper
- Built-in library of animated wallpapers
- Pause the wallpaper during full-screen apps or games
- Multi-monitor support
- Wallpapers that react to audio or system information
Who is it for?
For Windows users who want to personalize their desktop with animated wallpapers.
Good to know before installing
- Animated wallpapers increase graphics card and battery use.
- On old or weak PCs the desktop may feel slower.
How to install
Windows
- Click the official download button on this page or use the winget command.
- Run the installer and follow the steps.
- Open the app and pick a wallpaper from the library, or drag and drop your own video.
- Check the pause rules for games in the performance settings.
Alternatives
- Rainmeter
- Wallpaper Engine
Frequently asked questions
Is Lively Wallpaper free?
Yes. It is open source and free.
Does it lower FPS in games?
An animated wallpaper uses the graphics card. Lively can pause the wallpaper when a full-screen game opens; make sure that setting is on.
Does it affect laptop battery?
Yes, animated wallpapers use extra power. In the settings you can choose to pause while on battery.