In a recent update, users can now navigate to Settings > Personalization > Desktop Background to select any .webp image as their desktop wallpaper. This feature is part of Build 26220.7653, currently available to testers, and is expected to roll out to Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 devices in the near future. While it may not seem monumental, many users appreciate this thoughtful enhancement.
The .webp format, known for its efficient compression capabilities, allows images to maintain high quality while being significantly smaller than traditional formats like JPG and PNG. Although Windows has long supported .webp in applications and web browsers, the addition of this format to the desktop background settings marks a notable improvement. Previously, users were required to convert their images to PNG or JPG before they could be used as wallpapers, but now Windows can reliably decode .webp images directly.
Microsoft has been mulling video formats for your desktop background, but recent builds have no sign of the feature
In addition to static images, Microsoft has been exploring the possibility of allowing video formats, such as .mp4, to be used as desktop backgrounds in Windows 11. This feature, if implemented, would enable videos to play automatically in a loop without significantly draining battery life, unlike some third-party applications. Popular tools like Lively Wallpaper and Wallpaper Engine already provide similar functionalities, allowing users to set videos as their wallpapers.
Microsoft’s approach aims to simplify this process by integrating it directly into the Settings > Personalization > Background menu. Users would simply need to select a video file from their collection, which could include formats such as .webm, .mp4, .m4v, .mov, .wmv, .avi, .mkv, and .webm.
In a hands-on test, selecting an MP4 file and restarting Explorer.exe resulted in the video being applied seamlessly as the desktop background. For instance, a short video featuring the Windows Bloom animation was set as the wallpaper and played in a continuous loop. While the Bloom video may not be ideal for everyday use, those who prefer aesthetically pleasing visuals with minimal motion might find video backgrounds appealing.
Interestingly, tests conducted by Windows Latest revealed that there appears to be no size limit on the videos that can be applied as wallpapers, and resource usage remained stable during the tests. However, it is worth noting that this video wallpaper feature, which first emerged in preview builds back in September, has not been included in the latest builds. Whether this indicates a halt in development remains uncertain, leaving users with the current option of .webp images for their desktop backgrounds.
