Microsoft Gradually Lifts Compatibility Hold on Wallpaper Customization Applications
In a notable development for users of Windows 11, Microsoft has begun the gradual removal of a compatibility hold that had been in place for devices utilizing wallpaper customization applications. This move comes more than six months after the hold was first implemented, coinciding with the release of Windows 11 24H2.
While Microsoft has not disclosed the specific applications impacted by this hold, it is clear that these tools are favored by both individual users seeking a personalized desktop experience and organizations that employ custom backgrounds for branding and communication purposes. Back in September, the tech giant acknowledged that multiple applications were affected, leading to various issues such as wallpapers not displaying correctly, icons disappearing from the desktop, and error messages surfacing within the applications.
In its latest update, Microsoft confirmed that the safeguard hold is being lifted incrementally as developers roll out updates to their applications. However, the company has yet to clarify the reasons behind the incompatibility of Windows 11 24H2 with these wallpaper customization tools.
Historically, Microsoft has been known to restrict UI customization apps, with notable examples including ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack facing challenges earlier this year. While applications that restore a Windows 10-like experience may require deeper system-level access—something Microsoft typically limits—wallpaper customization tools, which often include animations, seem less likely to pose significant risks.
With the hold now being lifted, users can proceed to update their systems to Windows 11 24H2. However, Microsoft has advised users that they may receive prompts to uninstall their wallpaper applications. The company further recommends updating these applications, as newer versions may be compatible with the latest operating system. Alternatively, users have the option to uninstall the applications entirely to complete the installation of version 24H2.
It’s worth noting that not all wallpaper customization applications were affected by the hold. For instance, Wallpaper Engine released an updated version in February, claiming to enhance compatibility with Windows 11 24H2 alongside addressing various bugs and improvements. Shortly after the launch of Windows 11 24H2, a developer from Wallpaper Engine took to Reddit to highlight a bug that rendered the application invisible when desktop icons were also hidden at startup, suggesting that some users might need to install Windows updates released in January 2025 for resolution.
The delay in lifting the safeguard hold raises questions about Microsoft’s timeline, which appears to hinge more on developers updating their applications rather than the company addressing the underlying changes between Windows 11 23H2 and 24H2. Microsoft has indicated that the timing for resolving these issues on individual devices will depend on the specific application in use and the timing of its updates.
As developers continue to release new versions and updates for their applications, it is anticipated that these compatibility issues will gradually be resolved, allowing users to enjoy a more personalized desktop experience once again.
