Microsoft Shelves Plans for Dynamic Wallpapers in Windows 11
Microsoft has reportedly abandoned its long-standing project to introduce dynamic animated wallpapers for Windows 11, despite years of development. The feature, which was slated for release in 2023, has likely been canceled, according to recent reports.
Sergey Kisselev, a former motion designer and 3D artist at Microsoft, recently shared insights into the development of these dynamic wallpapers. Kisselev, who contributed to Windows design elements and the Fluent design system for over eight years before joining Amazon in 2022, revealed that the project was part of the Windows Creative Direction Team’s initiative.
The animated backgrounds were specifically designed to complement Windows 11’s centered Start Menu and taskbar, with a primary focus on enhancing the user experience for Microsoft’s low-cost devices, particularly targeting educational users.
Initially planned for release with the Windows 11 23H2 update, the feature appears to have been scrapped. Windows Central reports that unfinished elements of the dynamic wallpapers appeared in versions 22H2 and 23H2 but were subsequently removed in the latest 24H2 update.
The proposed dynamic wallpapers bore a resemblance to Microsoft’s Xbox dashboard animations. Currently, Windows 11 users can only access animated wallpapers through third-party applications such as Wallpaper Engine. It’s worth noting that Microsoft previously supported video wallpapers with Windows DreamScene in Windows Vista.
The decision to cancel the feature has surprised many, given the extensive design efforts invested in its development. As it stands, Microsoft has not officially commented on the status of the dynamic wallpaper project or its plans for similar features in Windows 11.
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