Back when Windows 11 launched in 2021, it brought a breath of fresh air to the Windows desktop environment that hadn’t been seen since the era of Windows 8. This release shook things up by giving the iconic Start menu and Taskbar a brand-new look and positioning, which sparked a lot of chatter among users and tech enthusiasts alike.
One of the standout features of Windows 11 is its centered Start menu and Taskbar, introduced alongside other streamlined elements throughout the interface. To complement these changes, Microsoft rolled out a series of new wallpapers, with the most notable being the vibrant “Bloom” wallpaper, which has become something of a signature look for this version of Windows.
But Microsoft didn’t stop at static images. They began experimenting with dynamic wallpapers for Windows 11, aimed at allowing users to enjoy live wallpapers on their desktops or lockscreens. These would provide subtle animation effects in the background. Sergey Kisselev, who once designed for Microsoft’s Windows team, has given us a glimpse into what these dynamic wallpapers might entail.
As shared by Kisselev on Behance, there was a concerted effort to explore using dynamic animations and static images for Microsoft’s more affordable devices, particularly for users in educational settings. This work was part of a broader strategy by the Windows Creative Direction Team to emphasize the new centered layout of Windows 11, which prominently features the centered Start Menu and Taskbar.
Kisselev revealed a fascinating collection of dynamic wallpaper designs targeted at the educational sector, though, to the dismay of many, this feature has yet to become formally available in Windows 11. This could mean that the feature is either shelved for now or potentially deferred for future consideration.
There have been sightings of dynamic wallpaper support in past Windows 11 Insider builds. Initially, Microsoft seemed poised to introduce this feature in version 24H2 of Windows 11, but for reasons unknown, that didn’t materialize.
The question of whether dynamic wallpapers will eventually see the light of day remains unanswered. Fans of the feature can only hope it’s in development for a potential release, perhaps timed with the anticipated 2025 Windows 11 update.
In the meantime, if you’re curious about this creative endeavor, take a moment to explore Kisselev’s impressive work on dynamic wallpapers over on Behance.
