In context: Almost each main working system comes with glossy dwell wallpapers. iOS has them, Android does too, and so does macOS. Microsoft had been engaged on the same characteristic for Home windows 11, however for causes unknown, the undertaking by no means made it to completion.
Former Microsoft designer Sergey Kisselev, who labored on the Home windows staff, has unveiled some intriguing ideas he helped develop. On Behance, now you can discover the dynamic desktop backgrounds Microsoft had been experimenting with.
Kisselev defined that these “residing wallpaper” designs had been initially supposed for low-cost Home windows gadgets aimed toward academic customers. Nonetheless, the broader imaginative and prescient was to “have a good time a brand new centered signature composition for Home windows 11,” aligning seamlessly with the redesigned Begin menu and taskbar.
The ideas shared by Kisselev are a vibrant assortment, that includes mild animations designed to introduce delicate movement to the Home windows desktop. These designs showcased summary shapes and patterns that shifted and flowed, making a dynamic but distinctly “Microsoft” aesthetic.
Kisselev additionally revealed that the wallpaper engine was designed to adapt seamlessly to each gentle and darkish modes in Home windows 11. This elegant strategy might have introduced a refreshing new look to the in any other case static Home windows desktop.
Sadly, it was not meant to be. Regardless of these bold designs – and hints of the characteristic showing in Home windows 11 variations 22H2 and 23H2 – dynamic wallpapers by no means turned an official providing. In response to Home windows watcher Albacore, the aptitude has now been scrapped completely, with the remaining traces eliminated within the current 24H2 replace.
“Have they already been scrapped?” Yeah.
The (unfinished) elements for this truly shipped with Home windows 11 model 22H2 and 23H2 however obtained eliminated in 24H2. The identical system part additionally powers the AI / depth impact enhanced wallpapers
Every part cool is destined to be canceled https://t.co/YNmEDBLve2– Albacore ☁️ (@thebookisclosed) January 2, 2025
This omission is puzzling, particularly on condition that Microsoft had beforehand explored related territory with the DreamScene characteristic in Home windows Vista. DreamScene allowed customers to set video information as animated wallpapers, hinting on the firm’s curiosity in dynamic desktop experiences.
So, what went flawed? It is anybody’s guess. Maybe the efficiency overhead of such a characteristic was thought of too vital, or perhaps Microsoft shifted its focus to different priorities within the Home windows 11 improvement course of.
The excellent news is that should you’re open to utilizing third-party apps, choices like Wallpaper Engine on Steam can present related performance.
For now, you possibly can nonetheless admire these pleasant “might-have-beens” on Kisselev’s Behance. Even with out the animations, a few of these designs would make for glossy static backgrounds.
