In context: Practically each main working system comes with modern stay wallpapers. iOS has them, Android does too, and so does macOS. Microsoft had been engaged on an identical function for Home windows 11, however for causes unknown, the venture by no means made it to completion.
Former Microsoft designer Sergey Kisselev, who labored on the Home windows crew, 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 have been initially supposed for low-cost Home windows units aimed toward academic customers. Nevertheless, the broader imaginative and prescient was to “have fun 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 mild and darkish modes in Home windows 11. This elegant method 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 formidable designs – and hints of the function showing in Home windows 11 variations 22H2 and 23H2 – dynamic wallpapers by no means grew to become an official providing. Based on Home windows watcher Albacore, the aptitude has now been scrapped solely, with the remaining traces eliminated within the latest 24H2 replace.
“Have they already been scrapped?” Yeah.
The (unfinished) parts for this really shipped with Home windows 11 model 22H2 and 23H2 however obtained eliminated in 24H2. The identical system element 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 function 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 fallacious? It is anybody’s guess. Maybe the efficiency overhead of such a function was thought-about too important, or perhaps Microsoft shifted its focus to different priorities within the Home windows 11 growth course of.
The excellent news is that if you happen to’re open to utilizing third-party apps, choices like Wallpaper Engine on Steam can present related performance.
For now, you’ll be able to nonetheless admire these pleasant “might-have-beens” on Kisselev’s Behance. Even with out the animations, a few of these designs would make for modern static backgrounds.
