Download Wallpaper Engine and bring your desktop to life
Most of us have probably experimented with different desktop backgrounds on our computers — the built-in wallpapers that come with the installation of Windows are fine, but many of us enjoy customizing the background to reflect our personality. With Wallpaper Engine, you can take it a step further — not only can you show off your personality, you can do it with a new level of flair and sophistication.
Wallpaper Engine is a program that lets your curated wallpapers (yours or those shared by others) move, giving them brand-new life — and in turn refreshing your computer as well.
Ease of use
The program is exceptionally easy to start using — simply purchase the software from the Steam store, install it, and open the app. You’ll then be greeted by an introduction screen — from there, you can jump right in. At the top of the screen, you have three main categories: 'Installed', 'Discover', and 'Workshop'. Under 'Installed' you’ll find all the live wallpapers you’ve added, making it quick and easy to choose between them.
If you want to see the very best (most installed, most liked, etc.), head to 'Discover', where you’ll find the most popular wallpapers right now. Wallpapers are grouped into the categories people search for most. Note that you may occasionally encounter NSFW content on this and other pages unless you actively opt out (you’ll be asked whether you want to see NSFW material the first time you open the program).
If the 'Discover' page doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you can browse the Workshop within the app and search for specific keywords that match your favorite characters, franchises, or general terms like 'Animals', 'Cars', or whatever you’re into. With more than 1 million different live wallpapers, Wallpaper Engine has something for everyone — go find your next favorite background today.
Security — when downloading online
Any time you download something from the internet, there’s a chance you could expose yourself to corrupted files that can harm your computer. That’s why the creators of Wallpaper Engine award certain 'badges' to files they’ve scanned for malware, so you at least know there’s no risk in downloading those particular files.
As with everything you do online, it’s always a good idea to think twice and proceed carefully when installing anything on your PC, including interactive wallpapers or videos. We’ve never had issues with spam or viruses in the program’s downloads, and the app also highlights potential risks so you can stay aware — for example, by choosing downloads the developers themselves trust.
If you want stronger overall protection on your PC, we recommend browsing our catalog of programs that help improve your security. There you’ll find a wide range of essential tools that protect you both actively and passively while you use your computer.
Create your own animated wallpapers with the Wallpaper Engine Editor
If the section above made you wary of downloading wallpapers, you can always take another route and bring your own images to life with the smart Wallpaper Engine Editor. This tool unlocks editing features that transform still images into living, cinematic experiences.
Other users also import video files — with or without audio — to have iconic clips playing in the background.
Does Wallpaper Engine use your PC’s resources while the background is running?
Wallpaper Engine is designed to avoid using unnecessary CPU while you’re using your computer. Of course, it depends — for example, interactive wallpapers will use more resources than a simple background that changes an image every five minutes. Overall, the goal is for the program to run in the background without impacting your games or videos.
If your PC is a bit older or has limited memory, you can pause wallpaper functionality and playback while other apps are in the foreground. This way, the program starts and stops automatically — for example, when you open your web browser or launch a game. You can automate this behavior in the app’s settings so you don’t even have to remember to toggle it yourself.
Choose whether your favorite music plays on startup — or keep it completely silent
A fun extra feature in the program is the ability to play music in the background. You can choose to have music play continuously (popular with certain rain-themed wallpapers that create a cozy atmosphere) or have audio turn on or off automatically depending on whether the wallpaper is the active window or you’re working on something else.
Some wallpapers don’t include sound at all, but if you’re a big fan of Arthas from the Warcraft universe, you’ll likely be impressed the first time you install one of the very popular Lich King wallpapers. The background starts playing the spine-chilling song O Thanagor as Arthas — wearing the Helm of Domination and his iconic tattered cloak — stands in Northrend’s barren, icy landscape, staring coldly with dead, blue eyes while snow whirls around the king of death.
This is just one example of how Wallpaper Engine helps you personalize something as trivial as your startup experience every time you turn on your PC.
Conclusion
Wallpaper Engine is a must-have if you love customizing your desktop background or screensaver and want to freshen up your PC. Everyone — from younger to older users — can enjoy a cool or cute background. And even though the program gets more popular every year, you’ll probably still surprise friends and family when they see your background change or react as you move your mouse.
Download Wallpaper Engine
