In recent years, Microsoft has been working on introducing dynamic animated wallpapers for Windows 11. However, a former designer’s revelation has brought to light what these animations could have looked like and why they might not be coming anytime soon.
A Former Designer’s Perspective
Sergey Kisselev, a former motion designer and 3D artist at Microsoft, has shared his work on the dynamic wallpapers for Windows 11. Kisselev worked on Windows design elements and Microsoft’s Fluent design system for over eight years before leaving to join Amazon in 2022. His post on Behance details the concept of dynamic wallpapers as part of the Windows Creative Direction Team’s efforts to celebrate a new centered signature composition for Windows 11.
A New Centered Signature Composition
The dynamic wallpapers were designed to highlight the centered Start Menu and taskbar, which was a key aspect of Microsoft’s Fluent design system. The animation was intended to be part of an effort that would primarily target educational users with low-cost devices.
Background on the Project
According to Kisselev, the project was initially explored for Microsoft’s low-cost devices, with the primary goal of creating a visually appealing and engaging user experience. However, it appears that this feature might have been canceled or scrapped altogether.
Windows 11 Updates: A Possible Connection
Windows Central reports that the dynamic wallpapers were originally supposed to ship as part of the 23H2 update for Windows 11. However, this never happened. Albacore, a prominent Windows watcher, suggests that unfinished parts of the feature were shipped in both Windows 11 version 22H2 and 23H2 updates but were removed in the latest 24H2 update.
Why Were They Scrapped?
It’s surprising to see Microsoft investing so much time and effort into bringing back a similar dynamic wallpaper feature that was previously supported with Windows Vista’s DreamScene. This raises questions about why they might have canceled the project, despite having made significant progress.
Possible Reasons for Cancellation
There could be several reasons why Microsoft decided to scrap this project:
- Resources Allocation: With multiple projects vying for resources and attention, it’s possible that the company might have prioritized other features or initiatives.
- Technical Challenges: The development of dynamic wallpapers might have posed technical challenges that were too great to overcome.
- Market Demand: If there wasn’t enough market demand for this feature, Microsoft might have decided not to proceed.
Current Alternatives
For now, users who want animated wallpapers in Windows can install third-party apps like Wallpaper Engine. This app offers a range of customization options and support for various animation formats.
Wallpaper Engine: A Third-Party Solution
While Microsoft’s dynamic wallpaper feature might be canceled, there are alternative solutions available:
- Customization Options: Wallpaper Engine allows users to customize their animated wallpapers with various settings and animations.
- Format Support: The app supports different animation formats, giving users more flexibility in choosing the type of animation they want.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s dynamic animated wallpapers for Windows 11 were an intriguing concept that never saw the light of day. While we might not see these exact features in future updates, it’s always exciting to explore what could have been.
