Lively Wallpaper turns the Windows desktop into an animated scene, with live wallpapers and screensavers that cost nothing. It is open-source under GPLv3. Version 2.2.1.0 weighs 208 MB and adds a choice of which display plays wallpaper audio, plus a beta channel switch inside the app.
Setting up audio and the visualizer after install
Once installed, check the audio options added in version 2.2.1.0. You can choose which display's wallpaper plays sound, which matters in a Per-screen layout. That option only works with the Grid or All process pause algorithm.
The visualizer audio source is also selectable. Default follows the system playback device, while a specific device stays fixed until it is disconnected.
What the project gets right
The app is free, priced at 0, and licensed under GPLv3 with the source on GitHub. It covers animated wallpapers and screensavers in one tool, and it is listed under desktop themes. A built-in switch to a Beta or Testing release lets you try newer builds from inside the app.
When Rainmeter or Windhawk fits better
Lively only handles wallpapers and screensavers. If you want to change the taskbar, the Start menu or the Explorer shell, alternatives such as TranslucentTB, Open-Shell, ExplorerPatcher or Windhawk cover that ground. Rainmeter is another option for desktop customization.
What's new in 2.2.1.0
Version 2.2.1.0 lets you pick which display plays wallpaper audio and which audio device feeds the visualizer. It also adds an in-app switch to the Beta or Testing release channel.
Lively Wallpaper pros and cons
Pros
- Free, with GPLv3 source code on GitHub
- Audio can be limited to one chosen display
- Visualizer audio device can be fixed or follow the system default
- Beta channel can be joined from within the app
Cons
- 208 MB download is sizable for a wallpaper tool
- Per-display audio needs the Grid or All process pause algorithm
- Test releases may contain bugs and can require deleting the settings file to revert
- Few visual previews are available before installing
Is Lively Wallpaper safe?
The file comes from the official host github.com, linked to developer rocksdanister. The code is open under GPLv3, so anyone can inspect it. No independent security review is available, so no further guarantee can be given.
How to install Lively Wallpaper
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start Lively Wallpaper from the Start menu.
