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Lively Wallpaper is a popular app that brings animated and interactive wallpapers to your Windows 11 desktop. Sometimes, users may experience issues where Lively Wallpaper stops working or fails to display animations properly.

This guide will help you fix common problems with Lively Wallpaper on Windows 11. Each solution is explained in simple steps, so even beginners can follow along easily.

By following these methods, you should be able to get Lively Wallpaper working smoothly again. Let’s dive into the troubleshooting process.

Whether you just installed the app or it suddenly stopped working, this article covers all the basics and some advanced tips.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before trying any fixes, make sure of the following:

• Your Windows 11 is updated: Sometimes system updates fix compatibility issues.
• Lively Wallpaper is updated: Ensure you have the latest version installed from the official website or Microsoft Store.
• Your PC meets the minimum requirements: Animated wallpapers need a decent graphics card and enough system resources.
• No conflicting software is running: Some apps might interfere with Lively Wallpaper (e.g., other wallpaper apps or certain antivirus programs).

Step 1: Restart Lively Wallpaper and Your Computer

Often, the simplest fix is to restart the app and your PC. This clears temporary glitches that might be causing the problem.

1. Close Lively Wallpaper completely by right-clicking its icon in the system tray and selecting Exit.
2. Restart your computer to refresh system processes.
3. Open Lively Wallpaper again and check if the wallpapers are working.

Why this matters: Restarting clears any temporary software conflicts or memory issues that can stop apps from running properly.

Step 2: Check Lively Wallpaper Running in Administrator Mode

Sometimes, Lively Wallpaper requires administrator permissions to control the desktop background properly.

1. Right-click the Lively Wallpaper shortcut or executable file.
2. Select Run as administrator.
3. See if the wallpapers now display correctly.

Why this matters: Administrative rights allow Lively Wallpaper to access system-level functions needed for animated wallpaper rendering.

Step 3: Verify Wallpaper Settings Inside Lively Wallpaper

Make sure that the wallpaper you selected is supported and active.

1. Open Lively Wallpaper.
2. Look at the selected wallpaper in the app’s main window.
3. If no wallpaper is selected, choose one from the library.
4. If the wallpaper is animated but not showing, try selecting a different live wallpaper to test.

Why this matters: Sometimes the app may be running, but no wallpaper is applied, or an unsupported file could cause issues.

Step 4: Disable Conflicting Software

Some applications or system settings can interfere with Lively Wallpaper.

• Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software and check if Lively Wallpaper works.
• Close other wallpaper apps or customization tools that might be running.
• Check Windows Focus Assist or other system settings that might hide animations.

Why this matters: Conflicting software can block Lively Wallpaper from changing the desktop background or using GPU resources.

Step 5: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can stop animated wallpapers from running correctly.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and follow prompts.
5. Restart your computer after updating.

Why this matters: Graphics drivers manage how your PC displays visuals, including animated wallpapers.

Step 6: Reinstall Lively Wallpaper

If none of the above works, try reinstalling the app to fix possible installation corruption.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find Lively Wallpaper and click Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Download the latest version of Lively Wallpaper from the official website or Microsoft Store.
5. Install and run the app again.

Why this matters: Reinstalling fixes broken files and resets app settings to default.

Alternative Method: Use Compatibility Mode

If Lively Wallpaper still doesn’t work, try running it in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows.

1. Right-click the Lively Wallpaper shortcut and select Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10.
4. Click Apply and then OK.
5. Run Lively Wallpaper again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Lively Wallpaper stop working after a Windows update?

Windows updates can change system files or drivers, causing compatibility issues. Updating Lively Wallpaper and graphics drivers usually fixes this.

Can Lively Wallpaper slow down my PC?

Animated wallpapers use more resources than static ones. On older PCs, this might cause slowdowns. Adjusting settings or using lighter wallpapers can help.

Is Lively Wallpaper safe to use?

Yes, as long as you download it from trusted sources like the official website or Microsoft Store, it is safe and free from malware.

How do I stop Lively Wallpaper from starting automatically?

Open Lively Wallpaper settings and disable the option to start on boot, or manage startup apps through Task Manager > Startup.

Why is Lively Wallpaper not showing on multiple monitors?

The app sometimes has trouble with multi-monitor setups. Try selecting wallpapers individually for each display or check for app updates that improve multi-monitor support.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and Lively Wallpaper still does not work, consider these final options:

• Visit the official Lively Wallpaper GitHub page to check for known issues and updates.
• Post your problem on forums or communities related to Lively Wallpaper for help from other users.
• Consider alternative live wallpaper apps if the issue persists.
• As a last resort, you can reset Windows 11 or perform a system restore to a point when Lively Wallpaper was working.

Conclusion

Lively Wallpaper is a fantastic app for enhancing your Windows 11 desktop with animated backgrounds, but sometimes it may stop working due to software conflicts, outdated drivers, or incorrect settings.

Start by restarting the app and your PC, then check permissions, update drivers, and ensure no conflicting software is running. Reinstalling the app or running it in compatibility mode are good next steps.

By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to fix most issues with Lively Wallpaper and enjoy a lively desktop once again.