Re-enable DreamScene: How to Get the Windows Vista Feature Back
Reactivating Windows DreamScene
Have you installed Windows DreamScene via Windows Update, only to find it absent from your Start Menu and Program Files? Simply installing the feature doesn't automatically guarantee its activation. If you're facing this issue, enabling it through the Windows Features menu is necessary. We will proceed through a complete re-installation to ensure proper setup.
Installing via Windows Update
Begin by accessing Windows Update through the Start Menu. You should observe a notification indicating the availability of "Windows Ultimate Extras" for download. Select the "View available Extras" link to proceed.
Ensure all updates are checked, and then initiate the installation process by clicking the "Install" button.
Enabling the DreamScene Component
This step might not be required for all users, but it proved essential in my experience. Open the Control Panel and select the "Programs" option.
Next, click on "Turn Windows features on or off".
Within the list, locate and check the box next to both "Windows Ultimate Extras" and "Windows DreamScene". Then, click "OK".
The system will then begin configuring the selected features…
A prompt will appear requesting a system reboot. It is crucial to reboot your computer at this stage.
Selecting a DreamScene Wallpaper
To choose a DreamScene wallpaper, right-click on your Desktop and select "Personalize", followed by "Desktop Background". You will find a new selection of video files in the drop-down menu, including options within the "Windows DreamScene Content" category, containing the newly installed videos.
Additional options for positioning both images and videos will also be available.
You now have a dynamic wallpaper. While a screenshot cannot fully capture the animation, it is indeed in motion… though its practical utility is debatable.
Pausing the DreamScene Wallpaper
If the animated wallpaper becomes distracting, or causes discomfort, you can pause it by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting "Pause DreamScene".
This feature is arguably one of the least practical additions to Windows. On my high-performance laptop, it consistently consumes approximately 15% of the CPU.
Important Note: Windows DreamScene is exclusively available for users of Vista Ultimate. However, its limited functionality may not be a significant loss for others.
Additional Information
- Feature Availability: DreamScene was designed specifically for Windows Vista Ultimate.
- Performance Impact: Be aware that running DreamScene can noticeably increase CPU usage.
- Pausing: The "Pause DreamScene" option provides a quick way to disable the animation.