Microsoft is working on adding a new “Depth effect feature in Windows 11” which will use AI to add depth effects to desktop backgrounds when enabled.
FYI, the Depth effect automatically detects an object in a wallpaper or picture and lifts it from the background, and places it in front. As a result, adds a 3D effect to the wallpaper.
The first traces of the Depth effect feature is first spotted in Windows 11 build 25309. At times the feature is under development, non-functional, and disabled out of the box.
Starting with Windows 11 build 23466 in the Dev channel @thebookisclosed manage to enable the depth effect for desktop background. You can check the video demonstration below:
In the above video, the animation is triggered by the mouse. If the device is equipped with a gyroscope sensor, the effects can utilize the orientation of the device to enhance the transitions. This suggests that going forward, these effects may necessitate a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) chip.
Enable Depth Effect for Desktop Background in Windows 11 (When Available)
On the basis of the information shared in the video above. The settings to manage the Depth effect feature is available on the Personalization setting page. Once people get access to this feature, here’s how you can enable or disable it:
Launch the Settings app in Windows 11. For that, click on the Start button and select Settings from the Start menu.
Switch to Personalization Tab on the left. And then on the right side, select Background.
On the Desktop Background Settings page, scroll down and Toggle ON the ‘Depth Effect’ option to enable the AI-Based Depth Effect for Desktop backgrounds in Windows 11.
Although it is possible for the users to enable the feature in Windows 11 build 23466, the process requires lots of work and heavy modification in OS which is not an easy task.
Depth Effect for Desktop Background in Windows 11 accompanied by New File Explorer Header UI, Never Combine Taskbar Button, End Task in Taskbar App Jumplist, and View Wifi Password from the Settings app features is expected to come with Windows 11 23H2 which is set to release in September or October this year.
Whenever we get additional information about the Depth effect feature, we will try to update this article as soon as possible.
In the meantime, why don’t you share your opinion about AI Powered by Depth effect feature in Windows 11?
Thanks, @thebookisclosed, @XenoPanther, and @PhantomOfEarth (Twitter) for sharing information about this feature.
