The Windows DreamScene is part of free extra freebie package Ultimate Extras for Windows Vista Ultimate edition. Officially, if you own Windows Vista Ultimate, you can download the Ultimate Extras from Windows Update or Microsoft Update website, where it will automatically detect which edition is your Windows Vista and will display Ultimate Extras as download option if the OS is detected as Vista Ultimate. However, if you can’t wait a few more days to the official release of Ultimate Extras on 30th January 2007 (the release of Windows DreamScene has been delayed, and will likely be released as technology preview (beta as release candidate) before official roll out), the beta version of Windows DreamScene installer or setup file has been leaked and available as the standalone free download.

You can download Windows DreamScene x86 beta setup installer via BitTorrent P2P network (BT clients such as BitComet required). Download the torrent here (no longer available. Alternatively, direct download links for DreamScenex86.zip here (no longer available) and here (no longer available). The zip archive contains DSx86.msu (Microsoft Update Standalone Package for Windows Vista) used to install Windows DreamScene. Inside also contains free DreamScene videos of aurora8x6.wmv and Bliss.wmv.

Update: Official preview release of DreamScene.

Windows DreamScene supports only .mpeg and .wmv video file formats. Beside, the video support requires a graphics card that supports Windows Aero. However, for computers that do not support the Windows Aero desktop experience, this Extra adds new positioning options for backgrounds, including stationary pictures.

How to Use Windows DreamScene to Set Video as Motion Desktop Background

Once you install Windows DreamScene, just right-click on Windows Vista desktop and then select “Personalize”. In the Personalization window, select “Desktop Background”. And at the Picture Location drop-down list, select “Videos” or “Windows DreamScene Content”. You will be shown a list of video available. Simply pick a video and here you go to enjoy the motion desktop video background experience.

This release has been tested as working on Windows Vista Ultimate RTM activated. It is unlikely to work on unactivated Windows Vista systems or any other flavors of Vista or non-Vista system.