This program will create a slideshow on the desktop and lock screen of a
windows computer. It will recursively look for any .jpg or .png files in
%HOME%\Documents\wallpapers, and use those images for the wallpaper slideshow.
Images are shown in lexicographical order by their paths within the wallpapers folder, and the initial starting image is random.
This application is an improvement over the buit-in slideshow mechanism in several ways:
- Every image is guaranteed an equal amount of time on-screen.
- Both the desktop and the lock screen are set simultaneously.
- Recursive searching of image files allows for better organization of the wallpaper source directory.
Installation is relatively simple:
- In your 'Documents' folder create a folder called 'wallpapers'. Place at least one .png or .jpg file inside that folder, or a subfolder of that folder.
- Download the latest release.
- Open the 'Run' dialogue, using the hotkey Win + R. Enter
shell:startup, and click 'OK'. - Copy the
WallpaperSwitcher.exefile into the folder that opens.
The default settings are as follows:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Wallpaper folder | %HOME%\Documents\wallpapers |
| Wallpaper duration | 120 seconds |
I designed this project with one specific user in mind: me. That means all settings are hardcoded directly into the application code. If you want to change anything, you will have to download the source code, modify the desired variables, and recompile.
I created this project with two goals in mind:
- Fix my problems with the default wallpaper switcher
- Learn the Win32 C++ api.
Goal 1 has already been met, so this project is likely dead. However, if I get bored enough, I might improve this application just to learn more Win32 C++. No promises, though.
Here are some features I'd like to implement:
- User-defined configuration file (no hardcoded settings)
- Run as a windows service instead of a headless application
- GUI for adjusting the order of wallpapers and configuring settings.