The Picasa screensaver, Google Pack screensaver or the My Pictures Slideshow screensaver that comes bundled with Microsoft Windows XP are limited to playing only image files. If you like to run screensavers with movie videos instead of boring static photographs, download this free Video Screensaver by Microsoft.

Microsoft is offering a free download of Microsoft Video Screensaver to all genuine Windows customers. The video screensaver lets you play a slideshow of sample movie clips or your favorite home videos as your screensaver.

Simply point the Microsoft Video Screensaver in the configuration dialog to a custom video folder and you can play your own video files or links to these video files from that folder - either randomly or in sequential order.

All video content can be run in its original size or stretched to be displayed in full screen, with or without sound.

The Microsoft Video Screensaver includes a sample movie that shows you interesting sights, sounds, and cultures from around the world, including India, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Germany and China.

Microsoft Video Screensaver is currently available in English, Brazilian Portuguese, German and simplified Chinese.

Download Microsoft Video Screensaver (WGA required)

Bypass WGA: Direct link to download video screensaver

Windows Media Player 9 users may download the Windows XP Creativity Fun Pack PowerToys Video Screensaver here. Not compatible with Windows Media Player 10+.