Is it possible to change desktop wallpaper from Windows8.1 app?

Question

I've searched a lot about this topic and couldn't find a good solution, so:

Is there a way to change the desktop wallpaper from within a windows8.1 app using c#/xaml? eg. by simply providing an image?

Answer 1

You should look into creating a Theme Pack in Windows 8

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb773190(v=vs.85).aspx

It looks like LaunchFileAsync() blocks certain file types and .theme and .deskthemepack are blocked. You will need have the user download the file to their desktop and then double-click on the file.

There is currently no way to set the desktop background - but you can set the lock screen background in a Windows Store app.

Answer 2

As far as i know Win 8 Apps are Sandboxed

You have to Subscribe to everything not included in that Sandbox like using Audio output, the Webcam etc. so the Windows Appstore can show a user what your App wants to Access.

If Windows 8 doesn't provide "Desktop Control" as Subscribable Interface you cannot do this in an App

(I have no Win 8+VisualStudio here so i can't test it right now)