Turning Off the Screen Saver on Windows 11
Getting rid of that pesky screen saver on Windows 11 isn’t exactly rocket science, but sometimes it feels like Windows likes to make things a bit more complicated than they need to be. Turning the screen saver off is especially handy when you’re working on a project or giving a presentation, since it keeps your screen active and avoids those awkward interruptions. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it.
First up, click the Start button — you know, the one sitting in the bottom-left corner of your screen on the taskbar. Click it, and you can either find the Settings icon (that little gear) or just press Windows + I to open it straight away. If you’re struggling to find it, just type “Settings” into the search bar next to the Start menu, and it’ll pop up. The Settings app is your main control centre for tweaking all sorts of Windows features.
Once you’re in Settings, look for the Personalisation section. This is where all the fun stuff happens: changing your wallpapers, themes, and now, adjusting your screen saver options. Think of it as redecorating your digital space; a fresh look can make things feel a bit more enjoyable.
Inside Personalisation, scroll down to the Lock Screen tab — this is where you manage what appears when your PC is idle or locked. Opening this section is key to controlling how your computer behaves when not in active use.
If you want to get a bit more granular with the screen timeout settings, head to Settings > System > Power & Sleep, or click the battery icon in the taskbar to explore the Power menu.
Keep scrolling in the Lock Screen settings until you see the Screen saver settings link. Click it, and a new window with various screen saver options will open. Many overlook this step, but it’s where the magic really happens. Nostalgic for those old-school screensavers? You’ll find plenty to choose from.
Pro tip: To jump straight there, press Windows + R, type scrnsave.scr, and press Enter — that’ll open the Screen Saver Settings window instantly.
In the Screen Saver Settings window, simply select the dropdown menu and choose None. That’s all it takes — this will turn off any screensaver. Make sure to click Apply and then OK to confirm. With this setting, your screen will stay on and won’t be interrupted by a screensaver, perfect for working or just relaxing with a movie.
Tip: If you’re about to give a long presentation, you might also want to tweak the Power & Sleep settings to extend the display timeout or set it to Never turn off.
That’s it! Once you follow these steps, your Windows 11 machine will no longer be bothered by screensaver pop-ups. It’s a handy tweak that ensures your display stays ready when you need it — whether you’re editing documents or showing off a slideshow. It’s nice to have that extra bit of control.
Quick Tips for Managing Your Windows 11 Screen Saver Settings
One thing to keep in mind, though: while turning off the screensaver can boost your productivity by preventing disruptions, it’s worth balancing this with power saving. For example, increasing the time before your device sleeps can help save energy without your screen going dark too quickly. Check these options under Settings > System > Power & Battery.
If you’re using a desktop PC, you can also dig a bit deeper into power settings via the Advanced Power Settings.
If you’re on a laptop, be aware that keeping the screen awake for long periods can drain your battery quickly. Adjusting power settings to conserve juice while maintaining proper activity can help your device run longer when on the go.
Feeling inspired? You can also personalise your lock screen with some cool wallpapers or widgets — making the idle moments a bit more interesting.
In summary, just open the Settings app or the Control Panel to manage your screensaver preferences. Here’s a quick checklist to keep handy:
- Open Settings with Windows + I.
- Go to Personalisation > Lock Screen.
- Scroll down and click Screen saver.
- Select (None) from the dropdown menu.
- Click Apply, then OK.
If you prefer the classic control panel, just open it, navigate to Appearance and Personalisation > Personalisation, and click Change screen saver on the left. From there, it’s the same process: pick (None), click Apply, and you’re done.
For quick access to the Screen Saver Settings, press Windows + R, type desk.cpl,,@screensaver, and hit Enter — easy as that!
And don’t forget to review your power settings too:
- Open Settings (Windows + I), then go to System > Power & battery.
- Select Screen and sleep.
- Adjust the timers to prevent your screen from turning off too soon, or set it to Never.
If this helps even one person avoid a bit of hassle, it’s worth sharing. Staying on top of your device settings makes life a lot easier!