Want to turn on the screen saver in Windows 11? No worries, it’s probably easier than you think. If you’ve never poked around those settings before, it might feel like trying to find your way through a maze. The main thing is, if your screen isn’t sleeping or displaying the screensaver, it’s usually because of a setting mix-up or just not knowing where the toggle is. So, let’s take it step by step with some practical tips—because these little things can get pretty frustrating if you don’t know what to look for.
Turning On the Screen Saver in Windows 11
Most of the time, it’s a straightforward process, but since Windows keeps hiding some options away, here’s how to actually find them. Expect to go into Settings a couple of times. Once you see the window to choose your screensaver, it’ll be smooth sailing.
Method 1: Use the Settings app
Step 1: Open Settings
Press the Windows key and click the gear icon, or just type “Settings” into the search bar and hit Enter. This opens up the main hub for all your tweaks. The Settings app in Windows 11 is like a big toolbox—except sometimes, it hides the bits you need for screensavers.
Step 2: Go to Personalisation
In the sidebar, find and click Personalisation. It’s where you change how Windows looks, but it’s also where the screensaver options are hiding.
Step 3: Select Lock Screen
Inside Personalisation, look for Lock Screen. You might have to scroll a smidge to find it. Once there, you’ll see a link that says “Screen saver settings”—click that.
Step 4: Open Screen Saver Settings
This opens a classic window—kind of nostalgic, kind of annoying. It’s the spot where you choose your screensaver, set the timeout, and tweak what shows up.
Step 5: Pick Your Screensaver
In the window, there’s a dropdown menu with options like “Blank,” “Photos,” or animated things. Pick one that suits your vibe, then click Apply. Want a quick look before you lock it in? Hit Preview — but sometimes, it’s a bit slow or doesn’t show right away, depending on your setup.
Heads up: some machines can be a bit funny, and the screensaver might not stick straight away. You might need to restart, or disable a couple of energy-saving options first, to get it working.
Extra tips / tricky bits
Why bother? Because it helps stop burn-in if static images are left on the screen for ages. Plus, it’s just nice to have a little something happening without too much hassle.
If your screen stays stuck or doesn’t turn off when idle, that’s a sign to check these settings. Also, if the screensaver isn’t kicking in after the set time, double-check your Power & Sleep settings in Settings > System > Power & Battery to ensure nothing’s overriding it. Because, as you might have noticed, Windows has a way of making simple things complicated sometimes.
Tips for Setting Up the Screen Saver in Windows 11
- Try different screensavers: Windows offers a few options, from simple blank screens to slideshows. Pick what’s least annoying for your workflow.
- Set a good wait time: Around 5-10 minutes usually works well. Too short and it’ll activate too quick; too long, and it might as well not be there.
- Check power & sleep settings: Sometimes, your PC’s power plan interferes. Jump into System > Power & Battery and tweak the Screen and Sleeper timers.
- Go for photo slideshows: If you want something more personal, choose Photos and point it to a folder with your favourite pics.
- Update it now and then: Windows updates can reset or add new options, so it pays to check in every now and then.
FAQs
Why isn’t my screensaver kicking in?
Most likely, the wait time isn’t set right, or another setting like “Turn off display after…” is overriding it. Check your Power & Sleep settings to make sure they’re not cutting it off too early.
Can I use my own photos?
Absolutely. Pick the Photos option and point it to your favourite folder. Windows will handle the rest, even if it’s a bit fiddly to set up.
How do I turn it off if I change my mind?
Just go back into the Screen saver settings and select “None”. Done and dusted.
Is a screensaver still worth using?
Not so much for power saving these days, but it still helps protect your monitor from burn-in and adds a personal touch to your setup.
Can I make my own custom screensaver?
Sure thing. With a few third-party apps, you can make animated or media-rich screensavers if you’re keen.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalisation
- Select Lock Screen
- Click on Screen saver settings
- Pick your screensaver and set the timeout
Hopefully, this saves you a bit of hassle. Getting it done is dead easy once you know where to look, but as usual, Windows makes some easy stuff a bit more complicated than it needs to be.