By default, Windows 11 is quite aggressive about saving power. If you step away from your desk to grab a coffee, you might return to find your screen turned off and your computer locked, forcing you to type in your PIN or password again. If you are constantly getting up for short periods, this lock screen timeout can quickly become frustrating.
Fortunately, you can easily extend the amount of time Windows waits before locking your session, or even disable it entirely if you are using a desktop computer at home.
How to Change the Lock Screen Timeout
- Click the Start button and open the Settings app (or press Windows Key + I).
- In the left sidebar, select System.
- Click on Power & battery (or just “Power” on a desktop PC).
- Scroll down to the “Power” section and click to expand the Screen and sleep menu.
- You will see two drop-down menus (or four if you are on a laptop, allowing you to configure different settings for battery vs. plugged in). Look for the setting labelled: When plugged in, turn off my screen after.
- Click the drop-down menu and select your preferred time limit (e.g., 15 minutes, 1 hour, or Never).
Note: Changing when the screen turns off will also determine when the computer locks itself. The moment the screen times out, Windows secures the session.
Adjusting the Sleep Timer
In that same “Screen and sleep” menu, you will also see a setting for Put my device to sleep after. If you want your computer to continue downloading files or running background tasks while you are away, ensure the sleep timer is set to a longer duration than your screen timeout. This allows your monitor to turn off and save electricity while the computer itself continues processing.