How to Turn On the Screen Saver in Windows 11

In the era of modern LCD and OLED monitors, traditional “screen savers” are no longer strictly necessary to prevent image burn-in like they were on old CRT monitors. Today, most operating systems simply turn off the display entirely to save power. However, many users still enjoy the aesthetic appeal of a screen saver, using it to display a slideshow of personal photos, floating bubbles, or 3D text when they step away from their desk. Windows 11 still includes classic screen saver functionality, though the setting is somewhat hidden away in the personalization menus.

How to Access the Screen Saver Settings

The screen saver controls are not located in the main “Display” settings; they are part of the lock screen customization options.

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar and open the Settings app (the gear icon).
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Personalization.
3. On the right side of the window, scroll down and click on Lock screen.
4. Scroll all the way to the very bottom of the Lock screen page. Look under the “Related settings” section.
5. Click the link labeled Screen saver.
6. A classic, older-style Windows dialogue box titled “Screen Saver Settings” will pop up on your screen.

How to Choose and Configure Your Screen Saver

Once the settings window is open, you can select and customize what appears when your computer is idle.

1. Look for the drop-down menu directly below the monitor icon. By default, it will likely say “(None)”.
2. Click the drop-down and select a screen saver. Options usually include 3D Text, Blank, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos, and Ribbons.
3. Click the Preview button to see a full-screen demonstration of your choice. Move your mouse to exit the preview.
4. If you selected “3D Text” or “Photos,” click the Settings… button next to the drop-down menu. This allows you to type your custom text or select the specific folder of pictures you want the slideshow to use.

How to Set the Idle Time

Finally, you must tell Windows how long the computer needs to be inactive before the screen saver starts.

1. In the Screen Saver Settings window, look for the box labeled Wait:.
2. Use the up and down arrows to set the number of minutes (e.g., 10 minutes). This means if you do not touch the mouse or keyboard for 10 minutes, the animation will begin.
3. Optional Security: If you check the box labeled “On resume, display logon screen,” your computer will lock itself when the screen saver starts. You will need to enter your password or use Windows Hello to get back to your desktop. This is highly recommended for office environments.
4. Once you are satisfied with your choices, click Apply and then OK.