How to Enable or Disable Screen Savers in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users how to turn screen savers on or off when using Windows 11. Windows comes with screen savers disabled by default since they are not technically needed with modern displays.

Back in the days when most of the display screens were cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, screen savers were used to avoid screen burn-in. Displays today are built differently and don’t require it anymore, but you can still use screen savers if it’s something you want.

Because screen savers are technically unnecessary, Microsoft hasn’t added new screen savers since Windows 7. All the screen savers in Windows 11 are the legacy of the past. But it doesn’t make them bad; there are better ways to make your screen display fun things.

Although Windows 11 has many new and unique features, screen savers are nothing new.

When you want to enable screen savers in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

How to enable screen savers in Windows 11

Again, as mentioned above, screen savers are disabled by default because they’re not technically needed in modern PCs to help avoid screen burn-in. With that said, they’re still available if you want to use them.

If you want to enable screen savers, use these steps:

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Personalization, and select Lock screen on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

Select Screen Saving at the bottom highlighted below on the Lock screen settings.

On the Screen saver settings pane, select the screen saver from the drop-down list you want to use.

Next, set the number of inactive minutes Windows waits before displaying the screen saver. The default value is set to 1 minute. You can use the up or down arrow to choose between 1 and 9999.

You should also check the box to enable On Resume and display the logon screen option to lock your account. With this option, Windows displays the lock screen when you move the mouse or press a key on the keyboard, which stops the screen saver.

You can click the Preview button to preview the screen saver before applying it and pressing the ESC key to exit it.

When you’re done, click OK to save your changes. Then, exit the Settings window.

How to disable screen saver in Windows 11

Suppose you change your mind about using Screen savers. In that case, you can simply turn it off by reversing the steps above and going to the Start menu ==> Settings ==> Personalization ==> Lock screen ==> Screen saver and selecting None for a screen saver.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Screen savers in Windows 11 can enhance your user experience, even if they’re not necessary for preventing burn-in.
• Enabling screen savers is a straightforward process through the System Settings.
• Users can choose from various legacy screen savers and customize their settings, such as wait time and logon screen display.
• If you decide to disable screen savers, it can be done easily by reverting the settings.
• Ultimately, screen savers can provide a fun and personalized touch to your Windows experience.