How to configure screen saver timeout in Windows
The Screensaver is a very good feature that allows the users of a computer to be able to display images or wallpaper automatically when the system is at rest or idle. Some organizations make use of the screensaver to disseminate information to staff or for some form of adverts. But sometimes the screensaver of your computer can get turned on earlier or a bit late, in this guide, I will be showing you how to configure screen saver timeout in Windows. Please see how to Enable or Disable Screen Saver on Windows.
Note that the screensaver in Windows 10 is turned off by default and you will need a simple configuration to turn it on which I will be demonstrating in this video through the Personalization settings and Registry Editor.
If you need guides on Windows screensaver you can read these: How to prevent Windows Users from changing the Screen Saver via the Registry Settings, how to set Desktop Wallpaper, Prevent access to Registry Editing tools, enable Screen Saver Timeout via Group Policy.
1: Configure Screensaver timeout through Personalization settings
Follow the steps below to configure your screensaver timeout. See how to perform this task via group policy: How to enable or disable Screen Saver in Windows 10 or Windows 11 via Windows Settings or Group Policy.
In the Start menu type “screensaver” or locate the Appearance and Personalization. Click on any of the options to open the screen saver settings.
On the screen saver settings, you can change the screen saver type, preview, Settings, and waiting time, and you can decide to display the lock screen on your resume.
Now go to the wait section and change the time there to the time you want the screen to wait before changing to the screensaver. After this is completed you can click the OK button.
Please see MsSQL Connection timeout and timeout period expired, Group Policy: Desktop Wallpaper and Screen Saver Management, and Exploring the Reasons to use or not use Screensavers in Windows.
2. Configure Screensaver timeout through Registry Editor
Another method you can use to change the Screensaver timeout settings is by using the Registry Editor. Follow these steps:
Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit.exe in the search box or command prompt.
Navigate to: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
Right-click Windows and select New>Key.
Name the key “Control Panel” right-click it and click New > Key and then name it “Desktop”.
Click on the Desktop key and right-click on the empty space in the right pane and select New > String Value and then type “ScreenSaveTimeOut” in the box and hit Enter to save it.
Right-click the ScreenSaveTimeOut string value to access the option to Modify. Follow these steps on how to configure screensaver timeout in Windows 10: Set the desired data value and click OK.
After completing these steps, verify if the Screensaver activates as intended. Please see How to disable automatic screen lock in Ubuntu Linux.
FAQs
Is there a way to enable or disable the screen saver using Command Prompt?
You can use the regedit command to modify the Windows Registry. Here’s an example to disable the screen saver: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
– Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
– Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
– Find the ScreenSaveActive entry on the right side and double-click it.
– Change the value to 0 disable the screen saver.
Note: Modifying the registry can have system-wide effects. Exercise caution!
How Can I Disable the Screen Saver on Windows?
To disable the screen saver, follow these steps: Right-click on the desktop and select “Personalize.”
– Click on “Lock screen” in the left sidebar. Scroll down and click “Screen saver settings.”
– In the Screen Saver Settings dialog box, choose “None” from the drop-down menu.
– Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
The screen saver will be disabled, and your screen will not enter screen saver mode anymore.
I hope you found this blog post on how to configure screen saver timeout in Windows 10 interesting and helpful. In case you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask in the comment section.
