Configure a Screen Saver in Windows
Applies To
Windows 11 Windows 10Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
Screen savers have been a staple feature in Windows for decades. Originally designed to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors, they have evolved into a customizable feature that adds a personal touch to your Windows device. However, with modern advancements, it's now recommended to put your display to sleep to save energy.
What's a screen saver?
A screen saver is an animated image or pattern that appears on your screen when your computer is idle for a specified period. While modern LCD and LED monitors are less susceptible to burn-in, screen savers remain a popular way to personalize your device and add an extra layer of security.
Why use a screen saver?
While screen savers are no longer essential for preventing burn-in, they offer several benefits:
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Personalization: Customize your screen with animations or photos that reflect your style
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Security: Automatically lock your computer when you're away, protecting your data
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Aesthetics: Add a visually pleasing element to your idle screen
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Prevent Burn-In on OLED Displays: Screen savers can help prevent burn-in on OLED displays by ensuring that static images are not displayed for prolonged periods
Tip: To save energy and reduce wear on your display, it's recommended to put your computer into sleep mode when it's idle. Sleep mode consumes significantly less power than running a screen saver and allows your computer to quickly resume where you left off. To learn more, see How to adjust power and sleep settings in Windows.
Configure a screen saver
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In the Settings app on your Windows device, open Personalization > Lock screen or use the following shortcut:
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Select Screen saver
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In the Screen Saver Settings window, select a screen saver from the drop-down list. Options include 3D Text, Blank, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos, and Ribbons
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Customize Your Screen Saver: if available, select Settings... to customize the selected screen saver. For example, you can create a custom message in the 3D Text screen saver or choose a folder of pictures for the Photos screen saver
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Set the Wait Time: use the Wait option to specify the number of minutes of inactivity before the screen saver activates
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Enable Security: (Optional) Check the On resume, display logon screen option to require a password when resuming from the screen saver
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