Changing the display timeout in Windows 11 is a simple process that helps you manage your screen’s sleep settings. By adjusting this, you can decide how long your screen stays on when your computer is idle.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Change Display Timeout in Windows 11
In the following steps, I’ll walk you through how to adjust your display timeout settings in Windows 11. By the end, your screen will stay on for as long as you prefer when you’re not actively using your computer.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon.
When you click the Start menu, you’ll see a gear icon labeled Settings. Clicking this takes you to the control center for all your system’s configurations.
Step 2: Navigate to System
Next, in the Settings window, click on System.
The System section includes all the core functionalities and hardware settings for your computer. This is where you’ll find the display settings.
Step 3: Go to Power & battery
In the System menu, find and click on Power & battery.
Power & battery settings are where you manage your device’s energy consumption. This controls how your display behaves when not in use.
Step 4: Adjust the Screen and Sleep settings
Scroll down to the Screen and Sleep section and adjust the time settings to your preference.
Here, you can set different timeouts for when your device is plugged in or running on battery. Simply choose the time intervals that best suit your needs.
Step 5: Save and Exit
Finally, close the Settings window to save your new timeout settings.
These changes are saved automatically, so you don’t need to worry about finding a save button. Just close out, and your new settings will take effect.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your display timeout settings will be updated. Your screen will now turn off after the time period you’ve set when the computer is idle.
Tips for Changing Display Timeout in Windows 11
- Balance Performance and Battery Life: Longer display times can drain your battery faster, so find a balance between usability and energy efficiency.
- Frequent Adjustments: If you often change locations, frequently adjust these settings to match your current environment, like shorter times for cafes and longer times for home use.
- Use Power Modes: Windows 11 power modes (like Best Performance or Best Battery) can automatically adjust display timeout settings.
- Shortcut Creation: Create a desktop shortcut to the Power & battery settings for quick access.
- Monitor Wear and Tear: Be mindful of leaving the display on for too long to avoid potential screen burn-in, especially on OLED screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Settings quickly?
Pressing Windows + I on your keyboard will open the Settings menu immediately.
Can I set different timeouts for when my laptop is plugged in versus on battery?
Yes, you can customize your display timeout settings separately for plugged-in and battery modes.
Is it possible to set the screen to never turn off?
Yes, you can set the display timeout to “Never” in the Screen and Sleep settings.
Do these settings affect my computer’s performance?
Adjusting display timeout settings generally does not impact performance, but it can affect battery life.
Can I change display timeout settings using a command line?
Yes, you can use command line tools like PowerCFG to adjust these settings, though it’s more complex.
Summary of Steps
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to System.
- Go to Power & battery.
- Adjust the Screen and Sleep settings.
- Save and Exit.
Conclusion
Changing the display timeout in Windows 11 is a straightforward task that can significantly affect your day-to-day computer use. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life or keep your screen awake longer, knowing how to adjust these settings can be very useful.
You now have the knowledge to change your display timeout settings in just a few steps. For further reading, you might explore other power settings in Windows 11 to optimize your device’s performance even more. Don’t forget to check out Microsoft’s official documentation for more detailed guides and tips!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.