Changing your screen saver on Windows 10 is a simple task that can be done in a few steps. This guide will take you through the process, so you can customize your screen saver to your liking.
How to Change Screen Saver Windows 10
Changing your screen saver in Windows 10 allows you to personalize your computer’s idle display settings. Follow these steps to set a new screen saver.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Start menu and click on the Settings gear icon.
In the Settings window, you’ll find options to customize various aspects of your system. This is where you can start the process of changing your screen saver.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
Click on the “Personalization” option within the Settings menu.
The Personalization section lets you adjust the appearance of your desktop, including your screen saver, background, and themes. This is the central hub for all visual changes.
Step 3: Access Lock Screen Settings
Select the “Lock screen” tab on the left side of the window.
The Lock screen settings allow you to control what appears when your computer is locked or inactive. From here, you have access to the screen saver settings.
Step 4: Open Screen Saver Settings
Scroll down and click on “Screen saver settings” at the bottom of the Lock screen options.
This will open a new window specifically for screen saver settings, where you can choose, preview, and customize your screen saver.
Step 5: Choose a Screen Saver
In the Screen Saver Settings window, use the drop-down menu to select a screen saver.
You have several options like 3D Text, Photos, and Blank. You can also preview each one to see how it looks before making a final decision.
Step 6: Adjust Screen Saver Settings
Click on the “Settings” button next to the drop-down menu to customize the chosen screen saver.
Depending on your selection, you can change settings like text, images, speed, and other features. Make sure to click “OK” to save these settings.
Step 7: Set Screen Saver Timeout
Use the “Wait” box to set how many minutes of inactivity will trigger the screen saver.
This helps you control how quickly the screen saver appears after you’ve stopped using your computer. Set a time that aligns with your usage patterns.
Step 8: Apply Your Settings
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save all your changes.
This will ensure that all your new screen saver settings are activated and ready to go.
After you complete these steps, your computer will display the new screen saver after the designated period of inactivity.
Tips for Changing Screen Saver Windows 10
- Choose a screen saver that is easy on the eyes, especially if you’ll be looking at it often.
- If you use a photo screen saver, make sure the photos are high quality to avoid pixelation.
- Regularly update your screen saver settings to keep your computer looking fresh and up-to-date.
- Consider setting a shorter timeout if you often leave your computer unattended.
- Test multiple screen savers to see which one you like best before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I disable the screen saver?
Go to the Screen Saver Settings window and select “None” from the drop-down menu. Click “Apply” to disable the screen saver.
Why doesn’t my screen saver start?
Your screen saver might not start if you have active applications or updates running in the background. Check your system activity to troubleshoot this issue.
Can I use my own photos as a screen saver?
Yes, you can choose “Photos” from the screen saver options and then select a folder containing the images you want to use.
How do I make my screen saver password-protected?
In the Screen Saver Settings window, check the box that says “On resume, display logon screen.” This will require a password to return to your desktop.
Are there additional screen savers I can download?
Yes, there are many third-party screen savers available online. Just make sure to download from reputable sources to avoid malware.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization
- Access Lock Screen Settings
- Open Screen Saver Settings
- Choose a Screen Saver
- Adjust Screen Saver Settings
- Set Screen Saver Timeout
- Apply Your Settings
Conclusion
Changing your screen saver on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that allows you to personalize your computer’s idle display. By following these steps, you’ll be able to choose a screen saver that suits your style and needs. Whether you prefer simple, animated, or photo-based screen savers, Windows 10 offers plenty of options to keep your screen looking fresh.
Regularly updating your screen saver can also help reduce screen burn-in and add a touch of personality to your workspace. Now that you know how to change your screen saver, why not explore other personalization settings to make your Windows 10 experience even better? Whether it’s adjusting your background, themes, or lock screen, there’s always something new to discover. Dive into your settings and start experimenting today!
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.