Turning on the screen saver in Windows 11 is a breeze. All you have to do is open the Settings app, navigate to the Personalization section, and tweak a few options to get it up and running. With just a few clicks, your screen will be protected from burn-in and have a bit of flair when youโre away from your computer.
Turning On Screen Saver in Windows 11
In this section, weโll guide you through the straightforward process of enabling a screen saver in Windows 11. By the end of these steps, youโll have your screen saver set up and ready to go.
Step 1: Open Settings
Access the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and clicking the gear icon.
You can also get to the Settings app by typing โSettingsโ into the search bar and hitting Enter. This app is your command center for customizing Windows.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the Settings window, select the โPersonalizationโ option from the menu.
The Personalization section is like your toolbox for changing the look and feel of your desktop. From here, you can modify your theme, colors, and more.
Step 3: Click on Lock Screen
Within Personalization, find and click on the โLock Screenโ option.
This is where youโll find settings related to what happens when your computer is locked or goes idle. Itโs the gateway to your screen saver settings.
Step 4: Access Screen Saver Settings
Scroll down and click on โScreen saver settings.โ
This will open a new window dedicated to configuring your screen saver. It looks a bit old-school but still gets the job done.
Step 5: Choose Your Screen Saver
In the Screen Saver Settings window, select your desired screen saver from the dropdown menu and click โApply.โ
Experiment with different options to see which one you like best. You can even preview the screen saver before committing to it.
After setting up your new screen saver, youโll notice that your computer automatically displays it after being idle for the designated amount of time. This feature not only adds a personal touch to your PC but also helps protect your screen from burn-in, a common issue with static images.
Tips for Turning On Screen Saver in Windows 11
- Experiment with different screen savers: Windows 11 offers several options, so try a few to see which one you like the most.
- Adjust the wait time: You can set how long your computer needs to be idle before the screen saver activates. Find the balance that suits your workflow.
- Consider energy settings: Pairing your screen saver with power-saving options can help conserve energy when youโre not using your computer.
- Set a lock screen slideshow: If you prefer, you can display a slideshow of your favorite photos instead of a traditional screen saver.
- Regularly update your settings: Your preferences might change over time, so revisit these settings periodically to keep them up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isnโt my screen saver working?
Ensure youโve correctly set the wait time and that no other settings are overriding the screen saver activation.
Can I use my photos as a screen saver?
Yes, you can select the โPhotosโ option and specify the folder containing your images.
How do I disable the screen saver?
Follow the same steps but choose โNoneโ from the screen saver dropdown menu.
Is the screen saver feature necessary?
While not essential, it helps prevent screen burn-in and adds a personal touch to your computer.
Can I create a custom screen saver?
Yes, with third-party software, you can create a custom screen saver featuring your own media.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Click on Lock Screen.
- Access Screen Saver Settings.
- Choose Your Screen Saver.
Conclusion
Turning on the screen saver in Windows 11 is a simple and effective way to protect your screen and add a touch of personality to your PC. By following our step-by-step guide, you can easily navigate through the settings and choose the option that suits your style best. With various screen saver choices available, you have the flexibility to change things up whenever youโre ready for something new.
While enabling a screen saver might seem like a small task, it can make a big difference in your computerโs appearance and longevity. Plus, with added benefits like preventing screen burn-in, itโs a feature thatโs definitely worth exploring. You can also use this opportunity to explore power-saving settings within Windows 11, ensuring your computer runs efficiently while youโre away.
We encourage you to take a few minutes to dive into your Personalization settings. If youโre ready to explore beyond screen savers, Windows 11 has a plethora of customization options to enhance your overall user experience. Happy customizing!

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 Bachelorโs and Masterโs 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.