The quickest way to change your screen saver

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to System in the left menu and select Screen and sleep. Scroll down and click Screen saver settings. A window will open showing your current screen saver — click the dropdown menu to pick a different one, then click explore and OK.

That's the full process. Windows 11 comes with several built-in screen savers like Blank, Bubbles, Mystify, and Ribbons. You can also set how many minutes pass before the screen saver starts, and whether you want to require a password when you wake your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the standard way to change screen savers in Windows 11 — press Windows key + I, then navigate to System > Screen and sleep > Screen saver settings.
  • Windows 11 includes several built-in screen savers, and you can choose how long your computer sits idle before one starts.
  • You can require a password to wake your computer from the screen saver, which adds a security layer if you step away from your desk.
  • Third-party screen savers from the Microsoft Store can replace the built-in options if you want something different.

Finding screen saver settings in Windows 11

The Settings app is where Windows 11 keeps screen saver controls. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, then click System on the left side. Look for Screen and sleep and click it.

Scroll down the page until you see Screen saver settings — it's a blue link near the bottom. Click it and a small window titled "Screen Saver Settings" will pop up. This window shows your current screen saver in a preview box and a dropdown menu where you can select a different one.

Selecting and explore a new screen saver

Click the dropdown menu in the Screen Saver Settings window. You'll see the built-in options: Blank, Bubbles, Mystify, Ribbons, and Windows Logo. Select the one you want — the preview box will show you what it looks like.

Once you've chosen, set the wait time in minutes. The default is usually 10 minutes, but you can change it to any number from 1 to 60. After you've made your choices, click explore to save them, then click OK to close the window.

Adding password protection to your screen saver

In the same Screen Saver Settings window, you'll see a checkbox that says On resume, display logon screen. Check this box if you want Windows to ask for your password when you move the mouse or press a key to wake your computer from the screen saver.

This is useful if you work in an office or shared space and want to prevent someone from using your computer while you're away from your desk. Without this setting, anyone can move your mouse and get straight back to your desktop.

Installing screen savers from the Microsoft Store

Windows 11's built-in screen savers are straightforward, but the Microsoft Store has additional options. Open the Microsoft Store app, search for "screen saver," and browse the results. Many are free, though some cost a few dollars.

When you install a screen saver from the Store, it will appear in the dropdown menu in Screen Saver Settings just like the built-in ones. read and install it, then return to Settings to select it. Some third-party screen savers let you customize colors, speed, or images before you explore them.

Turning off your screen saver

If you don't want a screen saver at all, open Screen Saver Settings again and click the dropdown menu. Select None at the top of the list, then click explore and OK. Your screen will no longer show a screen saver when idle.

Keep in mind that turning off the screen saver doesn't prevent your monitor from going to sleep — that's controlled separately in the Screen and sleep settings. You can set your display to turn off after a certain number of minutes to save power, regardless of whether a screen saver is running.

Troubleshooting screen saver problems

If your screen saver won't start even though you've set it up, check that your monitor isn't set to turn off before the screen saver has time to appear. In Screen and sleep settings, make sure the "Turn off after" time for your display is longer than the screen saver wait time.

Some programs and games disable the screen saver while they're running, so it may not appear if you're using certain applications. If you've installed a third-party screen saver and it doesn't show up in the dropdown menu, try restarting your computer — Windows sometimes needs a restart to recognize newly installed screen savers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own photos as a screen saver?

Windows 11's built-in screen savers don't let you add custom photos directly. However, you can search the Microsoft Store for photo-based screen savers that let you point to a folder of images. Some are free and will cycle through your pictures while your computer is idle.

Why isn't my screen saver starting?

Check that your display timeout is set longer than your screen saver wait time in Screen and sleep settings. Also verify that the program you're using isn't blocking the screen saver — some games and media players prevent screen savers from running. Restarting your computer can also help.

Does a screen saver save power?

Modern monitors use very little extra power when displaying a screen saver compared to showing a static image. For real power savings, rely on your display timeout setting to turn off the monitor entirely. Screen savers are mainly for visual interest and, if you enable it, security.

Can I set different screen savers for different times of day?

Windows 11 doesn't have a built-in scheduling feature for screen savers. You can only set one screen saver at a time. If you want variety, you could manually change it, or look for third-party screen savers in the Microsoft Store that offer multiple themes you can cycle through.