How to Add a Screensaver on Windows 11 (Easy Steps)

Windows 11 still has screen savers, but Microsoft hid the option inside the lock screen settings, so a lot of people think it was removed. In this guide, we show you how to add a screensaver on Windows 11, how to change how long it waits, how to use your own photos, and how to install extra screen savers for free. We also cover what to do if your Windows 11 screensaver is not working.

What is a screensaver in Windows 11?

A screen saver is an animation or slideshow that appears when your PC has been idle for a set time. Screen savers were first made to stop burn-in on old CRT monitors. Modern screens don't really need them, but they're still a nice way to personalise your PC, show your photos, or lock your computer when you step away.

Windows 11 comes with six built-in screen savers: 3D Text, Blank, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos and Ribbons.

How to add a screensaver on Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Personalization > Lock screen.
3. Scroll down to Related settings and click Screen saver.
4. In the Screen Saver Settings window, choose a screen saver from the drop-down list.
5. Set the Wait time, which is how many minutes your PC must be idle before the screen saver starts.
6. Click Preview to see it, then click Apply and OK.

These are the same steps Microsoft gives for configuring a screen saver.

Quick shortcut

You can also open the Screen Saver Settings window directly. Press Windows + R, type the command below and press Enter:

control desk.cpl,,@screensaver

Want more shortcuts like this? See our list of hidden Windows 11 tricks.

How to lock your PC with the screensaver

If you want Windows to ask for your PIN or password when the screen saver ends, tick On resume, display logon screen in the Screen Saver Settings window. This is useful at work or school, because your PC locks itself if you forget to lock it.

How to use your own photos as a screensaver

1. Open Screen Saver Settings using the steps above.
2. Select Photos from the list.
3. Click Settings... and then Browse.
4. Choose the folder with your pictures (for example, your Pictures folder or a OneDrive folder).
5. Pick the slide show speed and turn on Shuffle pictures if you like.
6. Click Save, then Apply.

How to show your own text on screen

Select 3D Text, then click Settings.... You can type a custom message, choose the font, change the motion and colour, or show the time instead. It's a fun way to show your name or a short message on your PC.

How to install a new screensaver on Windows 11

Screen savers in Windows are files that end in .scr. To add one you downloaded:

1. Download the screen saver only from a trusted website or the developer's official page.
2. If it comes in a ZIP file, extract it first.
3. Right-click the .scr file and choose Show more options > Install.
4. It will now appear in the Screen Saver Settings list.

Be careful: .scr files can run code just like .exe files, so fake screen savers are sometimes used to spread malware. Scan every download with Windows Security before installing it.

Windows 11 screensaver not working? Try these fixes

1. Check the wait time

Make sure the screen saver isn't set to (None) and that the wait time is shorter than your screen-off time. If your screen turns off after 5 minutes but the screen saver waits 10 minutes, you'll never see it.

2. Adjust power settings

Go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen, sleep & hibernate timeouts. Set the screen to turn off after the screen saver starts.

3. Unplug devices that keep the PC awake

A wireless mouse that moves slightly, a game controller, or a sensitive touchpad can stop the screen saver from starting. Unplug extra devices and test again.

4. Close apps that block idle mode

Video players, browsers playing media, and some games stop Windows from going idle. Close them and wait for the screen saver to start.

5. Check whether your organisation controls it

On a school or work PC, the screen saver options may be greyed out because your IT team manages them. In that case, you'll need to ask them to change it.

If you're also having trouble with other Windows settings, read our guides on fixing Airplane mode stuck in Windows 11 and error 0x8000ffff.

Screensaver or sleep: which is better?

Microsoft recommends letting your screen turn off or your PC sleep when it's idle, because a screen saver still uses power. If you're on a laptop, a short screen-off time saves more battery. Use a screen saver if you like the look or want your photos on display, and let sleep handle the rest.

FAQs

Does Windows 11 have a screensaver?

Yes. It's in Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver.

How do I change the screensaver time on Windows 11?

Open Screen Saver Settings and change the number of minutes in the Wait box, then click Apply.

Can I use a video as a screensaver on Windows 11?

Not with the built-in options. You'd need a third-party screen saver app from a trusted source.

How do I turn off the screensaver on Windows 11?

Open Screen Saver Settings, select (None) from the list, and click Apply.

Which screensaver are you using on Windows 11? Tell us in the comments.