What a screensaver does and why you might change it
A screensaver is a program that displays moving images or patterns on your screen when you haven't used your computer for a set amount of time — usually a few minutes. Originally, screensavers protected old monitors from image burn-in, a permanent ghost image left behind by a static display. Modern monitors don't have this problem, but screensavers remain useful: they can lock your screen when you step away, display a clock or photos, or straightforward entertain you while your computer sits idle.
You might change your screensaver because the default one is boring, because you want to display family photos instead, or because you prefer your screen to go dark rather than show anything at all. The process differs slightly between Windows and Mac, but both are straightforward once you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Windows screensaver settings live in the Display settings panel, accessible through Settings > System > Display > Screen saver settings.
- Mac screensaver options are in System Settings > Lock Screen, where you can choose a screensaver and set how long before it appears.
- You can test a screensaver when ready by clicking the Preview button before you save your choice.
- Setting your screensaver to require a password when it wakes adds a security layer, preventing others from using your computer while you're away.
- Turning off the screensaver entirely and letting your screen go dark uses less power and is a valid choice if you prefer a blank display.
How to change your screensaver on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Once Settings opens, click System on the left side, then click Display. Scroll down until you see Screen saver settings — this link appears near the bottom of the Display page.
A window titled "Screen Saver Settings" will open. In the dropdown menu at the top labeled "Screen saver," you'll see the name of your current screensaver. Click the dropdown to see all available options. Windows includes several built-in screensavers like Blank, Ribbons, Mystify, and Photos. Select the one you want, and it will appear in the preview box below the dropdown.
Below the dropdown, you can set how many minutes of inactivity trigger the screensaver — the default is usually 10 minutes. If you want your screensaver to require a password to dismiss it (so someone can't use your computer while you're away), check the box labeled On resume, display logon screen. When you're satisfied with your choices, click explore, then OK.
How to change your screensaver on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). In the sidebar, click Lock Screen. You'll see a dropdown menu labeled Screensaver with a preview window showing your current choice.
Click the dropdown to see available screensavers. Mac offers options like Aerial (flying footage of cities and landscapes), Floating Message, Kaleidoscope, and others. Select one, and it will display in the preview window. You can also click Options below the preview to customize that screensaver — for example, Aerial lets you choose which city footage to display.
Set the time before your screensaver appears by adjusting the slider labeled Start after — the default is usually 5 or 10 minutes. If you want to require a password to wake your Mac from the screensaver, check the box labeled Require password to wake this Mac. Your changes save automatically.
Testing your screensaver before you commit
Both Windows and Mac let you preview a screensaver before you save it. On Windows, click the Preview button in the Screen Saver Settings window, and your screensaver will fill the entire screen for a few seconds. Move your mouse or press any key to exit the preview and return to the settings window. On Mac, the preview window in System Settings shows a live sample of your choice, and you can click Preview to see it full-screen.
Testing is worth the 10 seconds it takes, because what looks acceptable in a small preview window might be distracting or annoying when it fills your entire monitor. If you don't like what you see, go back and pick something else.
Using the Photos screensaver to display your own images
Both Windows and Mac include a Photos screensaver that displays your own pictures instead of a built-in pattern. On Windows, select Photos from the screensaver dropdown, then click Settings to choose which folder the screensaver pulls images from. You can point it to your Pictures folder, a specific album, or any folder on your computer.
On Mac, select Photos from the screensaver dropdown, then click Options to choose which album or folder to display. You can also set the speed at which images change. This is a popular choice if you want to see family photos or artwork while your computer sits idle.
Turning off the screensaver entirely
If you prefer your screen to go dark rather than display a screensaver, you can disable it on both systems. On Windows, open Screen Saver Settings and select None from the screensaver dropdown. On Mac, open Lock Screen settings and select None from the screensaver dropdown. Your screen will still turn off after a period of inactivity (controlled by separate power settings), but no screensaver will appear.
Disabling the screensaver uses slightly less power and is a perfectly valid choice. Some people prefer a completely dark screen, and others find screensavers distracting. The decision is yours.
Where screensaver settings connect to power and security
Your screensaver settings work alongside your computer's power settings. The screensaver appears after the time you set, but your screen may turn off after an additional period of inactivity — these are two separate timers. If you want your screen to go dark faster, you'll need to adjust your power settings separately from your screensaver settings. On Windows, this is in Settings > System > Power & battery. On Mac, it's in System Settings > Lock Screen or Energy Saver.
The password requirement on your screensaver is a security feature. If you enable it, anyone who walks up to your computer while you're away will see the screensaver but won't be able to access your files without entering your password. This is especially useful in shared spaces like offices or libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a video file as my screensaver?
Windows and Mac don't support video files as screensavers through the built-in settings. However, you can read third-party screensaver software that does. Search for "video screensaver" on your system's app store, read reviews, and read from a trusted source. Be cautious with screensaver downloads from unknown websites.
Why does my screensaver keep turning off before the time I set?
Your power settings may be overriding your screensaver timer. Check your power settings to see when your screen is set to turn off — if that time is shorter than your screensaver delay, the screen will go dark before the screensaver appears. Adjust your power settings to give the screensaver time to set up.
Does a screensaver save power compared to leaving my screen on?
A screensaver uses less power than a static display, but turning your screen off entirely uses the least power. If power consumption matters to you, set your screen to turn off after a short period rather than relying on a screensaver alone.
Can I set different screensavers for different times of day?
Windows and Mac don't have built-in scheduling for screensavers. You would need third-party software to automate screensaver changes based on time. For most users, picking one screensaver and leaving it is the simpler approach.