How to Fix It When the Windows 10 Screensaver Is Not Working GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows
How to Fix It When the Windows 10 Screensaver Is Not Working
Most screensaver problems relate to configuration errors
By Patrick Shawn Hearn Patrick Shawn Hearn Writer Columbus State University Patrick Hearn has been a freelance technology writer for 6+ years. He has written for CBSi, GameSpot, Xfinity, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 11, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide Screensavers aren't required for LCD and LED screens (only CRT and plasma displays are susceptible to burn-in). However, people use screensavers to offer a bit of visual flair or protect sensitive on-screen information when they walk away from their desks. Correcting problems with Windows 10 screensavers not working usually requires simple tweaks in the Settings app. These instructions apply to Windows 10 only. Joe Raedel / Getty Images Causes of Windows 10 Screensaver Not Working
You might encounter different problems with the Windows 10 screensaver, but these are the most common: The screensaver freezes upon activation or when you stop it.The screensaver doesn't start even after waiting the right amount of time.The screen doesn't resume and returns to the usual computer screen. In almost all of these situations, the error is due to a configuration problem. How to Fix Windows 10 Screensaver Problems
Try these steps, in order of most to least intensive, to get your screensaver working again. Check the screensaver settings. While a Windows update can resolve problems, it sometimes changes customized settings. If your screensaver isn't working as it should be, make sure it is enabled. Find the screensaver settings under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver settings. If you don't currently have a screensaver selected, choose the one you like and set the amount of time before it activates. Check the power settings. In a way, a screensaver is a power management tool. Changes to the power-saving options can affect the operation of the screensaver. If nothing else worked, reset these power savings to default. Access Settings > Power & sleep > Additional power settings. Choose either Balanced or High performance. Click Change plan settings to commit the changes. On the next screen, select Change advanced power setting. At the bottom of the pop-up window, select Restore plan defaults. Check the sleep settings. Verify the Turn off the display time. If the settings tell the display to shut off faster than the screensaver is set to activate, you'll never see it. Adjust the sleep settings on the computer, so the screensaver comes on after five minutes of inactivity, and the display turns off entirely after ten minutes. Apply pending Windows updates. Microsoft releases regular updates that correct minor glitches and errors in the operating system. If you encounter a problem with the regular operation of your computer, make sure Windows 10 is up to date. You can find that information in the Windows Update service on the computer. Change the Windows update setting so that Windows updates automatically. Clean the mouse or touchpad. A dirty mouse or touchpad can send false inputs that keep the screen awake. Tiny drops of water are mainly to blame. Use a soft cloth to clean the mouse's sensor or the touchpad where your hand rests. Disconnect the mouse or turn off the computer before cleaning so that you don't click something by mistake. Cleaning a wired mouse is different than cleaning a wireless mouse. The most important thing to remember is disconnecting the mouse from the computer before you take the mouse apart. Disconnect peripheral devices. Many people use extra accessories with their computers, such as an Xbox controller. These peripheral devices sometimes send signals that make the machine think it is in use, even if the screensaver should be active. Unplug unnecessary devices from the PC. Remove each device one at a time until you find the potential cause. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix It When a Keyboard Won't Type LogiLDA.dll: What It Means and How to Fix It How to Fix It When the Snipping Tool Isn't Working in Windows 11 How to Fix It When Windows 10 Bluetooth Is Not Working How to Fix It When the Cursor Disappears in Windows 10 How to Fix It When Windows Spotlight Is Not Working on Windows 10 How to Fix Windows 10 Mouse Lag How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Slow How to Disable the Touchpad on Windows 10 How to Fix It When a Second Monitor Is Not Working How to Fix a Chromebook Touchscreen That's Not Working 16 Ways To Fix It When Print Screen Is Not Working in Windows How to Fix It When Spotify Is Not Working Error Code 0xc00000e9: What It Means and How to Fix It How to Fix It When Your Chromebook Touchpad Is Not Working How to Fix It When Copy and Paste Isn't Working in Windows 10/11 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies