Where to find screensaver settings on your computer
Your screensaver settings live in the same control panel where you adjust display brightness and sleep timing. On Windows, you reach them through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, then scroll down to find "Screensaver settings." On a Mac, go to System Settings > Lock Screen, then click "Screensaver" in the left sidebar. Both operating systems keep these controls in one place so you can change what appears on your screen when you step away.
The exact path matters because screensaver controls moved in recent Windows and macOS versions. If you cannot find the option where this article describes it, your computer may be running an older version — the general principle remains the same, but the menu names shift slightly between releases.
Key Takeaways
- Windows screensaver settings are in Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screensaver settings, and Mac settings are in System Settings > Lock Screen > Screensaver.
- You can choose from built-in screensavers like Bubbles, Mystify, or Ribbons on Windows, or Floating Message, Drift, or Kaleidoscope on Mac.
- The "Wait" time controls how many minutes pass before the screensaver starts, and you can set it anywhere from 1 to 60 minutes.
- You can use your own photo as a screensaver by selecting "Photos" on Mac or uploading an image file on Windows.
- Turning off the screensaver entirely is an option if you prefer your screen to go dark instead.
Changing your screensaver on Windows
Open Settings and navigate to Personalization > Lock screen. Scroll down until you see "Screensaver settings" and click it. A window will open showing a preview of your current screensaver and a dropdown menu listing all available options. Click the dropdown to see what Windows includes by default — common choices are Bubbles, Mystify, Ribbons, and 3D Text.
Once you select a screensaver from the list, the preview window shows you what it will look like. If you want to adjust how long your computer waits before starting the screensaver, change the number in the "Wait" field. The default is usually 10 minutes, but you can set it anywhere from 1 to 60 minutes. Click "Apply" at the bottom of the window, then "OK" to save your choice.
If you want to use your own photo or image file as a screensaver, select "Photos" from the dropdown menu. Windows will then ask you to choose a folder containing images. Any photos in that folder will cycle through as your screensaver. You can also select "Blank" if you prefer your screen to simply go dark after the wait time expires.
Changing your screensaver on Mac
Go to System Settings and click "Lock Screen" in the sidebar. You will see a "Screensaver" section with a dropdown menu showing your current choice. Click the dropdown to see all available screensavers — Mac includes options like Floating Message, Drift, Kaleidoscope, and Reflections. Select the one you want, and a preview will appear on the right side of the screen.
To set how long your Mac waits before the screensaver starts, look for the "Start after" option below the screensaver list. You can choose anywhere from 1 minute to 1 hour. The default is usually 10 or 15 minutes. Your choice saves automatically when you close System Settings.
If you want to use a photo as your screensaver, select "Photos" from the dropdown. Mac will ask whether you want to use your entire photo library or a specific album. You can also choose "Floating Message" and type custom text that will appear on your screen — this is useful if you want to display a reminder or your name on the lock screen.
Using your own photos as a screensaver
Both Windows and Mac allow you to display your own images instead of built-in designs. On Windows, select "Photos" from the screensaver dropdown, then choose the folder where your images are stored. Windows will cycle through every image in that folder in order. On Mac, select "Photos" and choose whether to use your entire photo library, a specific album, or a folder of images.
Make sure the images you want to use are in a single folder and that you have permission to access that folder. If Windows or Mac cannot find your images, check that the folder path is correct and that the image files are in a supported format like JPG or PNG. You can also drag and drop images into a new folder if you want to create a custom collection just for your screensaver.
Adjusting wait time and other screensaver options
The "Wait" or "Start after" setting controls how many minutes pass without keyboard or mouse movement before your screensaver turns on. If you set it to 5 minutes, your screensaver will start 5 minutes after you stop using your computer. If you set it to 30 minutes, you can step away for half an hour before it activates. There is no right answer — choose based on how long you typically leave your desk.
Some screensavers have additional options. For example, the 3D Text screensaver on Windows lets you type custom text that will appear on your screen. The Floating Message screensaver on Mac works the same way. Click "Options" or "Screensaver Options" if you see that button — it will open a menu where you can customize what the screensaver displays.
If you want to turn off the screensaver entirely, select "None" from the dropdown menu on either Windows or Mac. Your screen will then go dark after the time you set in your power settings, but no screensaver animation will play.
Testing your screensaver before you leave
After you choose a new screensaver, you can test it immediately without waiting for the timer to run out. On Windows, click the "Preview" button in the screensaver settings window. Your screen will go black and the screensaver will start right away. Move your mouse or press any key to return to your desktop. On Mac, click the "Preview" button next to the screensaver name to see it in action.
Testing is useful because some screensavers look different in preview than they do in full screen, and you might discover that a choice you liked in the list does not appeal to you when it is actually running. If you do not like what you see, go back to the settings and try a different option.
Screensavers and power settings are separate
Your screensaver setting is different from your display sleep setting. A screensaver is an animation that plays on your screen. Sleep mode turns off your display entirely to save power. You can have a screensaver that starts after 10 minutes, and then have your display go to sleep after 15 minutes. Both can be active at the same time.
If you want to save the most power, set your display to sleep after a short time — 5 or 10 minutes — and turn off the screensaver. If you want to see an animation while your computer is idle but still save power eventually, set a screensaver with a short wait time and then set your display to sleep after a longer period. The screensaver will play first, and then your display will turn off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a video file as a screensaver?
Windows and Mac do not support video files as screensavers through the standard settings. However, you can use third-party screensaver software that accepts video files. Search your operating system's app store for "video screensaver" to find options. Some are free, and some charge a one-time fee.
Why is my screensaver not starting even though I set it up?
Check that your display sleep setting is not shorter than your screensaver wait time. If your display goes to sleep after 5 minutes but your screensaver is set to start after 10 minutes, the screensaver will never appear because the screen will be dark. Also verify that you clicked "Apply" and "OK" to save your changes.
Can I set a different screensaver for different user accounts?
Yes. Each user account on your computer has its own screensaver settings. Log in to a different account, go to screensaver settings, and choose a different option. When that user logs in, their chosen screensaver will appear.
Does using a screensaver save battery on a laptop?
No. A screensaver actually uses more power than letting your display go to sleep. If you want to extend battery life on a laptop, set your display to sleep after a short time and turn off the screensaver entirely.
What if I cannot find the screensaver option in my settings?
On Windows 11, screensaver settings moved to a less obvious location. Try searching "screensaver" in the Windows search box at the bottom left of your screen — it will take you directly to the settings. On Mac, make sure you are in System Settings and not System Preferences, which is the older control panel.