How to Windows 10 Screensaver not working?

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How to Windows 10 Screensaver not working?

The screensaver feature in Windows 10 is designed to kick in after a period of inactivity, displaying visually appealing images or animations to prevent screen burn-in and save power. However, users may encounter issues where the screensaver fails to activate or stops working altogether. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on the screensaver to protect your monitor. In this article, we’ll explore common causes of Windows 10 screensaver not working and provide effective solutions to resolve the issue.

Common Causes of Windows 10 Screensaver Not Working:

  • Power Settings: Incorrect power settings or configurations may prevent the screensaver from activating as expected. For instance, your computer might be set to never turn off the display.
  • Corrupted System Files: Damage or corruption to system files related to screensaver functionality can lead to screensaver issues. Running a system file checker can identify and repair these corrupted files.
  • Background Programs: Certain third-party applications or background processes may interfere with the screensaver, preventing it from starting. These could be programs designed to keep your display active or applications that constantly monitor for input.
  • Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible display drivers can cause screensaver problems on Windows 10. Updating your display drivers can resolve these issues.

Solutions to Fix Windows 10 Screensaver Not Working:

Solution 1: Check Power Settings

Many users might not realize that their screensaver isn’t activating because of power settings configured to prioritize display activity over power saving. Here’s how to ensure your power settings are optimized for screensaver activation:

  1. Open Power Settings: Press the Windows key and “I” simultaneously to launch the Settings app. Navigate to “System” and then select “Power & sleep.”

  2. Adjust Screen Timeout: Under the “Screen” section, look for the options labeled “Turn off the screen” and “Put the device to sleep.” Here, you can define the amount of idle time before the display turns off and the computer enters sleep mode. Choose a timeframe that allows the screensaver to activate before sleep kicks in. For example, set “Turn off the screen” to 5 minutes and “Put the device to sleep” to 10 minutes.

  3. Deep Dive into Power Plans (Optional): If the basic settings don’t resolve the issue, click on “Additional power settings” located just below the screen timeout options. This opens the classic Power Options window. Here, you can select your current power plan (usually “Balanced”) and click on “Change plan settings” to modify advanced options.

  4. Change Advanced Power Settings (Advanced Users): Within the “Change plan settings” window, click on “Change advanced power settings.” This opens a detailed list of power-related configurations. Look for the section labeled “Display” and expand it. Now, locate the setting for “Turn off display after” and adjust the time to your desired idle duration before the screensaver triggers.

  5. Save and Test: Once you’ve made adjustments to the power settings, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes. Restart your computer to ensure the new settings take effect. After restarting, leave your computer idle for the designated screen timeout period to see if the screensaver activates as expected.

Solution 2: Reset Screensaver Settings

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select “Personalize.”
  2. Go to “Lock screen” and click on “Screen saver settings” at the bottom.
  3. In the Screen Saver Settings window, select a screensaver and adjust the wait time.
  4. Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Solution 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)

  1. Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
  2. Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter to run the System File Checker tool.
  3. Allow the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted system files.

Solution 4: Disable Background Programs

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the “Startup” tab and disable unnecessary programs from starting with Windows.
  3. Restart your computer and check if the screensaver issue persists.

Solution 5: Update Display Drivers

  1. Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Expand the “Display adapters” category.
  3. Right-click on your display adapter and select “Update driver.”
  4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions to update the drivers.

Encountering issues with the screensaver not working on Windows 10 can disrupt the user experience and affect screen protection and power-saving capabilities. By following the troubleshooting solutions outlined in this article, you can effectively diagnose and fix screensaver problems on your Windows 10 system. Whether it’s adjusting power settings, resetting screensaver configurations, running system file checks, disabling background programs, or updating display drivers, there are several methods to try. By addressing the underlying causes of the screensaver issue, you can ensure that the screensaver functions properly and enjoy a seamless computing experience on Windows 10.