How to start screensaver on Windows 10 and 11? Features and usefulness

Screen savers on Windows 10 and 11 are not only a stylish element of desktop design, but also a functional tool that can be useful in everyday work. In this article, we will figure out how to launch a screensaver on Windows 10 and 11, what functions it has and what you should pay attention to when installing or uninstalling.

Screensavers on Windows 10 and 11

Unlike from earlier versions of Windows, where screensavers played an important role, starting with Windows 10 their importance has decreased. However, Microsoft has not removed this feature completely, and users can still activate the screensaver through the operating system settings.

Windows 11 inherited this functionality from the previous version, but access to the screensaver settings has become a little less obvious. However, even in new versions of the OS, you can easily set up a beautiful and functional screensaver.

What is a screensaver for? Functions and Utilities

Screensavers used to be used to prevent pixel burn-in on older monitors. Today, it’s a habit, as we’re used to moving by inertia. Today, screensavers perform more of an aesthetic and functional role:

• Information protection – if you move away from the computer, the screensaver can automatically turn on and hide the desktop.
• Screen decoration – many screensavers look stylish and add personality to the workspace.
• Additional functions – some screensavers display useful information (clock, date, news, weather).

How to start the screensaver on Windows 10 and 11?

To activate the screensaver in Windows 10 and 11, follow these steps:

1. Opening display settings:

• In Windows 10: press Win + I → Personalization → Lock screen → Screen saver settings.
• In Windows 11: use Windows Search by typing “Settings screensavers”.

1. Selecting a screensaver:

• In the window that appears, select a screensaver style (for example, “Text”, “Blank screen”, “Photos”, etc.).
• Configure the wait time before launching.

1. Saving settings:

• Click OK and Apply to save the changes.

If you want to add a third-party screensaver downloaded from the Internet, you need to install it manually and select it in the same menu.

Nuances when installing and uninstalling a screensaver

• File format: Screensavers have the .scr extension and can be launched manually by double-clicking on the file.
• Security: Only download screensavers from trusted sources, as malware often disguises itself as screensavers.
• Removal: If you installed a third-party screensaver and want to remove it, find it in C:\Windows\System32, then simply delete the file.

Windows screensavers of previous versions

Some users are nostalgic for the classic Windows 95, XP or 7 screensavers. They can be returned to new versions of Windows:

• Copy the .scr files from the old OS.
• Place them in C:\Windows\System32.
• Select them in the screensaver settings menu.

Some screensavers may not work due to incompatibility with new versions of Windows, but you can try to run them in compatibility mode.

Download screensavers for Windows 10 and 11

If the built-in screensavers are not enough, you can download additional options from the Internet.

We have previously described the work of some of them, for example, Aurora – with a beautiful northern lights, as well as useful flip clocks for your desktop Fliqlo.

Popular sites for searching:

• Screensavers Planet – a large collection of free screensavers.
• WinCustomize – custom screensavers and themes.
• DeviantArt – creative screensavers from artists.

Before installation, make sure that the files are downloaded from a reliable resource and do not contain viruses.

In principle, it is easy to set up any screensaver, and if the built-in options are not enough, you can always find unique solutions on the Internet. The main thing is to remember about security when installing third-party screensavers!