How To Fix Windows 11 Screensaver Not Working?

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Dayan Shahid

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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The screensaver might not show up because of hardware interferences, ongoing media playback, outdated display drivers/Windows, and incorrect power and screensaver settings. Upon testing, I found some reliable fixes for the Windows 11 screensaver not working, like disabling startup apps and more.

Method Difficulty Rating

Enable Screensaver

You might have accidentally disabled the screensaver on your PC while configuring your Windows PC. Hence, verify that it is turned on before you move to the fixes. 

1. Open Screensaver Settings: Launch Start > Search for Screensaver > Turn Screensaver On Or Off.

   

2. Select Screensaver: Choose any type of screensaver from the drop-down, such as Bubbles or 3D Text. Do not leave it on None.
3. Decide Screensaver Time: Set the Wait time. The screensaver will appear once the computer is idle after the set time > Apply > OK.

   

Disable Startup Apps

Windows 11 allows apps to launch as soon as you start the Windows, consuming lots of background space. I prefer disabling all the unessential apps with High Startup Impact, but you can also pick the ones taking up major background space, as done by these users in the Microsoft Community.

After disabling, wait for the screensaver to appear after the time specified Wait time. Take note of the simplest method to prevent apps from launching at startup.

1. Get To Task Manager: Altogether, hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the Task Manager.
2. Disable App: Move to the Startup tab > Right-click on the app > Disable.

   

Disable Presenting Mode

The Presentation mode is a valuable feature that prevents the computer from sleeping when running presentations or when your computer is connected to a larger external screen.

When turned on, it might hinder the screensaver from showing up even when no current presentations are running. Therefore, I resorted to the following steps to turn off this mode.

1. Select Mobility Center: Right-click the Start button > Mobility Center.

   

2. Disable Presentation Mode: If the Presentation Settings is turned on, press the Turn Off option.

   

Restore Power Plan Settings

Another possibility is that you unintentionally changed the Power Plan settings to disable the screensaver on your system. Reset the Power Plan settings to default to rule out the case of faulty or incorrect settings with these steps.

1. Go To Power Plan Menu: In the Search Bar, type Edit Power Plan > Proceed with the results.

   

2. Reset Plan: Click the blue option, Restore Default Settings For This Plan.

   

3. Finalize Modifications: Confirm your decision with Yes > Save Changes.

   

Clean Optical Mouse

The newer mouse comes with optical sensors that can detect the slightest movement. However, it may detect false movements if dust accumulates on its sensors. Clean the mouse and the mousepad to avoid false detection. Additionally, prevent the mouse from waking up the computer with this method.

1. Open Device Properties: Launch the Device Manager > Double-click on Mice And Other Pointing Devices > Right-click on the connected mouse > Properties.

   

2. Alter Settings: Head to the Power Management tab > Uncheck the box Allow This Device To Wake The Computer From Sleep > Apply.

   

Final Words

In some cases, like for this user in Microsoft Community, it was actually a bug that led to the Windows 11 screensaver not working in Windows 11. If so, contact Microsoft Support or refer to the Feedback Hub for answers. As for this Reddit user, it randomly stopped working despite not having any new peripherals connected.

Screensaver not working on windows 11
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Otherwise, the above-mentioned are handy in fixing the screensaver issue. One last tip I would like to add is to ensure that there are no pending notifications to view within the installed apps, like OneDrive, as it could also affect the screensaver.

More Issues On Windows 11:

• Windows 11: Computer Won’t Wake Up From Sleep [SOLVED]
• How To Fix User Profile Cannot Be Loaded In Windows 11
• 5 Ways To Fix No Power Options Available In Windows 11
• FIXED: App Has Been Blocked For Your Protection Windows 11
• FIXED: Local Security Authority Protection Is Off In Windows 11

Dayan Shahid

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com