On Windows, the screen saver used to be one those features that you had to enable and configure to protect your cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor against burn-in when showing the same image for an extended period. Then LCD displays came along with new technologies that made monitors insusceptible to burn-in while offering superior image quality, turning screen savers into a thing of the past.

Although it's no longer required to use this feature, if you happen to be using a display susceptible to burn-in, such as a CTR or an older plasma display, or you want to create a different look and feel when you're not actively using your PC, you can still configure screen savers on Windows 10. You just need to know where to find the settings.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to set up the old screen saver feature on your device.

How to set up screen savers on Windows 10

If you want to use the screen saver feature on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Personalization.
  3. Click on Lock screen.

  4. Click the Screen saver settings link.

  5. Under "Screen saver," use the drop-down menu, and select the screen saver you want to use.

    Note: Depending on the screen saver you choose, you can click the Settings button to customize different options. For example, selecting "Photos", you get options to specify the collection of pictures to show when your PC is idle. Or selecting the "3D Text" option, you can show custom text or the current time.

  6. Using the Wait option, you can set the number of minutes of inactivity before the screen saver turns on.
  7. You can also check the On resume, display the logon screen option to lock your device automatically when the screen saver turns on.
  8. Click the Apply button.
  9. Click the OK button.

Once you complete these steps, Windows 10 will activate the screen saver using the settings you specified.

Xbox One includes a similar feature that allows the console to dim the screen and act as a screen saver to prevent burn-in on OLED and other display technologies. Check this guide to learn how to configure this feature.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources: