How to change a computer screen saver

How to change a computer screen saver

Microsoft Windows users can turn off or change their screen saver and adjust its properties by following the steps below.

Windows 10 with Creators Update
Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10
Windows XP
Windows 10 with Creators Update
With the introduction of the Windows 10 Creators Update, Microsoft has moved where the screen saver settings are located. Follow the steps below to change your screen saver in Windows 10 with all of the latest updates.

Click Start and Settings (the gear icon) on the far left side of the Start Menu.
In Settings, click Personalization.
Click Lock Screen.
Scroll down to and click Screen Saver Settings.

Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10
Open the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel window, click Appearance and Personalization.
Under Personalization click Change screen saver.
In the window that opens (shown below), under the Screen saver section, click the down arrow on the right side of the first box.
Once you have selected your screen saver (if you do not want to have a screen saver, select None) and adjusted any other settings to your liking, click Apply, then click OK.
Tip: The Preview button allows you to try out a screen saver before it is set.

Tip: If you check the box next to On resume, display logon screen, Windows opens the logon screen when a screen saver is disabled. Checking this option is an excellent way to protect your computer when you are away from your desk.

Tip: If you step away from your computer and want to let others know when you'll be back, you can use the "3D Text" screen saver as a way to leave a message. Once selected, click the Settings button and look for the Text section in the new window. Locate the "Custom Text:" box to change the text displayed in your screen saver. For example, you could set the text from the default to "I'm out to lunch, will be back at 1:00."

Windows XP
Open the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel window, click Appearance and Personalization.
In Display, click the Screen Saver tab.
In the window that opens (shown below), under the Screen saver section, click the down arrow on the right side of the first box.
Once you have selected your screen saver (if you do not want to have a screen saver, select None) and adjusted any other settings to your liking, click Apply, then click OK.
Tip: The Preview button allows you to try out a screen saver before it is set.

Tip: If you check the box next to On resume, display logon screen, Windows opens the logon screen when a screen saver is disabled. Checking this option is an excellent way to protect your computer when you are away from your desk.

Tip: If you step away from your computer and want to let others know when you'll be back, you can use the "3D Text" screen saver as a way to leave a message. Once selected, click the Settings button and look for the Text section in the new window. Locate the "Custom Text:" box to change the text displayed in your screen saver. For example, you could set the text from the default to "I'm out to lunch, will be back at 1:00."

Additional information
How to select, change, or download a Windows theme.
How to install a screen saver.
See the Screen Saver definition for further information and related links.
Microsoft Windows help and support.