Wondershare Recoverit

Hard Drive Recovery

  • Recovers deleted or lost files from hard drive effectively, safely and completely.
  • Supports data recovery from 500+ data loss scenarios, including computer crash, partition loss, accidental human error, etc.
  • Supports 1000+ file formats recovery with a high success rate and without any quality loss.
Free Download Free Download Free Download Learn More >
hard drive recovery

How to Windows 10 Screensaver not working

Wondershare Recoverit Authors

Jan 15, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

This article will guide you in figuring out and fixing issues that may be preventing your screensaver from working. Common issues encountered are failure to turn off, failure to start or stop, and screensaver freezing. If you've recently upgraded to Windows 10 or did a fresh install and found your screensaver to be faulty, you may check out the solutions below.

Part 1. Overview of this Error

When you leave your computer, a screensaver appears after a predefined time has passed. It is mainly to prevent your contents from the third person. But in case you are unable to see the Windows 10 screensaver even after waiting for that period, it is a sign that there may be a problem with your screensaver settings, and you'll need to fix it.

Causes of Windows 10 Screensaver Not Working

You might encounter different problems with the Windows 10 screensaver, resulting from a recent Windows update or upgrade to Windows 10. If you're a previous Windows 7 or 8 user and recently upgraded your OS, chances are you will encounter this kind of issue. However, here are some of the issues you may have with your Windows 10 screensaver:

Most of these issues prevent users from using their PC. However, Let's look at fixing your Windows 10 screensaver when it is not working properly.

Part 2. How to Fix Windows 10 Screensaver Problems


Solution 1 – Download and install Windows updates

Download and install any updates available for your Windows. After that, reboot your computer to make sure that new settings are applied.

recoverit

Check for new updates to your Windows in Settings which you can find at the Start menu. Select the Update & Security tab, click on Windows Update and select on the Check for updates.


Solution 2 – Update device drivers

Updating your device drivers is as important as updating your Windows because they are prone to bugs. You may find driver updates under Windows Update on some devices, but not all. You may visit your manufacturer's website to find the latest hardware drivers compatible with the device.

You may download TweakBit's Driver Updater Tool to make sure your drivers are always updated. It does it automatically and ensures that you're downloading and installing the correct driver versions for your device.


Solution 3 – Check settings.

If your screensaver doesn't work, you may check the screensaver settings. Often, this is because it is not actually enabled or set correctly. Follow the steps to check your settings:

Step 1. Click Start and click on Control Panel.

recoverit

Step 2. Select Appearance and Personalization, then under Personalization, select a Change screen saver.

recoverit

Step 3. On the Screen Saver Settings pop-up, select which screensaver you'd like to use, and fill in the time before it appears on your screen. You may opt to display the logon screen when your screen resumes. You may also preview your chosen screensaver.


Solution 4 – Unplug external devices

For most users, issues with screensaver are caused by devices connected to their computers; this could be in the form of game consoles, USB keyboards, mouse, etc. To check whether or not it is the reason, disconnect all unnecessary devices and see if the screensaver now works.


Solution 5 – Clean the mouse

Dust in a mouse's sensor might relay false inputs, preventing your screensaver from starting up. If you find that your screensaver is not working when you move your mouse, check that your mouse sensor and the mouse pad are clean. Hence, simply cleaning your mouse may solve this problem. You may also clean the mouse pad to prevent dust from coming in contact with your mouse's optical sensor.


Solution 6 – Reset Power Management Option

You may also check Power Saving Settings on your device for changes or errors. A screensaver is the result of a power plan that your computer uses. If these settings aren't properly organized or somehow have been changed or corrupted, it could affect the behavior of your screensaver.

However, to resolve this issue, you should revert Power Management settings to default. Follow the blow steps to fix the issue:
Step 1. Go to the Search bar, type power, and open the "Choose power" plan. Now choose "Change plan settings"> "Change advanced power" settings.

recoverit

Step 2. In the Advanced settings pop-up, select "Reset plan defaults." This should resolve your issue if the problem is with Power Management. In case this doesn't fix the problem, proceed to the next solution.


Solution 7 – Enable Screensaver

On Windows 10, the screensaver is not activated by default. The following steps should be taken so that your screensaver is activated on your computer.

Step 1. On the Desktop, right-click the mouse and select Personalize. Now tap on the "Lock Screen" and choose the option "Screen saver settings."

recoverit

Step 2. Select a screensaver, set the time, and save the settings (if the list showed "None," that means your screensaver was disabled).


Solution 8 – Run Power Troubleshooter

If none of the solutions was up to the mark to let your system detect the issue, you could try Power Troubleshooter. It is a powerful troubleshooting option for those running Windows 10 Creators Update and beyond. To use this option, follow the below steps:

Step 1. Select Settings > Update & Security. Now tap on the "Troubleshoot" option, and "click Additional troubleshooter," and select the "Power" option.
Step 2. Click on the "Run the troubleshooter," and once it is finished, reboot or restart your system.


olution 9 – Run the SFC scan

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in feature that may help with screensaver issues. Follow these steps to perform the scan:

Step 1. On Search, type cmd to open a command prompt. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 2. Type S/scannow on the command line and press Enter. Once the process is completed, restart your computer.


Solution 10 – Run DISM

Deployment Image & Servicing Management (DISM) is a tool Windows 10 users can use. If the SFC scan didn't work, consider running this tool. If you want to use this tool, follow the steps below.

Step 1. On Search, type cmd, to launch Command Prompt (Admin)
Step 2. Type the following commands listed below, and press Enter after entry of each command:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3. You may now exit the command prompt and restart your PC.

Bonus

Screensavers are only useful if you're using a CRT monitor. If you currently own an LCD monitor, problems like "burn-ins" commonly encountered in a CRT monitor wouldn't be a problem.

If you are using a third-party screensaver app, try using different one or switch to the default Windows 10 screensaver. However, problems with screensavers may be multifactorial in source, but assuredly, one of the solutions provided above may successfully resolve them.

In case none of the solutions mentioned above unable to repair the problem, you can try the Wondersharerecoverit tool. The tool not only Recover lost or deleted files, but everything from PC, Mac, hard drive, USB, SD card, etc.

Just Download Recoverit Data Recovery Tool on your system. Start Scanning to find the problem that could be causing problems in your system.

Recoverit author

David Darlington

staff Editor

Home > Resources > Windows Computer Solutions > How to Windows 10 Screensaver not working