How to Fix the Windows 10/11 Screensaver Not Working Problem?

Is Screensaver not working on Windows 10/11? Don't worry, we have got you covered. The screensaver is a classic Windows feature that has been around for decades.

While screensavers may not be as crucial as they once were, they still serve as a handy tool for adding personalization and protecting your privacy when you step away from your computer.

However, some Windows 11 users have reported issues that their screen saver stopped working. If you're experiencing this problem, don't worry – there are several potential solutions to get your screensaver up and running again.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the reasons why your screensaver might not be working on Windows 11 and provide step-by-step instructions to resolve the “Screensaver not working on Windows 10/11” issue.

Why is Screensaver Not Working on Windows 11/10?

Before we dive into the fixes, it's important to understand some of the common reasons why your screensaver might not be working on Windows 11.

Here are a few potential causes that may trigger the “Windows could not start this screen saver” problem:

• Outdated Windows version or drivers: Compatibility issues with outdated software or drivers can prevent the screensaver from functioning correctly.
• Incorrect settings: Misconfigured screensaver settings or power management options can interfere with the screensaver's ability to activate.
• External devices: Certain external devices, such as wireless mice or keyboards, can inadvertently prevent the screensaver from launching.
• System issues: Corrupt system files or malware infections can disrupt the normal operation of the screensaver.

By identifying the root cause of the problem, you'll be better equipped to apply the appropriate solution and get your screensaver working again:

How to Fix the Windows 10/11 Screen Saver Not Working Problem?

Now that we've covered some of the potential reasons for the screensaver not working on Windows 10/11, let's dive into the solutions. Go ahead and try these 8 fixes:

Fix 1: Review the Screensaver Settings

Incorrect screensaver settings can prevent the feature from activating or functioning as intended. It's worth double-checking your settings to ensure they are configured correctly.

Here's how to review and adjust your screensaver settings in Windows 11/10:

Step 1: Use the search box placed on the Taskbar and look for "Screensaver" settings. Click on the "Change screensaver" option.

Step 2: In the Screensaver Settings window, select a screensaver for your device. Also adjust the "Wait" time to your desired value (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.).

Step 3: Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the recent changes.

If you're using a third-party screensaver application, you may need to consult the application's settings or documentation for specific instructions on configuring the screensaver.

Fix 2: Manually enable Screensaver

If the previous fixe hasn't worked, you can try manually enabling the screensaver through Settings.

Here's how to fix the screen saver not working Windows 11/10 issue.

Step 1: Right-click on the Desktop and choose "Personalize." Then click on "Lock Screen" and select "Screen Saver."

Step 2: Use the drop-down menu to choose a screensaver, set the time, and save the settings. If "None" is shown, your screensaver is disabled.

Fix 3: Disconnect External Devices

In some cases, external devices like wireless mice, keyboards, or USB hubs can interfere with the screensaver's ability to activate. Disconnecting these devices temporarily can help identify if they are the cause of the issue.

To disconnect external devices:

Step 1: Unplug any non-essential external devices, such as wireless mice, keyboards, or USB hubs, from your computer.

Step 2: Check if the screensaver is now working correctly.

If the screensaver starts functioning after disconnecting the devices, try updating the drivers for those devices or consider replacing them if the issue persists.

Fix 4: Clean the Mouse and Trackpad

Dirt, dust, or debris on your mouse or trackpad can cause erratic cursor movements, which can prevent the screensaver from activating. Cleaning these input devices can often resolve the issue.

To clean your mouse or trackpad:

Step 1: For a mouse, gently wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2: For a trackpad, use a microfiber cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for electronic devices.

Step 3: After cleaning, check if the screensaver is now working correctly.

Fix 5: Reset Power Management Option

The power management settings in Windows 11 can sometimes interfere with the screensaver's ability to activate. Resetting these settings to their default values can help resolve the issue.

Here's how to reset the power management options:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel app on your Windows 10/11 PC. Select “Power Options”.

Step 2: In the Power Options window, click on "Change Plan Settings”.

Step 3: Now, click the “Restore Default Settings for this Plan” option.

Step 4: Click Save Changes and restart your computer. Check if the screensaver is working correctly.

Fix 6: Upgrade to the latest version of Windows

Windows 10 screensaver does not start? Well, Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows to address various issues, including compatibility problems with certain features like the screensaver. Ensuring that your operating system is up-to-date can often resolve screensaver-related issues.

Windows 11:

Follow these steps to upgrade Windows:

Step 1: Open the Start menu and click on the "Settings" icon. In the Settings window, click on "Windows Update" on the left panel.

Step 2: Click the "Check for updates" button. If any updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

Windows 10:

Step 1: Press the Win + I key combination to open the Settings app. Select “Update and Security”. In the Update & Security window, ensure you're on the Windows Update tab on the left-hand side.

Step 2: Click the Check for updates button. Windows will search for available updates. If updates are found, they will begin downloading automatically.

Once the updates are installed, restart your computer and check if the screensaver is working correctly.

Fix 7: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupt device drivers, particularly those related to your graphics card or input devices, can cause conflicts and prevent the screensaver from functioning correctly. Updating these drivers can often resolve the issue.

Here's how to fix the Windows 11 screen saver not working issue:

Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu and select "Device Manager". In the Device Manager window, expand the categories for ""Display adapters"" and "Mice and other pointing devices".

Step 2: Right-click on each device and select "Update driver". Follow the on-screen instructions to search for and install the latest driver updates.

After updating the drivers, restart your computer and check if the screensaver is working properly.

Fix 8: Run the SFC Scan

If none of the above fixes have worked, there may be an issue with corrupted system files preventing the screensaver from functioning correctly. Running the System File Checker (SFC) scan can help identify and repair any corrupted files.

Here's how to run the SFC scan to resolve the Windows screensaver not working problem:

Step 1: Open the Start menu and search for "Command Prompt" . Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator".

Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

Step 3: The SFC scan will begin and may take some time to complete. Wait for it to finish. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and check if the screensaver is working correctly.

If the SFC scan finds and repairs any corrupted files, it should resolve the issue with the screensaver not working.

Troubled with Screensaver/black screen issues? Lost Data?

The fixes explained in this guide should help get your Windows 11 or Windows 10 screensaver working again. However, sometimes you may face other screen or display problems. For example, your screen might go completely black or not turn on at all. This can happen due to various reasons like hardware issues, software problems, or data getting corrupted.

If your screen is not working correctly, and you think you may have lost some important files or data, you need a good data recovery tool. Wondershare Recoverit is a powerful yet easy-to-use software that can help you recover lost or corrupted data in such situations.

Recoverit is designed to recover lost or deleted data from various storage devices, including hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), external hard drives, USB drives, and even digital cameras and smartphones. It supports a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, emails, and more.

Here are the simple steps to use Wondershare Recoverit to recover lost/deleted data:

Step 1: Install Recoverit on your computer from the official website. Launch Recoverit on your Windows PC. Select the location or drive from which you want to recover data. This could be your internal hard drive, external storage device, or removable media like USB drives or memory cards.

Step 2: Click the "Start" button to initiate the scanning process. Recoverit will analyze the selected location and search for any recoverable files. Depending on the size of the drive and the amount of data, the scanning process may take some time. You can preview the recoverable files during the scan.

Step 3: Once the scan is complete, Recoverit will display a list of all recoverable files. You can use the filter options to locate specific file types or search for files by name.

Step 4: Select the files you want to recover by checking the boxes next to them. You can also preview the files to ensure they are the ones you need.

Step 5: Click the "Recover" button to begin the recovery process. After the recovery is finished, you can access the recovered files from the location where you saved them.

And that’s it! By using Recoverit in your data recovery and protection strategy, you can have peace of mind. Even if you encounter issues like a black screen or display problems, your valuable data can be recovered quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Dealing with a Windows device that could not start a screen saver can be challenging. But with the solutions provided in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy the benefits of a functional screensaver once again.

Remember, regularly updating your Windows operating system and device drivers, reviewing your screensaver settings, disconnecting potential interfering devices, and running system scans can often fix screensaver-related problems.

If you encounter other display or data loss issues, don't hesitate to try Recoverit, a powerful data recovery tool that can help you recover your valuable files and ensure that your data is protected.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating tools like Recoverit into your data management strategy, you can enjoy a seamless computing experience on your Windows device.