Changing How Long Your Screen Stays On in Windows 11
If you’ve ever been annoyed by your screen going dark while you’re in the middle of something, or if you just want to save some battery life by making your screen turn off sooner, you’re in luck. Changing how long your screen stays on in Windows 11 is a simple task. Just follow a few steps, and you’ll be able to customize your screen timeout settings to fit your needs perfectly.
How to Change How Long Your Screen Stays On in Windows 11
In this section, we will guide you through the steps to adjust your screen timeout settings in Windows 11. This will allow you to control how long your screen stays active when your device is idle.
Step 1: Open Settings
The first step is to open the Settings app.
To do this, click on the Start menu (the Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen, and then click on the gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I on your keyboard to quickly open Settings.
Step 2: Go to System
Next, navigate to the System section.
In the Settings window, you’ll find several options. Click on "System," which is usually the first option and has a computer screen icon next to it.
Step 3: Select Power & Battery
Now, go to the Power & Battery settings.
Once you’re in the System menu, look for "Power & Battery" from the left-hand side menu and click on it. This section includes all the settings related to your device’s power and battery usage.
Step 4: Adjust the Screen Timeout Settings
Scroll down to find the screen and sleep settings.
Under the "Power & Battery" section, you’ll see options for "Screen" and "Sleep." Here, you can adjust the time for both "On battery power, turn off my screen after" and "When plugged in, turn off my screen after." Click on the dropdown menus and select your desired time.
Step 5: Save and Exit
Finally, save your settings and exit.
Once you’ve set your preferred screen timeout durations, simply close the Settings window. Your changes will be applied automatically.
After completing these steps, your screen will stay on for the duration you’ve specified. This can help you avoid interruptions or save power based on your needs.
Tips for Changing How Long Your Screen Stays On in Windows 11
- Consider Battery Life: If you’re using a laptop and want to conserve battery, set a shorter screen timeout when on battery power.
- Customize Sleep Settings: Besides screen timeout, also adjust when your device goes to sleep to optimize performance and power usage.
- Use Power Plans: Create different power plans with varied screen timeout settings for different scenarios, like working vs. watching movies.
- Monitor Screen Time: Be mindful of screen usage to reduce eye strain by setting reasonable screen timeouts.
- Lock Screen Security: For security reasons, consider setting a shorter screen timeout if you’re in a public or shared space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change how long my screen stays on in Windows 11?
You can change this by going to Settings > System > Power & Battery and adjusting the screen timeout settings under "Screen" and "Sleep."
Will changing the screen timeout affect my computer’s performance?
No, changing the screen timeout only affects how long the display stays on when idle. It does not impact the overall performance of your computer.
Can I set different screen timeout settings for battery power and plugged-in power?
Yes, Windows 11 allows you to set different screen timeout durations for when your device is on battery power and when it’s plugged in.
What is the shortest and longest screen timeout duration I can set?
You can set the screen timeout to as short as 1 minute and as long as 5 hours, depending on your preference.
How do I revert back to the default screen timeout settings?
To revert to default settings, go to Settings > System > Power & Battery and set the screen timeout options to the values they were originally set to when you first got your device.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Select Power & Battery
- Adjust the Screen Timeout Settings
- Save and Exit
Conclusion
Changing how long your screen stays on in Windows 11 is a quick and easy way to make your device more user-friendly. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life or keep your screen active for longer, customizing these settings can make a big difference.
By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your device meets your specific needs. Don’t forget to consider additional adjustments like sleep settings and power plans to fully optimize your experience.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other customization options in Windows 11 to make your device truly your own. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.