How To Change Screen Timeout On Windows 11

Are you tired of your screen timing out too quickly on Windows 11? Fear not, as there is a simple solution to this common issue. With just a few clicks, you can easily change the screen timeout settings and customize it to your preference. Let's explore how to change screen timeout on Windows 11 and take control of your device's sleep settings.

Changing the screen timeout on Windows 11 is straightforward and can be done through the settings menu. By adjusting this setting, you can prevent your screen from turning off automatically when you're not actively using your computer, allowing for a more seamless and uninterrupted workflow. With the ability to control the screen timeout, you can ensure that your display stays on for the desired amount of time, enhancing productivity and convenience. So, let's dive into the steps to change screen timeout on Windows 11 and optimize your device's power settings.

Customizing Screen Timeout on Windows 11

Windows 11 offers various customization options to enhance user experience and personalize device settings. One such essential customization is changing the screen timeout duration. Adjusting the screen timeout allows users to control when their computer's screen turns off or locks due to inactivity. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to change screen timeout on Windows 11, ensuring your device's display stays responsive for the desired period.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

Windows 11 provides a straightforward method to change the screen timeout through the Settings app. Follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of the screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
• From the Start menu, click on the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) to launch the Settings app.
• In the Settings app, click on the "System" option.
• In the left sidebar, select "Power & sleep".

Now that you have accessed the Power & sleep settings, you can proceed to customize the screen timeout duration:

• Scroll down to the "Screen" section in the right pane of the Power & sleep settings.
• Under the "When plugged in, turn off after" option, click on the dropdown menu and select your preferred duration.
• If desired, you can also adjust the "When on battery power, turn off after" option to determine the screen timeout when your device is running on battery power.
• Once you have selected the desired screen timeout duration, close the Settings app. The changes will be saved automatically.

Additional Tip: Advanced Power Settings

If the default screen timeout options in the Settings app do not fulfill your requirements, Windows 11 provides advanced power settings that allow for more precise customization:

• In the Power & sleep settings, scroll to the bottom and click on the "Additional power settings" link. This will open the Power Options in the Control Panel.
• Within the Power Options, select the power plan you are currently using and click on "Change plan settings".
• In the next window, click on "Change advanced power settings".
• A new dialog box will appear with various power settings. Scroll down and locate the "Display" category. Expand it by clicking on the arrow beside it.
• Within the "Display" category, you can customize options such as "Dim display after" (to specify how long the display remains dim before turning off), "Turn off display after" (to set the screen timeout duration), and more.
• Adjust the desired settings according to your preferences.
• Once you have made the necessary changes, click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the modifications.

Method 2: Changing Screen Timeout via Control Panel

The Control Panel is another option to change the screen timeout on Windows 11. Here's how:

• Right-click on the Start button or press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
• From the Quick Link menu, select "Control Panel" to launch the Control Panel.
• In the Control Panel, change the "View by" option to "Large icons" or "Small icons" for easy accessibility.
• Locate and click on "Power Options".

Now, you can customize the screen timeout settings through the Power Options:

• Within the Power Options, you will find your currently selected power plan. To change the plan settings, click on "Change plan settings" next to your active plan.
• In the next window, click on "Change advanced power settings".
• A new dialog box will appear with various power settings. Scroll down and locate the "Display" category. Expand it by clicking on the arrow beside it.
• Within the "Display" category, you can customize options such as "Dim display after" (to specify how long the display remains dim before turning off), "Turn off display after" (to set the screen timeout duration), and more.
• Adjust the desired settings according to your preferences.
• Once you have made the necessary changes, click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the modifications.

Managing Screen Timeout with Group Policy Editor

For advanced users and system administrators, Windows 11 provides Group Policy Editor to manage screen timeout settings across multiple devices on a network:

• Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R on your keyboard.
• Type "gpedit.msc" in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Group Policy Editor.
• Within the Group Policy Editor, navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Control Panel" > "Personalization".
• On the right-hand side, locate and double-click on the "Screen saver timeout" policy.
• In the new dialog box, select the "Enabled" option to customize the screen timeout duration.
• Enter the desired time duration (in seconds) in the "Screen saver timeout" field.
• Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the settings.

Altering Screen Timeout for Optimized Usage

In addition to the methods mentioned earlier, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind while adjusting screen timeout on Windows 11:

Customizing Screen Timeout for Maximum Productivity

By setting an appropriate screen timeout duration, you can ensure that your computer remains accessible for the required period without compromising energy efficiency. For maximum productivity:

• Consider your work patterns: If you often engage in tasks requiring continuous use of your computer, such as prolonged reading or data entry, choosing a longer screen timeout duration is beneficial.
• Save power without interruption: Conversely, if you prioritize energy conservation and prefer shorter timeouts, opt for a relatively lower duration.
• Balance convenience and security: It is important to strike a balance between convenience and security. A shorter screen timeout duration provides better security by automatically locking your computer when idle, preventing unauthorized access.

Utilizing Dynamic Lock

Windows 11 incorporates a feature called Dynamic Lock, which automatically locks your computer when you are away by utilizing a paired Bluetooth device. To ensure optimal security:

• Pair your Windows 11 device with a trusted Bluetooth device, such as your smartphone or smartwatch.
• In the Windows Settings, click on "Accounts" and select "Sign-in options".
• Scroll down until you find the "Dynamic Lock" section.
• Toggle the "Allow Windows to automatically lock your device" switch to the "On" position.
• Now, when you move away from your computer, it will automatically lock using the paired Bluetooth device, adding an extra layer of security.

Adjusting the screen timeout on Windows 11 provides an excellent opportunity to enhance both your device's performance and energy efficiency, aligning it with your specific needs and work patterns.

Changing Screen Timeout on Windows 11

Screen timeout refers to the amount of time it takes for your computer screen to turn off or go to sleep when there is no activity. Changing the screen timeout settings can help conserve energy and extend battery life on your Windows 11 device. If you want to adjust the screen timeout on your Windows 11 computer, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Settings (gear) icon.

2. In the Windows Settings window, select System.

3. Click on Power & sleep in the left-hand menu.

4. Under the Screen section, you will find the options to adjust the screen timeout for both when your device is running on battery power and when it's plugged in.

5. Click on the drop-down menus next to On battery power and Plugged in to choose the desired screen timeout settings.

6. Finally, close the Settings window, and your screen timeout settings will be updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we have answered some commonly asked questions about changing the screen timeout on Windows 11. Read on to find out the solutions.

1. How can I change the screen timeout on Windows 11?

To change the screen timeout on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and select "Settings".
2. In the Settings menu, click on "System".
3. From the left sidebar, choose "Power & sleep".
4. Under "Screen", adjust the slider to set the desired screen timeout.
5. Click on "Additional power settings" to further customize power and sleep settings.

By following these steps, you can easily change the screen timeout on Windows 11 according to your preferences.

2. Can I change the screen timeout for different power plans on Windows 11?

Yes, you can change the screen timeout for different power plans on Windows 11. Here's how:

1. Open the Start menu and select "Settings".
2. In the Settings menu, click on "System".
3. Choose "Power & sleep" from the left sidebar.
4. Scroll down and click on "Additional power settings".
5. From the Power Options window, select the power plan you want to customize. (e.g., Balanced, Power Saver, High Performance)
6. Click on "Change plan settings" next to your selected power plan.
7. Under the "Turn off the display" option, set the desired screen timeout.
8. Save your changes.

By following these steps, you can set different screen timeouts for various power plans on Windows 11.

3. How can I disable the screen timeout on Windows 11?

If you want to disable the screen timeout on Windows 11, here's what you need to do:

1. Open the Start menu and go to "Settings".
2. In the Settings menu, click on "System".
3. Select "Power & sleep" from the left sidebar.
4. Under the "Screen" section, slide the screen timeout to "Never".

With these steps, you can disable the screen timeout on your Windows 11 device.

4. How can I change the screen timeout via the command prompt on Windows 11?

To change the screen timeout via the command prompt on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Enter the following command: powercfg /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_VIDEO VIDEOIDLE [Value]
3. Replace [Value] with the desired timeout in seconds (e.g., 300 for 5 minutes).
4. Press Enter to execute the command.
5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

By following these steps, you can change the screen timeout via the command prompt on Windows 11.

5. Can I change the screen timeout with a registry tweak on Windows 11?

Yes, you can change the screen timeout with a registry tweak on Windows 11. Here's how:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\PowerCfg.
4. Double-click on the ACSettingIndex entry to modify the screen timeout while your device is connected to AC power.
5. Double-click on the DCSettingIndex entry to modify the screen timeout while your device is running on battery power.
6. Change the value data to the desired timeout in seconds (e.g., 900 for 15 minutes).



In conclusion, changing the screen timeout on Windows 11 is a simple process that can help you optimize your device's power usage and privacy settings. By adjusting the screen timeout duration, you can customize how long your screen stays active before it goes to sleep or locks.

To change the screen timeout on Windows 11, navigate to the settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear-shaped Settings icon. From there, go to System, then Power & sleep. Under the Screen section, you can choose your desired timeout duration from the drop-down menu.