How to Change Your Windows Computer Screen Saver

Screen savers conceal a computer screen when it's not in use. More than a functional tool, screen savers also share a bit of your personality by showing what interests people most. Customize your computer by changing your Windows default screen saver to other graphics.

Instructions

1. Open your Control Panel. In Windows XP, click on "Display." The Display Properties window offers you different ways to personalize your computer, including a tab for "Screen Saver."

2. Change your Windows screen saver in Vista by clicking on "Appearance and Personalization" in the Control Panel. From there, choose "Personalization," which takes you to "Screen Saver."

3. Click the drop down list under "Screen Saver" to see what screen savers are available. You can preview the different screen savers already loaded onto your computer to see what they'll look like.

4. Download a screen saver from a third-party site if you prefer a different screen saver. Most sites provide instructions on downloading specific screen savers.

5. Create a slide show screen saver by clicking on any of the following: My Pictures, Photos or Slideshow. "Settings" allow you to choose which photos you want to use and customize. Save your choices.

6. Set a password on your screensaver if you don't want other people using your computer. Once the screen saver activates, it takes typing in a password to clear it from the screen.

7. Make certain that you click "OK" or "Apply" as you exit out of the screen saver tool to save the choices you made.

Tips & Warnings

• Another way to access the screen saver is to use your mouse and right click on your computer screen. "Properties" or "Personalize" will take you to your screen saver menu.

• Set your screen saver to appear at whatever time interval works best for you. You may not want it to pop up after a minute; perhaps five or ten minutes works better for you.

• Occasionally, a Windows screen saver causes problems when it doesn't want to vanish or is slow to go away. Change to a different screen saver or just turn it off.

• Be careful when you download screen savers from third-party sites that you don't end up with more than you bargained for. Some sites bundle screen savers with other tools and programs.