How to Change a Screensaver Timer

It's possible to make myriad desktop customizations on your screensaver and power settings. Learning how to change a screensaver timer will enable you to choose how long your computer is idle before the screensaver kicks in. These instructions will work on Windows 2000 and newer as well as Mac. On Windows, there is also an option to display the "Welcome" or logon screen once the screensaver has been turned back off.

Instructions

Windows

1. 

   Right-click on a blank space on the desktop. Choose "Properties" from the menu. This will open "Display Properties."

2. 

   Click on the "Screen Saver" tab.

3. 

   Enter the number of minutes in the box next to "Wait:" which is under the drop-down box of available screensavers.

4. Click the "OK" button.

Mac

1. Open "System Preferences" in the application folder.

2. Open the "Desktop & Screen Saver" icon.

3. Drag the slider to the desired number of minutes before the screen saver turns on.

4. Click the red "X" on the top left of the window.

References

• Sams teach yourself Microsoft Windows XP in 24 Hours; Greg M. Perry; 2001
• Mac 101: Change Your Screen Saver; Apple; November 2008