How to Stop a Screensaver During a PowerPoint

Use Windows Mobility Center to turn off a screensaver during a presentation.

Windows implements a mobility center to quickly adjust your computer's settings before giving a presentation. Included in Windows Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Mobility Center was created to centralize the most common computer settings. While using the Windows Mobility Center, you can check your network connectivity and battery status, adjust the volume and screen brightness, turn off the screensaver, and prevent notifications from appearing on your computer during a presentation.

Instructions

1. Press the "Windows Key" and "X" simultaneously. The Windows Key is located in the lower-left corner of your keyboard, usually between the CTRL and ALT keys. If you cannot locate the Windows Key, you can click "Start" and select "Control Panel." Click "Mobile PC" and then "Windows Mobility Center." The Windows Mobility Center dialog box appears on your screen.

2. Press the button labeled "Turn On" in the Presentation Settings box. Close the dialog box.

3. Connect your computer to a network projector or an additional monitor to set up your presentation. The New Display Detected dialog box will appear on your screen. Click the "OK" checkbox next to "Turn on Presentation Settings."

4. Give your presentation. When you are finished, you can turn off the Presentation Settings by clicking "Windows Key" and "X" again and selecting "Turn Off" on the Presentation Settings box.

Tips & Warnings

• Alternately, you can turn off the screen saver by right clicking on your desktop and selecting "Personalize." Select "Screen Saver" and then turn it off. This technique is often disabled in corporate or educational settings to protect the computer.

References

• Microsoft: Adjust Settings Before a Presentation
• Microsoft: Using Windows Mobility Center