how to change screen timeout on windows 10
Changing the screen timeout on Windows 10 is a simple process that can help save battery life or keep your screen from going dark too quickly. In just a few steps, you can customize how long your screen stays on when your device is inactive. Follow the steps below to adjust your screen timeout settings.
How to Change Screen Timeout on Windows 10
Changing the screen timeout on Windows 10 will help you control how long your screen stays active when you’re not using your computer. This can be particularly useful if you want to save battery life or prevent your screen from dimming too quickly.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Step 1: Click the Start menu and select the Settings app.
The Settings app is where you can customize all kinds of options on your Windows 10 device. You can find the Start menu at the bottom left corner of your screen, represented by the Windows icon.
Step 2: Navigate to System Settings
Step 2: In the Settings app, click on "System."
This section contains various options related to the display, notifications, power, and more. It’s your one-stop shop for screen settings.
Step 3: Go to Power & Sleep
Step 3: Click on "Power & sleep" in the left-hand menu.
This menu includes options for screen timeout and sleep settings. It’s where you can adjust how long your computer waits before it turns off the display or goes into sleep mode.
Step 4: Adjust Screen Timeout Settings
Step 4: Under "Screen," choose the desired time for both "On battery power, turn off after" and "When plugged in, turn off after."
You have different options for when your device is running on battery and when it’s plugged in. Select the values that work best for you from the drop-down menus.
Step 5: Save and Close Settings
Step 5: Close the Settings app to save your changes.
Once you’ve selected your desired screen timeout periods, you can simply close the Settings app. Your changes will be applied automatically.
After completing these steps, your screen timeout settings will be adjusted based on your preferences. The screen will now turn off after the specified time of inactivity, helping you manage energy consumption and convenience.
Tips for Changing Screen Timeout on Windows 10
- Customize timeout settings separately for battery and plugged-in modes to optimize both performance and battery life.
- If you frequently leave your computer unattended, consider setting a shorter timeout to save power.
- Use the "Never" option cautiously to avoid unnecessary battery drain.
- Regularly review timeout settings, especially after updating Windows, as updates can sometimes reset preferences.
- Look for advanced power settings for more detailed control over your device’s power usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is screen timeout?
Screen timeout is the length of time your screen stays on without activity before it turns off automatically.
Can I set different timeouts for battery and plugged-in modes?
Yes, Windows 10 allows you to set different timeouts for when your device is on battery power and when it is plugged in.
Will changing screen timeout affect my computer’s performance?
Adjusting screen timeout mainly affects your device’s battery life and convenience, not performance.
Can I disable screen timeout completely?
Yes, you can set the screen timeout to "Never" to prevent it from turning off automatically. However, this can lead to higher power consumption.
How do I reset screen timeout to default settings?
You can reset screen timeout to default by going back to the "Power & sleep" settings and selecting the default values from the drop-down menus.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to System settings.
- Go to Power & Sleep.
- Adjust screen timeout settings.
- Save and close Settings.
Conclusion
Changing the screen timeout on Windows 10 is a quick and easy way to make your computer work better for you. Whether you’re looking to extend battery life or keep your screen active longer, these settings give you control over your device’s behavior.
Remember, adjusting screen timeout settings isn’t just about convenience, it’s also about optimizing your device’s performance. If you’re the type who often steps away from the computer, shortening the timeout could save you lots of battery power. On the other hand, if you need your screen to stay on for longer periods, you can prevent it from going dark too soon.
Don’t hesitate to revisit your settings every once in a while, especially after system updates, as they can sometimes reset your preferences. Now that you’ve mastered changing screen timeout settings, why not explore other customization options in Windows 10? Happy computing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.