Windows – Screen saver won’t activate

power-managementscreensaverwindows 10

I am using a Intel computer stick plugged directly into the HDMI on the TV. Running Windows 10. I'm unable to setup my computer to "auto-lock". In the power settings, I set it to turn the display off after 3 hours. In the screen saver settings, I've ticked the box to "require password on resume". Neither of these options are working currently. The monitor does not go into screen saver mode, nor will it turn off after 3 hours. Yes, I have a password on my account which is entered upon every restart.

Research shows that I need to delete a couple registry keys, but neither of them currently exist. Previewing of the screen saver functions properly. Other than that, I have been unable to find a solution.

Screenshot:

Best Answer

In my case, it turned out to be a USB Game Controller, as mentioned in the comments. Once I unplugged it, my screensaver came on right at the 1 minute setting.

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Windows – Require password after screen saver

If the PC is part of a domain, you cannot change it; otherwise, see the instructions below.

The location of the GPO that controls this would be: Local Computer Policy\User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Control Panel\Display and more specifically; "Hide screen saver tab". Group Policy Editor is available only in Windows 7 Enterprise, Pro and Ultimate.

You can also change registry settings ... which I do not suggest if you don't have permission. You can get into trouble if they find out you're circumventing their policies.

You can find it here:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control Panel\Desktop

Delete the ScreenSaverIsSecure value.

If the greyout comes back after making registry change, you may have to use Group Policy Editor to make a permanent change.

Open the group policy editor by running this command:

gpedit.msc

and navigate to Local Computer Policy\User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Control Panel\Personalization

double click the "Password protect the screen saver" entry

Tick the enabled radio button and hit OK. Close the editor.

Windows – Manually start screensaver with password protect

You can create a desktop shortcut for Lock Workstation, it's C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation on the target path. Then, install MonitorES to automatically turn off the monitor the moment it's locked. Ok, it's not starting the screensaver, but it save more energy, and I think the screensaver thing was more about "click to lock"

Edit : A setting in MonitorES also allows auto starting of screensaver when locked, and it will work when you set a screensaver on Display setting. Still, I think it's better to simply turn off the monitor.

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Related Solutions

Windows – Require password after screen saver

Windows – Manually start screensaver with password protect

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