WINDOW 11

How to Change Screen Timeout Settings on Windows 11 for PC and Laptop

3 SOLUTIONS
NOVEMBER 28, 2024

The correct screen timeout setting saves your battery, maintains your privacy, avoids burning into screens, and decreases the use of power to have an ecologically friendly experience. Here's how you can set screen time for your PC and laptop.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Expert, Head of Windows Circle

For Laptops on Battery

Screen: 5-10 minutes, Sleep: 15-20 minutes

For Plugged-in Devices

Screen: 15-20 minutes, Sleep: 30-45 minutes

For Presentation/Creative Work

Screen: 30 minutes or never, Sleep: 2-3 hours

Use Windows Settings

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/3

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

This is the most user-friendly method to change screen timeout from the Settings app.

Method 1 of 3
Next Method

Open Settings

Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

Method 1 of 3
Step 1 of 4

Access Power Settings

Click System on the left pane and then select Power on the right.

Method 1 of 3
Step 2 of 4

Locate Screen Timeout Options

Scroll to the Screen and Sleep section.

Method 1 of 3
Step 3 of 4

Adjust Timeout Settings

Choose desired timeout values for On battery power and Plugged in. Options range from Never to 1 minute or more.

Tip: Use shorter timeouts when running on battery power to maximize battery life.

Method 1 of 3
Step 4 of 4

Via Control Panel

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/3

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Control Panel is the old way of tweaking advanced settings.

Method 2 of 3
Next Method

Open Control Panel

Press Win + S, type Control Panel, and press Enter.

Method 2 of 3
Step 1 of 5

Access Power Options

Navigate to Power Options.

Method 2 of 3
Step 2 of 5

Select or Customize a Power Plan

Pick an active plan like Balanced and click Change plan settings.

Method 2 of 3
Step 3 of 5

Set Screen Timeout

Use dropdown menus under Turn off the display to set time for On battery and Plugged in.

Method 2 of 3
Step 4 of 5

Save Changes

Click Save changes to apply your settings.

Note: Choose Change advanced power settings to tweak additional options like screen brightness during sleep.

Method 2 of 3
Step 5 of 5

Editing Registry (Advanced Users)

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/3

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Editing the Windows Registry gives full control over the screen timeout values but should be used with extreme caution.

Method 3 of 3

Open the Registry Editor

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Method 3 of 3
Step 1 of 5

Navigate to the Timeout Key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\7516b95f-f776-4464-8c53-06167f40cc99

Method 3 of 3
Step 2 of 5

Locate Subkeys for Timeout

Look for ACSettingIndex (Plugged in) and DCSettingIndex (Battery).

Method 3 of 3
Step 3 of 5

Modify Timeout Values

Double-click each key and enter the timeout in seconds (e.g., 600 for 10 minutes).

Method 3 of 3
Step 4 of 5

Restart Your Computer

Reboot to apply the changes.

Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause system issues—only proceed if you're confident.

Method 3 of 3
Step 5 of 5

Additional Tips

Image

Reduce screen timeout by 25% when battery is below 20%.

Consider ambient light sensors when setting timeouts.

Use dark mode to complement screen timeout settings.

Methods (3)

Use Windows Setting...
4 Steps
Via Control Panel
5 Steps
Editing Registry (A...
5 Steps

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