How To Adjust Screen Timeout Settings In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on November 3, 2025

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Do you find your Windows 11 screen constantly dimming or turning off when you’re in the middle of something? Adjusting the screen timeout settings can significantly improve your workflow and overall experience. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to customize your screen timeout settings in Windows 11, ensuring your display stays active for as long as you need it.

Whether you want to prevent interruptions during presentations, keep an eye on a running process, or simply avoid constantly re-entering your password, understanding and modifying these settings is essential. Let’s dive into how you can easily tailor your Windows 11 screen timeout to suit your specific needs.

How Do I Change the Screen Timeout on Windows 11?

Accessing Power Options

Click the Start button.
Type “Control Panel” and press Enter.
In the Control Panel, select “Hardware and Sound“.
Click on “Power Options“.

Modifying Power Plan Settings

Next to your currently selected power plan (usually “Balanced” or “Power saver”), click “Change plan settings“.
Use the “Turn off the display” dropdown menus to select your desired timeout durations for when your computer is running on battery and when it’s plugged in.
Use the “Put the computer to sleep” dropdown menus to select your desired sleep durations for when your computer is running on battery and when it’s plugged in.
Click “Save changes” to apply your new settings.

Using Windows Settings App

Click the Start button.
Click on the Settings icon (gear icon), or type “Settings” and press Enter.
Click on “System“.
Select “Power & battery“.
Expand the “Screen and sleep” section.
Use the dropdown menus under “On battery power, turn off my screen after” and “When plugged in, turn off my screen after” to select your desired timeout durations.
Similarly, adjust the “On battery power, put my device to sleep after” and “When plugged in, put my device to sleep after” settings.

Understanding Power Plans

Power plans are collections of hardware and system settings that manage how your computer uses power. Windows 11 offers several default power plans, each designed for different usage scenarios. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Balanced	Power Saver	High Performance
Screen Timeout	Moderate (e.g., 10 minutes)	Short (e.g., 5 minutes)	Longer (e.g., 15 minutes or Never)
Performance	Good balance of performance and energy	Prioritizes energy saving	Prioritizes performance
Battery Life	Moderate	Longest	Shortest
Ideal For	Everyday use	Extending battery life on the go	Demanding tasks, gaming

Tips

Consider your usage: If you frequently use your laptop unplugged, a shorter screen timeout can significantly extend your battery life.
Presentation mode: When giving presentations, set the screen timeout to “Never” to avoid interruptions. Remember to revert the setting afterward to conserve battery.
Privacy: A shorter timeout can enhance privacy by automatically locking your screen when you step away.
Custom power plans: For advanced users, Windows 11 allows you to create custom power plans with tailored settings for specific needs.

Optimizing Your Screen’s On-Time

Adjusting your screen timeout settings in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computing experience. Whether you prioritize battery life, performance, or convenience, these steps allow you to tailor your device to your specific requirements.

FAQ

How do I prevent my screen from turning off completely? Set the “Turn off the display after” setting to “Never” in the Power Options or Settings app.

Why is my screen turning off even when I’m using the computer? Check your power plan settings to ensure the screen timeout is not set too short. Also, ensure that your computer is not going to sleep due to inactivity.

Can I set different screen timeout settings for different applications? No, Windows 11 does not offer application-specific screen timeout settings. The settings apply system-wide.

Will changing the screen timeout affect my computer’s performance? A longer screen timeout may slightly reduce battery life on laptops but will not significantly impact overall performance.

How can I quickly lock my screen when I step away? Press the Windows key + L to immediately lock your screen.