If your screen keeps going dark too quickly or stays on longer than you’d like, adjusting your screen timeout settings in Windows 11 is the fix you need. This quick guide will show you exactly how to change your screen timeout settings step by step — whether you’re on a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
What Is Screen Timeout in Windows 11?
Screen timeout determines how long your computer’s display stays active when you’re not using it. Once that time passes, the screen automatically turns off to save energy or prevent screen burn-in.
Think of it like your computer’s way of saying, “Are you still there?”
Why Screen Timeout Settings Matter
Your screen timeout setting affects both your productivity and battery life.
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Short timeout: Saves power, perfect for laptops and tablets.
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Long timeout: Keeps your display awake for presentations or reading.
Getting the balance right keeps your PC both efficient and convenient.
How to Set Screen Timeout from Settings App
This is the simplest and most common way to adjust your screen timeout settings in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
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Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
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Or, click on the Start menu and select Settings manually.
Step 2: Go to Power & Battery
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In the left-hand sidebar, click System → then select Power & battery.
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This is where you’ll manage your PC’s power usage and screen settings.
Step 3: Adjust the Screen Timeout Duration
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Under Power, expand Screen and sleep.
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You’ll see two options:
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On battery power, turn off my screen after
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When plugged in, turn off my screen after
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Choose your desired duration (e.g., 5, 10, 30 minutes, or Never).
That’s it — your screen timeout is now customized!
How to Set Screen Timeout Using Control Panel
Prefer the old-school way? You can still change timeout settings using the Control Panel.
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Press Windows + R, type
control, and press Enter. -
Go to Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
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Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
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Adjust the time under Turn off the display for both On battery and Plugged in.
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Click Save changes.
How to Change Screen Timeout for Plugged-In and Battery Modes
Windows 11 lets you have different timeout settings depending on your power source:
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Battery Mode: Shorter timeout helps save battery.
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Plugged-In Mode: Longer timeout is fine for work or gaming.
Example:
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On battery: 5 minutes
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Plugged in: 30 minutes
How to Set Screen Timeout via Command Prompt (Advanced Users)
For those who prefer the command line:
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
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Type this command and hit Enter:
(This sets the plugged-in timeout to 30 minutes.)
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For battery mode, use:
(This sets the battery timeout to 10 minutes.)
How to Set Screen Timeout Using Registry Editor (Advanced Method)
⚠️ Caution: Changing registry settings can affect your system. Proceed carefully.
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Locate Display timeout options and adjust their values as needed.
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Restart your PC to apply changes.
How to Prevent Your Screen from Turning Off Temporarily
If you’re giving a presentation or watching a movie:
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Go to Settings → Power & battery → Screen and sleep.
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Set the timeout to Never temporarily.
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Don’t forget to switch it back later to save energy.
Or use third-party apps like Caffeine or NoSleep to keep the screen awake.
How to Set Screen Timeout on a Laptop
Laptops rely heavily on battery life, so a shorter timeout is ideal.
Go to Settings → Power & battery → Screen and sleep, and choose:
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On battery: 5 minutes
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Plugged in: 15–30 minutes
This keeps your battery healthy and extends its lifespan.
How to Set Screen Timeout on a Desktop PC
Desktops don’t rely on batteries, so you can set a longer timeout — even up to Never if you prefer.
However, to save electricity and screen wear, a 15- or 30-minute timeout is a good compromise.
How to Set Screen Timeout When Using an External Monitor
External monitors follow your PC’s timeout settings automatically.
But if you notice the monitor staying on or going off early:
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Check your display driver.
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Reapply timeout settings in Power Options.
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Ensure Sleep and Display off times are not conflicting.
Troubleshooting Screen Timeout Not Working
If your screen doesn’t turn off according to your settings:
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Run the Power Troubleshooter:
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Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
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Run Power troubleshooter.
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Check for connected devices (like a mouse or game controller) that might be keeping your PC awake.
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Update your graphics drivers.
Tips to Save Battery While Adjusting Screen Timeout
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Reduce brightness levels.
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Use Battery Saver mode.
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Set shorter timeouts for sleep and screen off modes.
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Turn off background apps.
Recommended Screen Timeout Settings
| Usage Type | On Battery | Plugged In |
|---|---|---|
| Office Work | 5–10 mins | 15–30 mins |
| Watching Videos | 10–20 mins | 30 mins+ |
| Presentations | Never | Never |
| Travel Mode | 3–5 mins | 10 mins |
Conclusion
Setting your screen timeout in Windows 11 is simple — and it helps you save power, protect your screen, and work more efficiently. Whether you prefer quick access through Settings or advanced tweaks via Command Prompt, you now have full control over how long your display stays active.
FAQs
1. Why does my screen turn off so quickly in Windows 11?
Your timeout setting might be too short. Adjust it in Settings → Power & battery → Screen and sleep.
2. Can I set different timeouts for when my laptop is plugged in and on battery?
Yes! Windows 11 allows separate settings for both modes.
3. How do I keep my screen on permanently?
Set your timeout to Never under Screen and sleep, but remember — this consumes more power.
4. My screen timeout setting doesn’t apply — what do I do?
Try updating your power plan or running the built-in Power Troubleshooter.
5. What’s the best screen timeout for battery saving?
For laptops, 5 minutes or less on battery power is ideal to extend battery life.