Wondering how to change the screen timeout in Windows 11? By default, Windows turns off your display after a set period of inactivity to save power but you can easily adjust this duration. Whether you want the screen to stay on longer or turn off sooner, Windows 11 provides multiple ways to customize display timeout settings.
This guide walks you through all the effective methods to modify the screen timeout and prevent unnecessary interruptions.
How to Change the Windows 11 Lock Screen Timeout
To change the screen timeout in Windows 11, you’ll need to edit the registry to enable the timeout settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Method 1: Change Windows Screen Timeout Using Settings
The simplest way to adjust the display timeout is through the Settings app.
Step 1:
- Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
Step 2:
- Click on "System" and select "Power & sleep" from the left sidebar.
Step 3:
Under Screen and sleep, use the dropdown menus to set your preferred timeout duration for:
- On battery power
- When plugged in
Method 2: Change Windows Screen Timeout Using Control Panel
This method customizes display timeout through your active power plan.
Step 1:
- Click the Start button and then select "Control Panel."
Step 2:
- Select "Hardware and Sound" and then "Power Options."
Step 3:
- Click on "Change plan settings" next to your selected power plan.
Step 4:
- Adjust the dropdown menu to your desired timeout duration.
Method 3: Change Windows Screen Timeout Using Advanced Power Options
This method allows you to adjust the timeout settings to your preference, allowing you to customize how long your screen remains active before turning off automatically.
Step 1:
- Open the run dialog by pressing Win + R
Step 2:
- Then, Type the following command:
control.exe powercfg.cpl,,3
Step 3:
- Extend Sleep > Sleep after clicking the “On battery” OR “Plugged in” and define the required screen timeout length.
Method 4: Change Windows Screen Timeout Using Command Prompt
This method provides a straightforward way to customize your display timeout settings in Windows 11.
Step 1:
- Go to the start menu, click run, type CMD, then press Enter to launch the command prompt. The search bar can be opened by pressing Win + S.
Step 2: Type this command :
powercfg -change -monitor-timeout-dc x
where X will be the time duration in minutes.
Method 5: Change Windows Screen Timeout Using PowerShell Command
This method gives you more control over changing the display timeout to better suit your preferences.
Step 1:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
Step 2:
- Use the following command to set the screen timeout:
powercfg -change -monitor-timeout-ac 60
Method 6: Change Windows Screen Timeout Using Registry Editor
This method unlocks hidden power settings, including display timeout options.
Warning: Editing the Registry can affect system behavior. Follow the steps carefully.
Step 1:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2:
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\
7516b95f-f776-4464-8c53-06167f40cc99\8EC4B3A5-6868-48c2-BE75-4F3044BE88A7
- Right-click on "Attributes" then click on "Modify" Now several on input change the value to "2".
Step 4:
- Click OK to apply.
This will unlock the display timeout option in Advanced Power Options.