DeviceHowTo
Windows 10⏱ 2 min

How to Change Screen Timeout on Windows 10

Set how long before the screen locks or turns off when idle.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Windows screen timeout is configured in Settings > System > Power & Sleep, where separate values for screen and sleep apply to both 'On battery' and 'Plugged in' states. Distinguishing between the screen turning off (display powers down but the device stays awake) and sleep (the device hibernates or suspends) is important: screen timeout affects only the display, while sleep affects the whole system including active downloads and network connections. Setting screen timeout to Never is not recommended on laptops as it prevents the display from turning off when the laptop lid is closed, which can generate heat and reduce battery life.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep. Set the Screen turns off after values for both On battery and Plugged in.
  2. 2Use shorter timeouts on battery for energy savings; use longer or Never only when plugged in.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows 10 have a built-in way to change screen timeout?
Yes. Windows 10 includes a native option to change screen timeout without installing third-party software. Follow the Quick Steps above for the exact location in the settings menu.
How long does it take to change screen timeout on Windows 10?
Most users complete this in about 2 min. Complex cases that require troubleshooting or a restart may take a few extra minutes.
Is it safe to change screen timeout on Windows 10?
Yes — this is a standard Windows 10 operation. Follow the steps exactly as written, particularly any warnings shown in red or amber banners at the top of this guide.
What should I do if change screen timeout doesn't work on Windows 10?
Follow the Still Not Working section above for targeted fallback steps. As a final resort, install any pending OS updates and restart the device before trying again — most software issues resolve after an update.

Same task, different device

Windows 11macOSiPhone (iOS)iPad (iPadOS)Samsung GalaxyGoogle PixelChromebook

Related guides for Windows 10

Turn Off Notifications

Silence noisy apps while keeping important alerts active.

Find Your IP Address

Locate local and public IP addresses for network troubleshooting.

Take a Screenshot

Capture your full screen or a selected region using built-in shortcuts.

Record Your Screen

Start a native screen recording without installing third-party software.