Friday, March 29, 2024

How To Fix Screen Saver Settings Grayed Out On Windows 10 / 11

Several Windows 10 and 11 users report complaints of grayed-out screen-saver settings. After looking into the problem, there seems to be two possible root causes:

  • Local Group Policy has disabled the screen saver settings.
  • Your screen-saver settings have been hard-coded via Registry Editor.

Screen Saver Settings Grayed Out Fix

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry because we have created the exact two solutions so that you don’t have to see the grayed-out screen-saver settings on your Windows 10 and 11 anymore. If the first solution does not work, head on to the next, which might solve your problem.

Fix #1: Enable Screen Saver Through Group Policy Editor

For users whose system utilizes the gpedit.msc (group policy editor) or their local (or network) administrator utilizes it; this may lead to screen saver settings getting disabled by the policy. As of now, there are two policies that contribute to the issue, namely – “Enable Screen Saver” policy and “Force-specific screen saver” policy.

To fix this, you will need to use Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to disable whatever policy is causing grayed-out screen saver settings. To do so, follow the steps described next:

  • Press Windows and R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
  • In the text box type ‘gpedit.msc’.
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor utility.
  • Click Yes to allow admin access.
  • In the opened window, use the side menu on the left to head to the following location: “User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization”.
  • Double click on Enable (Enabled or Not Configured) Screen Saver.
  • Click on Apply to save changes.
  • Head back to the Personalization folder.
  • Click on Force a specific screen saver policy to Disabled (or Not Configured).
  • Click on Apply to save changes.
  • Restart your PC.

Fix #2: Enable Screen Saver Through Registry Editor (Windows 10 Only)

If the first solution didn’t, this one might work for you. In this fix, you’ll have to reconfigure your screen-saver settings via Registry Editor. The grayed-out screen saver settings may be happening due to the following registry values:

SCRNSAVE.EXE
ScreenSaverIsSecure
ScreenSaveTimeout

To verify whether any of the above registry values are hard coded inside “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control” location, follow the next steps:

  • Backup your registry data.
  • Press Windows and R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
  • In the text box type ‘regedit’.
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open.
  • Click Yes to allow admin access.
  • Inside the Registry Editor, head to the following location: “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Control”
  • Head to the right-hand side menu and see if any of the following keys are visible:
    • SCRNSAVE.EXE
    • ScreenSaverIsSecure
    • ScreenSaveTimeout
  • If you see any of them, right-click on them and press Delete.
  • Restart your PC.

Getting rid of the grayed-out screen-saver settings on Windows 10 and 11 may seem like a hefty task, but if you carefully follow through the detailed steps we have listed, you won’t have to deal with any difficulties. I hope this guide has helped you; you can now see the screen saver settings.

Having Trouble With Windows?

Tip: If you’re having trouble with Windows updates, registry errors, drivers, and activation, we recommend using Restoro. This software will scan and fix your problem automatically.

Jake
Jake
Hey there! I'm Jake, and for the past eight years, I've been diving deep into journalism and whipping up video game guides. Big-time Pokemon fanatic? That's me. Obsessed with RPGs? Guilty as charged. When I'm not jotting down the latest game tips or hunting for that elusive Pokemon, I'm geeking out with fellow gamers and sharing my latest adventures; 2500+ articles and still going! Dive into my world and let's game on!
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