Windows 11 comes with a default screen timeout setting, but what if you want to keep your display on longer? Whether you’re working on a project or simply don’t want your screen to keep turning off, extending your screen time is easy. By adjusting a few settings, you can increase the amount of time before your display automatically turns off.
Once you’ve extended your screen time, your Windows 11 device will stay on for the set duration. This gives you more control over your workflow and prevents interruptions caused by the screen going dark too soon.
How to Increase Screen Time in Windows 11
In this section, you’ll learn how to extend the screen time before your Windows 11 device goes to sleep. We’ll be walking through the exact steps so that your screen stays on longer.
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Step 1: Open the Settings app
Click the Start button and select “Settings” from the menu.
This will bring up the main control panel where you can make various changes to your system’s behavior.
Step 2: Navigate to “System”
In the Settings window, click on “System,” which is usually at the top of the list.
The “System” menu is where you control most of the core features of your computer, including display settings.
Step 3: Click on “Power & battery”
On the left-hand menu, scroll down and click on “Power & battery.”
This option helps you control how much power your device uses and lets you adjust when the display should turn off.
Step 4: Adjust the screen timeout settings
In the Power & battery settings, you’ll see options for screen and sleep. Find the “Screen and sleep” section, and adjust the times for “On battery power, turn off after” and “When plugged in, turn off after.”
These settings determine how long your screen stays active before turning off, either when you’re using battery power or when plugged in.
Step 5: Set your preferred timeout duration
Choose the desired time from the dropdown options for both battery and plugged-in modes.
You can set your screen to stay on for as long as you like. Keep in mind that longer screen time can drain your battery faster.
Tips for Increasing Screen Time in Windows 11
- Set longer screen times when plugged in: Keeping the screen on for extended periods can drain your battery quickly, so it’s best to adjust the settings when your device is charging.
- Turn off sleep mode: If you want your PC to stay on indefinitely, make sure sleep mode is turned off entirely.
- Use a screensaver: If you’re worried about screen burn-in, you can set a screensaver instead of letting the screen stay completely idle.
- Create power plans: Windows allows you to create custom power plans with different screen timeout settings, so you can switch between them easily.
- Monitor power usage: If you’re on battery power, keep an eye on how extending screen time affects your overall battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my screen from turning off on Windows 11?
You can prevent your screen from turning off by adjusting the screen timeout settings in the Power & battery section of the System settings.
Does extending screen time drain the battery faster?
Yes, keeping your screen on for longer periods can use up more battery power, especially when not plugged in.
Can I make the screen stay on forever?
Yes, you can set your screen timeout to “Never” to prevent it from automatically turning off.
What happens if I don’t adjust the settings?
Your screen will turn off after the default timeout, which might interrupt your work or entertainment.
Can I create different screen time settings for battery and when plugged in?
Yes, Windows 11 allows you to set different screen timeouts depending on whether you’re using battery power or plugged into a charger.
Conclusion
Increasing screen time in Windows 11 is a simple task that gives you better control over your device’s display settings. By following the steps outlined above, you can customize the timeout duration to suit your needs—whether you’re working, watching a video, or running a presentation. Keep in mind that while keeping your screen on longer is convenient, it can affect battery life, so it’s important to strike a balance between usability and power consumption.
If you’re frequently on the go and using battery power, consider keeping screen time relatively short. But if you’re plugged in and working on a project, feel free to extend it as long as needed. Adjusting these settings gives you flexibility over your system’s power management, making your Windows 11 experience smoother and more tailored to your workflow.
For more tips on optimizing your Windows 11 device, check out our other guides or explore the advanced power settings to fine-tune your device even further.