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Changing time delay

Joe Uhal 0 Reputation points
2026-03-13T19:45:22.5366667+00:00

How do I lengthen the time after I stop touching the mouse and before the screen darkens?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Desktop, Start, and personalization
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-13T19:45:30.81+00:00

    To lengthen the time before the screen darkens, increase the screen time-out (screen off) setting.

    In Windows 11:

    1. Select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts.
    2. Under Turn my screen off after, choose a longer time for both On battery and When plugged in as desired.

    This controls how long the device waits after no mouse/keyboard activity before turning the screen off.

    If the question is about the logon screen saver (before signing in):

    1. Select Start > Run, type regedt32, and select OK.
    2. Go to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop.
    3. Double-click ScreenSaveTimeOut.
    4. Enter the desired number of seconds (default is 900 = 15 minutes), then select OK.

    Editing the registry changes the delay before the logon screen saver starts.

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  2. Vikki-T 5,725 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-14T06:47:03.31+00:00

    Dear Joe Uhal, 

    I understand it can be inconvenient when the screen darkens sooner than you expect.

    To help me narrow this down, could you share: 

    • Your Windows version. Press Win + R > type winver > press Enter and share the version/build. 
    • Whether the display dims, turns off, or the PC locks first. 
    • If it happens on battery, plugged in, or both. 
    • Whether a screen saver is enabled. 
    • If your device is managed by an organization or if any OEM power apps (e.g., Dell/Lenovo/HP power tools) are installed. 
    • If you’re using an external monitor. 

    In the meantime, please try the checks below: 

    1. Extend the display/sleep timers via Control Panel 
    • Open Control Panel >  Power Options. 
    • Next to your active plan, select Change plan settings. 
    • Set Turn off the display to a longer time for both On battery and Plugged in. Also increase Put the computer to sleep if you want a longer overall idle window. 
    • Select Save changes. 
    • Some PCs also show Choose when to turn off the display in the left pane, this opens the same settings. 
    1. Quick command‑line method 
    • You can set the display‑off timers directly (values are in minutes) using an elevated Command Prompt or Windows Terminal (Run as administrator): powercfg -change monitor-timeout-ac 30 and powercfg -change monitor-timeout-dc 15 
    • The first line sets the plugged‑in (AC) screen‑off time to 30 minutes. 
    • The second sets the battery (DC) screen‑off time to 15 minutes. 
    • Adjust the numbers as needed. 

    While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

    I hope these steps help you set a comfortable delay before the screen darkens and minimize interruptions while you work. Wishing you a smooth and consistent experience with your Windows device. 

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

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