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10 Tech How-To

Password Protect Screensaver in Windows 11

Guide 10-10013 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you how to require a password when your Windows 11 PC wakes from the screensaver. This adds a layer of security so that if you step away, someone can’t just move the mouse and get into your session. You’ll need a Windows 11 PC with an account that already has a password or PIN set up.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 11 PC.
  • An account with a password or PIN (most accounts have this).
  • Administrator rights if you want to change settings for all users, but for your own account, standard rights work.

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Settings. Press Windows + I on your keyboard, or click the Start button and select the gear icon.
  2. Go to Accounts. In the left sidebar, click on “Accounts.�
  3. Select Sign-in options. In the Accounts page, click on “Sign-in options� in the right pane.
  4. Find the “Require sign-inâ€� setting. Scroll down until you see the section labeled “Additional settings.â€� The first option there is “If you’ve been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again?â€�
  5. Set it to “When PC wakes up from sleep.� Click the drop-down menu next to it and select “When PC wakes up from sleep.� This is the key step – it makes Windows ask for your password whenever the screen turns off, including when the screensaver kicks in.
  6. Close Settings. Your change is saved automatically. No need to click a save button.

That’s it. Now, whenever your screensaver activates and you move the mouse or press a key, you’ll see the lock screen and need to enter your password or PIN.

Common Mistakes

  • Setting the screensaver to “Noneâ€� and expecting a password. If you don’t have a screensaver set, the screen may just turn off (which is fine) but the password prompt will still appear when you wake it, as long as the “Require sign-inâ€� setting is on.
  • Changing the wrong setting. Some users go to “Personalizationâ€� > “Lock screenâ€� and change the screensaver there, but the password requirement is controlled by the “Sign-in optionsâ€� setting.
  • Using a local account without a password. If your Windows account has no password, you won’t be prompted. You’ll need to set a password first in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password.
  • Thinking “Neverâ€� is the default. The default is actually “When PC wakes up from sleep,â€� but if someone changed it to “Never,â€� you need to switch it back.

Tips

  • Use a PIN for faster login. Windows 11 lets you use a PIN, which is usually quicker to type than a long password. You can set it up under the same “Sign-in optionsâ€� page.
  • Set a screensaver timeout. To make the screensaver start sooner, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver, and set a short wait time (like 5 minutes).
  • Use Dynamic Lock. If you have a Bluetooth phone, you can set Windows to automatically lock when you walk away. Find it under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Dynamic lock.
  • Check your power settings. If your PC goes to sleep instead of showing the screensaver, the password prompt will still appear when it wakes, thanks to the same setting.

Troubleshooting

No password prompt appears when the screensaver ends. First, check that the “Require sign-in� setting is set to “When PC wakes up from sleep.� If it is, and still no prompt, try restarting your PC. Also, make sure your screensaver is actually set to start – go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver and choose one.

You see the lock screen but can’t type your password. This is usually because the PC is still waking up. Wait a few seconds, then click anywhere or press a key. If it’s stuck, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to bring up the login screen.

The setting is grayed out. This can happen if you’re using a work or school account and your organization enforces its own policy. Contact your IT admin. For personal accounts, make sure you’re logged in as an administrator.

Password prompt works but you want it to appear immediately when the screensaver starts. The setting only triggers when the PC wakes from sleep, not when the screensaver first appears. If you want an immediate lock, you can manually lock your PC with Windows + L before stepping away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work with any screensaver?

Yes, the password prompt appears regardless of which screensaver you choose, including the default ones or any you download.

Will this also lock my PC when it goes to sleep?

Yes, the same setting applies to sleep. When the PC wakes from sleep, you’ll be asked to sign in.

Can I set a different time for the screensaver to start?

Yes, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver, and set the wait time in minutes.

What if I forget my password?

You’ll need to use the password reset options on the login screen, or use another admin account to reset it. If you have a Microsoft account, you can reset it online.

Does this apply to the lock screen (when I press Windows + L)?

Yes, pressing Windows + L always locks the PC immediately, regardless of this setting. This setting only affects automatic locking after the screensaver or sleep.

I have a Microsoft account – will it ask for my Microsoft password or my PIN?

It will ask for whatever sign-in method you have set up. If you have a PIN, it will ask for the PIN. If you only have a password, it will ask for that.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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