3 Fixes When the Windows 11 Screen Saver Settings Is Greyed Out

Aman is a Windows specialist and loves writing about the Windows ecosystem on Guiding Tech and MakeUseOf. He has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and is now a full-time freelance writer with expertise in Windows, iOS, and browsers.

Afam has been a content writer with Guiding Tech Media since August 2023. However, his experience in tech writing dates back to 2018, when he worked as a freelance writer for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has grown a reputation for publishing quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles. His work is featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, and Next of Windows. He has training as a Microsoft Certified Professional and has covered more Microsoft-related guides on these platforms.

Fix 1: Delete the ScreenSaveActive Registry Key

If screen saver options are greyed out in Windows, incorrect registry edits are likely causing the issue. You must access the Registry Editor and properly edit certain keys to fix the issue.

Step 1:Press theWindows+Rkeyboard shortcut to open the Run tool, typeregeditin the search bar, and clickOK.

Step 2:In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:

Step 3:Right-click on theScreenSaveActivestring value > chooseDelete.

Step 4:ClickYesto confirm your selection.

Similarly, delete the following string values as well if available in the same location:

Fix 2: Configure the Screen Saver Policy

Enable screen saver is an important policy that lets you change screen savers on your Windows PC. If you’ve mistakenly disabled this policy, you can’t change the screen saver and face various issues, including the one at hand. You may enable it from the Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 1:Press theWindows+Rkeyboard shortcut to open the Run tool.

Step 2:Typegpedit.mscin the search bar and clickOK.

Step 3:In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following location:

Step 4:Double-click on theEnable screen saverpolicy in the right pane.

Step 5:ChooseEnabled> clickApply>OK.

Note:The Local Group Policy Editor is exclusive to Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. You may take a few extra steps ifgpedit.msc is missingon your PC.

Fix 3: Update or Reinstall Display Drivers

Another prime reason behind the issue can be a corrupt graphics driver. The best way to fix that is to update the graphics driver or reinstall it. Here’s a step-by-step instructions to do that:

Step 1:Right-click theWindows iconin the Taskbar > chooseDevice Managerfrom the Power User menu.

Step 2:Double-click on theDisplay adapters.

Step 3:Right-click on theinstalled graphics driverand chooseUpdate driver.

Step 4:SelectSearch automatically for driversin the Update driver window that crops up.

Windows will now search for and download available graphics driver updates.

Alternatively, you may go through steps 1 and 2, right-click on the driver and clickUninstall device. Next, restart the computer to reinstall it.

You can also visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (AMD,NVIDIA, orIntel) and download the latest update.

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Last updated on 23 August, 2024

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