Microsoft Deprecates Screen Savers, Still Usable on Windows 11

Microsoft Deprecates Screen Savers but Keeps the Option Alive

In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has chosen to deprecate screen savers, yet the option to enable them remains accessible for users who appreciate their aesthetic appeal. While many may believe that screen savers serve a critical function in power conservation, the reality is that putting a PC into sleep mode is far more effective. Nevertheless, for those who enjoy the visual charm of screen savers, enabling one on Windows 11 is a straightforward process.

Set a Screen Saver on Windows 11

Begin by opening the Start menu and typing “screen saver” into the search bar.
Select Change screen saver from the search results to access the Screen Saver Settings window.
To activate a screen saver, click on the Screen saver dropdown menu and choose your desired option, moving it from “None” to your preferred screen saver.
Options like Ribbons offer a visually appealing experience, or you might opt for the nostalgic rotating text.
After making your selection, click on Apply to set your screen saver.

For those curious about how their chosen screen saver will appear, the Preview option allows users to visualize the effect. Certain screen savers, such as 3D Text and Photos, come with customizable settings to enhance their display.

Apply a Custom Screen Saver on Windows 11

For users seeking a more personalized touch, Wallpaper Engine emerges as a remarkable application that not only facilitates live wallpapers but also enables custom screen savers. This app, available on Steam, boasts an extensive library and community, making it an enticing option for customization enthusiasts.

First, install Wallpaper Engine from Steam (note that it is a paid application).
Once installed, launch Wallpaper Engine and navigate to the Installed tab, hovering over the arrow.
Select Configure Screen Saver, which will prompt the Screen Saver settings menu to open automatically.
In this menu, click on the Screen saver dropdown and choose Wallpaper Engine.
Return to the Wallpaper Engine app and select between Same as Wallpaper or Configured Separately, both of which are user-friendly options.
If you opt for Configured Separately, you can choose from your saved library of Animated Wallpapers.

These two methods provide users with the ability to apply screen savers on Windows 11. While Microsoft may have phased out screen savers, the feature remains available for those who enjoy their visual flair. Ultimately, while screen savers may not significantly impact electricity bills, their aesthetic value continues to captivate users.

How to get all Wallpaper Engine achievements?

To get all Wallpaper Engine achievements in Steam, you need to complete the specific tasks outlined for each achievement. These include tasks like subscribing to wallpaper in the Workshop, creating and sharing your own wallpapers, using the mobile companion app, and developing wallpapers with specific features such as web wallpapers, scene wallpapers, and video wallpapers. Achievements may also include editing existing wallpapers and configuring advanced settings.

Where are Wallpaper Engine wallpapers stored?

Wallpaper Engine wallpapers are stored in your Steam directory. By default, this is located at `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\workshop\content\431960`. Inside this folder, each wallpaper is stored in its own subfolder, named with unique numerical identifiers. You can navigate to this location to manually manage or view your downloaded wallpapers. Be careful when making changes to avoid disrupting the application's functionality.