Screen timeout is an essential setting that controls how long your computer stays active before turning off the display. Whether you want to increase screen timeout in Windows 11, fix display sleep issues, or adjust it on your Mac—this guide covers everything.

How to change screen timeout in Windows 11, Windows 10, and Mac step-by-step guide.

You will also learn advanced options like how to change screen timeout Windows 11 CMD, how to change monitor timeout settings, and how to fix timeout issues if your screen keeps going black too quickly.

Internal Links


How to Change Screen Timeout in Windows 11

Changing screen timeout in Windows 11 is very simple. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings

Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.

2. Go to System

Click on System from the left sidebar.

3. Open Power & Battery

Select Power & battery from the list.

4. Expand Screen & Sleep

Here you will see options such as:

  • On battery power, turn off my screen after
  • When plugged in, turn off my screen after

5. Choose Your Desired Timeout

Set your preferred screen timeout duration—1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or Never.

This method works perfectly for laptop users who want to know how to change laptop screen timeout Windows 11.


How to Change Screen Timeout Windows 11 CMD (Advanced Method)

If you prefer command-line tools, you can adjust screen timeout using Command Prompt:

1. Open CMD as Administrator

Search cmd, right-click, select Run as administrator.

2. Enter the Following Command

To set screen timeout to 10 minutes:

powercfg -change -monitor-timeout-ac 10

To set battery mode timeout:

powercfg -change -monitor-timeout-dc 10

Replace 10 with any value you like.

This is the simplest way for those asking how to change screen timeout Windows 11 cmd efficiently.


How to Increase Screen Timeout in Windows 11

If your display turns off too quickly, simply increase the timeout:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to System > Power & battery
  3. Under Screen and sleep, increase the minutes value
    (e.g., set to 15 minutes or 30 minutes)

This also helps if you’re looking for how to fix screen timeout on Windows 11.


How to Change Monitor Timeout Windows 11 (Desktop PCs)

If you are using a desktop PC with an external monitor:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click System → Power
  3. Under Screen timeout, adjust the “Plugged in” timeout
    (since desktops don’t run on battery)

This works for all monitor types: Dell, HP, Acer, Samsung, MSI, Lenovo, etc.


How to Change Screen Timeout Windows 10

1. Open Settings → System → Power & Sleep

You’ll see:

  • Screen timeout (battery)
  • Screen timeout (plugged in)

2. Select Your Desired Time

Choose 1, 5, 10, 15 minutes, or Never.

Windows 10’s settings are nearly similar to Windows 11, so the steps will feel familiar.


How to Change Screen Timeout on Mac (macOS)

Changing screen timeout on Mac is very easy:

1. Click the Apple Menu

Go to System Settings.

2. Select “Displays” or “Battery”

macOS Ventura and Sonoma users will find this under Battery settings.

3. Open “Display Sleep” or “Turn Display Off After”

4. Choose the Timeout

Slide the bar to increase or decrease timeout:

  • 1 minute
  • 5 minutes
  • 10 minutes
  • Never

If you’re customizing your Mac further, check out:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-change-wallpaper-on-mac-macbook-imac-complete-2025-guide


5-Line Summary for Quick Readers

  • Screen timeout controls when your display turns off automatically.
  • You can change it from Settings on Windows 11/10 and macOS.
  • Windows allows advanced timeout changes via CMD commands.
  • Increasing timeout prevents your screen from sleeping too soon.
  • Mac users can adjust timeout under Battery or Display settings.

FAQs

1. Why does my Windows 11 screen turn off so quickly?

Because your screen timeout is set to a low value like 1 or 2 minutes.

2. How do I increase screen timeout Windows 11?

Go to Settings → System → Power & battery → Screen & sleep and increase the minutes.

3. How do I fix screen timeout not working?

Check power plans, update drivers, or reset power settings using CMD.

4. Can I set screen timeout to Never?

Yes, Windows and Mac both allow “Never” as an option.

5. How to change screen timeout Windows 10?

Go to Settings → System → Power & sleep, then adjust screen timeout.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *