Do you have a dual-monitor setup but notice your screensaver only appears on one display — or doesn’t work at all? You’re not alone. Windows 11 sometimes handles screensavers differently on multi-monitor setups, but there are ways to make them work on both screens.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to get a screensaver on both monitors in Windows 11 using built-in settings and third-party tools.
Why Screensavers Don’t Always Work on Multiple Monitors
Windows screensavers were designed back when single monitors were the norm. On multi-monitor setups:
- Some screensavers only activate on the primary display.
- Certain graphics drivers don’t support dual-monitor screensaver rendering.
- External GPUs or different refresh rates can cause uneven behavior.
Luckily, there are ways to fix this.
Step 1: Check Your Screensaver Settings
Start with the basics — make sure your screensaver is properly set.
- Press Windows + S and type Change screen saver.
- Select Change screen saver from the results.
- Pick a screensaver from the dropdown menu.
- Set the Wait time.
- Click Preview to test.
If it shows only on one monitor, proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or buggy drivers can cause screensaver issues.
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart your PC.
Step 3: Adjust Display Settings
Check if your displays are configured correctly.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System → Display.
- Make sure Extend these displays is selected under Multiple displays.
- Apply changes if necessary.
A misconfigured display setup can prevent screensavers from working correctly.
Step 4: Try Different Screensavers
Not all screensavers behave the same way. Test different ones:
- Blank – Works on all monitors.
- 3D Text – Usually supports multiple monitors.
- Photo Slideshow – Might only work on one display depending on your setup.
Step 5: Use a Third-Party Tool
If Windows can’t handle dual-monitor screensavers, external software can.
Popular Tools:
- Dual Monitor Tools – Free, lightweight, customizable.
- Actual Multiple Monitors – Paid, feature-rich solution.
- MultiMonitor Screen Saver – Designed specifically to extend screensavers.
These tools allow you to:
- Run the screensaver on all monitors.
- Choose different screensavers for each monitor.
- Control timing and hotkeys.
Step 6: Check Power & Sleep Settings
If your PC goes to sleep before the screensaver activates, you may think it’s not working.
- Go to Settings → System → Power & battery.
- Adjust Screen and sleep settings.
- Set a longer idle time so the screensaver has a chance to appear.
Step 7: Troubleshoot with Safe Mode
If nothing works, try testing in Safe Mode to rule out third-party software conflicts.
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter. - Go to Boot tab → check Safe boot → restart.
- Test your screensaver.
If it works in Safe Mode, something on your normal setup may be interfering.
Bonus Tip: Use a Video as a Screensaver
Want something more exciting than the default options? Tools like VideoScreensaver let you use a looping video as a screensaver — and display it on multiple monitors.
Pros and Cons of Third-Party Solutions
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Settings | No extra software needed | Limited multi-monitor support |
| Third-Party Tools | Full control, more features | May cost money or use more resources |
Conclusion
Getting a screensaver on both monitors in Windows 11 isn’t complicated once you know the tricks. Start with updating drivers and adjusting display settings, then try third-party tools if necessary. With the right configuration, you can enjoy a synchronized, visually pleasing screensaver experience across your entire setup.
FAQs
1. Can I use different screensavers on each monitor?
Yes, with third-party tools like Actual Multiple Monitors or Dual Monitor Tools.
2. Why does my screensaver stop when I move the mouse on one screen?
This is normal — screensavers stop with any input, regardless of which screen it’s on.
3. Will enabling screensavers affect performance?
No, they run only when you’re idle, and modern PCs handle them easily.
4. Can I use live wallpapers as screensavers?
Yes, some software lets you use animated wallpapers as screensavers across monitors.
5. My screensaver works on both monitors but lags — what can I do?
Lower the graphics settings or choose a lighter screensaver to reduce GPU load.