How to Install a Screensaver File in Windows

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1 Installing the Screensaver

2 Setting the Screensaver

3 Uninstalling the Screensaver

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Last Updated: December 30, 2024

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Many screensavers are available online in a file format named .scr, but how do you install them? This guide shows you how.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Installing the Screensaver

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1. 
   1
   Download the screensaver, which should be in the scr file format.
2. 
   2
   Open the Run dialog. Press the ⊞ Win + R keys simultaneously.
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3. 
   3
   Type C:\Windows\System32 into the Run dialog.
4. 
   4
   Open the System32 system folder. In the Run dialog, click OK.
5. 
   5
   Install the screensaver file. Drag the scr screensaver file into the System32 window to relocate it into the System32 folder.
6. 
   6
   Confirm that you want to move the file.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Setting the Screensaver

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1. 
   1
   Right click the desktop.
2. 
   2
   Click Personalize in the context menu to open your Personalization settings window.
3. 
   3
   Click Screensaver in the window to open the Screen Saver Settings dialog.
4. 
   4
   Expand the combo box in the dialog to display your installed screensavers.
5. 
   5
   Select the screensaver you installed.
6. 
   6
   Click OK on the Screen Saver Settings Dialog.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Uninstalling the Screensaver

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1. 
   1
   Open the Run dialog. Press the ⊞ Win + R keys simultaneously.
2. 
   2
   Type C:\Windows\System32 into the Run dialog.
3. 
   3
   Open the System32 system folder. In the Run dialog, click OK.
4. 
   4
   Locate the screensaver file that you had previously moved into the folder.
5. 
   5
   Right click the file and select Delete from the context menu.
6. 
   6
   Confirm that you want to delete the file.
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Warnings

• Viruses can disguise themselves in the form of screensavers. Scan any screensavers that you have downloaded off of the internet using an antivirus or VirusTotal.
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• Do not modify any files in System32 because this folder contains critical system files.
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