How to Stop a Screensaver During a PowerPoint

By Tricia Goss

A black screen or embarrasing screensaver can seem unprofessional during a presentation.
i George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images

It can be frustrating when you're in the middle of an important presentation and your screen suddenly turns black or the laptop's screensaver begins. Adjusting your Windows settings prior to presenting your PowerPoint slideshow will help you give a professional and effective presentation. By default, your PC will stay awake and system notifications are disabled when you turn on presentation settings, but you can use custom settings to stop the screensaver as well.

Click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel." Type "mobile" into the Search Control Panel box. Select "Mobile PC" and click on "Windows Mobility Center."

Click "Turn On" on the Presentation Settings tile.

Click the "Change Presentation Settings" icon.

Clear the "Turn Off Screensaver" check box. Adjust any other settings you want to apply and click "OK." Close the Mobility Center window.

Click the Presentation Settings icon in the notification area and click "Stop Presentation" to turn the settings off and turn your screensaver back on.

Tips

If you're using a desktop PC rather than a laptop, right-click any blank area of the desktop and select "Personalize." Click "Screensaver" and choose "None" in the Screen Saver box. Click "OK" to apply the settings.

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