I want a DARK screensaver to save on energy and greenhouse gasses and all that other woke stuff

[progree]

But I want one that shows something so that I know my computer is online and OK.

In Windows 10 there are options like NONE - but the screen is just solid black and I want a little something more than that.

(WindowKey "screensaver" -> Turn screensaver on or off / Control Panel ) for options

There is one that shows the time, but it is in constant bouncing around motion and that's distracting.

Would be cool just to specify a picture of a night sky that is really dark.

TIA

[dweller]

1. I think my last desktop

had a black screen with stars … like moving through space, it was fairly slow movement

I think it was called Flying through Space

Yep - https://m.

✌🏻

[EarlG]

2. Try this

It's not exactly what you're asking for but it might work for you.

Right click on your desktop and select "Personalize" and a new window should appear. On the left side, select "Lock screen."

Under the heading "Background" change the drop down to "Picture" and then select a picture from your hard drive.

If you don't have a good night sky pic you can use, you can find one online by searching for the word wallpaper and the pixel width of your desktop. For example, something like this should return a lot of good options for you to download: wallpaper 1920 night sky

If you're worried about copyright, you could use a site like unsplash.com to find a good pic -- all their images are free to use.

After you've found the picture you want to use and selected it on the Lock Screen settings page, you can add a couple other features if you like -- for example, I like to show the weather on mine. Those are optional though.

Once you've got that done, you can start the "screensaver" by simply hitting Windows+L -- although note that you're not actually using a screensaver by doing this -- you're locking the computer. You can unlock it again by simply hitting any key on the keyboard, but if you use a password or pin to log into Windows when the computer starts, you'll need to enter that again.

I do this all the time when I'm leaving my computer to do something else -- I just hit Windows+L and a picture of my choice appears, along with the time, date, and the weather. When I'm ready to use the computer again I hit any key, enter my 4-digit pin, and I'm back in.

Note that locking the computer like this does NOT put it into sleep mode or anything like that -- anything you had running when you hit Windows+L will still be running behind the lock screen. So if you have a video playing, for example, that will keep playing in the background and you'll be able to hear it.

Anyway... just a suggestion. If it works for you that's great, if not, never mind!

[progree]

7. Actually that whatever processes continue to run is a good feature. Thx for all the info

Note that locking the computer like this does NOT put it into sleep mode or anything like that -- anything you had running when you hit Windows+L will still be running behind the lock screen.

[usonian]

3. I usually choose a space and stars photo for screens.

Apple has a dark mode that most apps seem to respect, and I have a dark browser extension or two that work great with DU and most others.

And a switched outlet strip for the monitor.

[Earth-shine]

4. I keep my monitors with black backgrounds. It's just better for reading windows in the foreground.

I use the Mystify screen saver. Moving patterns of stars, as others have suggested, are also very good.

[canetoad]

5. I have a black screen with the time scrolling past

Settings > screensaver - this will take you to the old control panel window

Select 3D text then click "Settings' next to the text box

Click time (or 'Custom Text) and select the rest of your options.

You can customise background colour, font speed etc.

[progree]

6. Thanks much for all the great replies, I will have to try some out, nt