Discussion Screensaver turns on while gaming or fullscreen application BUT doesn't when idle on desktop

[Terrarist]

This is such a strange behavior. I'd be enjoying the story of a Fullscreen game and that screensaver would ruin my immersion. But if i'm alt-tabbed to another window while the game's in the background, it doesn't screensaver or turn off the screen. What in the world?
I have an old monitor that burns in pretty bad, so I need the screensaver. It's not negotiable to turn it off.
Let me know if you need any additional information.

 

[Colif]

You use screensavers? Its possible the functionality behind it hasn't been updated for a few years now. It took me a while to find them on the lock screen settings page. (in the past I used to collect them. almost 28 years ago now)

Enabling game mode will stop screensavers appearing in game

1. Click the Start button
2. Open Settings
3. Click Gaming
4. Select Game Mode
5. Toggle the switch to turn Game Mode on

not sure why they don't appear when you alt tab.

 

[SkyNetRising]

I have an old monitor that burns in pretty bad, so I need the screensaver. It's not negotiable to turn it off.

Don't use screen saver.
Use automatic monitor power off after 30min (or whatever minutes) of inactivity.
You can set this in Control Panel/Power options and edit power plan settings.