YouTube is preventing Windows 11 from automatically locking screen after timer

If you are using Windows 11 and have noticed that your screen is not automatically locking after the set timer, it could be due to YouTube. YouTube has a feature called "Prevent screen from locking" that keeps the screen active while watching videos. This feature can interfere with the automatic screen lock settings on your Windows 11 device.

Windows 11 has a built-in screen lock feature that helps protect your privacy and secure your device when it is idle. By default, Windows 11 is set to automatically lock the screen after a certain period of inactivity. However, when YouTube's "Prevent screen from locking" feature is enabled, it overrides the Windows 11 screen lock settings.

Here's how you can fix this issue:

Step 1: Disable YouTube's "Prevent screen from locking" feature

To disable YouTube's "Prevent screen from locking" feature, follow these steps:

1. Open the YouTube website in your browser.
2. Click on your profile picture or avatar at the top right corner of the page.
3. In the dropdown menu, click on "Settings".
4. In the left sidebar, click on "Playback".
5. Scroll down to the "Additional features" section.
6. Toggle off the switch next to "Prevent screen from locking".

Once you have disabled this feature, your Windows 11 screen lock settings will be able to take effect again.

Step 2: Adjust Windows 11 screen lock settings

Now that you have disabled YouTube's "Prevent screen from locking" feature, you can adjust the screen lock settings on your Windows 11 device. Here's how:

1. Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) to open the Windows Settings.
3. In the Settings window, click on "System".
4. In the left sidebar, click on "Power & sleep".
5. Under the "Screen" section, you will find the "Screen timeout" option.
6. Adjust the timer according to your preference. You can choose a shorter or longer duration before the screen locks.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Windows 11 device will automatically lock the screen after the specified period of inactivity, even when watching YouTube videos.

It is important to note that disabling YouTube's "Prevent screen from locking" feature will affect all devices and browsers you use to watch YouTube. If you prefer to keep this feature enabled for other devices, you will need to manually toggle it on and off depending on your needs.

Remember, automatic screen lock is an essential security measure to protect your device and personal information. It helps prevent unauthorized access when you are away from your computer.

If you continue to experience issues with your Windows 11 screen lock settings, you may need to check for any conflicting settings or consult with technical support for further assistance.

References