How do I set up a screensaver on my Mac?

  1. To lock your screen instantly, hold down control, shift, and the power button. To resume, press any key.
     
  2. To set up a screen saver, go to System Preferences and click Desktop & Screen Saver.
    screensaver mac step 1
     
  3. Click Screen Saver.
    screensaver mac step 2
     
  4. Choose a screen saver on the left. Choose how long to wait before the screen saver activates. A good interval is any number higher than 10 minutes. Click the grid icon.
    screensaver mac step 3
     
  5. Click Security & Privacy.
    screensaver mac step 5
     
  6. Click the lock.
    screensaver mac step 5
     
  7. Input your computer's username and password and click Unlock.
    screensaver mac step 6
     
  8. Check the box next to Require a password: and then choose immediately in the dropdown list. Click the lock again to save your changes.
    screensaver mac step 7
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