SCR File Extension - What Is An .scr File And How Do I Open It?

PAGE CONTENTS Page Contents Menu

1. 1. Windows Screensaver
   • More Information
   • How to Open
   • Program List
2. 2. Script File
   • More Information
   • Program List

Windows Screensaver

Developer	Microsoft
Popularity	3.8 | 167 Votes

What is an SCR file?

An SCR file is a screen saver file used by Microsoft Windows. It contains a graphic, animation, slide show, or video that you can use as a Windows screensaver. SCR files are typically stored in Windows's main directory.

More Information

Screen savers were originally created to prevent CRT and plasma computer monitors from suffering screen burn, a condition that occurs when the screen shows the same image for too long. While most modern monitors do not suffer from screen burn, screen savers are still used for security purposes (to hide a user's screen and require a login before resuming work) and to show a user's style.

How to open an SCR file

To use an SCR file as your Windows screensaver:

1. Move the SCR file to your main Windows directory. For example, in Windows 10, move your file to the (C:)\​Windows\​System32 directory.
2. In the Windows search bar, type "screen saver." Select the Change screen saver option from the search results.
3. The Screen Saver Settings window appears. From the Screen saver dropdown menu, select your SCR file. Customize the remainder of your screen saver settings, and then click Apply.

Warning

Because SCR files may also be executable scripts, you should not open an SCR file or use it as a screen saver if you cannot verify its legitimacy or source. SCR files obtained from outside Windows have been known to contain viruses and other malware.

Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus.Free Download

Programs that open SCR files

Sort Pricing Program Name Platform Reset X Windows Microsoft WindowsPaid

Script File

Developer	N/A
Popularity	3.9 | 80 Votes

An SCR file may also be a generic executable script created or used by a number of possible programs. When opened, the script typically runs a series of commands in the order they are listed. Many Autodesk programs, such as AutoCAD and EAGLE, use SCR files.

More Information

Since script files are saved in a text format, they can often be edited in a basic text editor.

The .SCR extension can be given to .EXE files to detour any restrictions placed on EXE files by antivirus programs or malware.

Programs that open SCR files

Sort Pricing Program Name Platform Reset X Windows Run within the program that created the script Edit with a text editor Mac Run within the program that created the script Edit with a text editor

Verified by FileInfo.com

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched all file formats and software programs listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know.

‹ .SCPTD | .SCRATCH ›

PAGE CONTENTS

1. 1. Windows Screensaver
   • More Information
   • How to Open
   • Warning
   • Program List
2. 2. Script File
   • More Information
   • Program List