CODEWITHSUNDEEP
wpfwindows-8screensaver
Bevan
Bevan

Reputation: 44307

What's different about Screensaver preview in Windows 8?

I'm working on a simple WPF-based screensaver and can't get the thumbnail preview to work.

When you open the display control panel and go to configure the screensaver, the selected screensaver is supposed to display a thumbnail preview within the dialog:

Display Properties - Screensaver

I've found several good examples online of how to do this, including:

Following these examples, I couldn't get anything to work - the preview thumbnail turns black, but nothing else appears. Downloading each of these (and a few others) and running them had the same result - a blank preview thumbnail. I've done this before on Windows 7 and it wasn't hard, so I was a bit frustrated.

Copying the binaries across to a Windows XP machine, I found that each of them showed a preview thumbnail successfully.

So, there's something that's changed between Windows 7 and Windows 8.

What do I need to do differently to enable my WPF screensaver to properly display a thumbnail preview on Windows 8?

Upvotes: 45

Views: 1255

Answers (3)

Amandeep Singh
Amandeep Singh

Reputation: 1

In Windows 8, the screensaver preview feature underwent some changes compared to previous versions of Windows. Here are some key differences:

  1. User Interface Changes: The screensaver settings interface was updated to align with the overall design language of Windows 8, which emphasizes a more modern, flat aesthetic. The settings are accessed through the Control Panel, but the layout and options may feel different due to the new design.

  2. Integration with the Start Screen: Windows 8 introduced the Start Screen, and screensavers can be accessed through the desktop environment, but the integration with the new UI means that users may interact with screensaver settings differently than in previous versions.

  3. Lock Screen Feature: Windows 8 introduced a lock screen feature that can display information and images when the computer is locked. This can serve a similar purpose to a screensaver, and some users may prefer using the lock screen instead of a traditional screensaver.

  4. Touchscreen Support: Given that Windows 8 was designed with touch devices in mind, the screensaver preview and settings may be more touch-friendly, making it easier for users with tablets or touchscreen laptops to navigate.

  5. Performance Improvements: There may be performance improvements in how screensavers run and how quickly they can be previewed, although this can vary based on hardware.

  6. Limited Screensaver Options: Some of the built-in screensavers from earlier versions of Windows may be missing or limited in Windows 8, encouraging users to look for third-party options or create their own.

Overall, while the core functionality of screensavers remains similar, the user experience and integration with the new features of Windows 8 reflect the operating system's design philosophy and focus on modern computing.

Upvotes: 0

Mladen Mihajlovic
Mladen Mihajlovic

Reputation: 6435

I've found the most common problems with moving code from Win 8 to XP are permission and dependencies. Check that the files do not need some weird permissions (not sure what permission the preview runs with) and that all dependencies are honored (also their permissions).

If I remember right, all Windows screen savers are just renamed exe files with command line arguments. Maybe try to rename it and run it directly?

Upvotes: 0

N.K
N.K

Reputation: 2240

Check what version of the framework you are using and try to use the client profile if possible

Also Try this small workaround if helps:

In Windows Explorer Go to > Options > Change folder and search options then click on the View tab and uncheck the box that says Always show icons, never thumbnails.

I hope it should work.

Upvotes: -2

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