How to Set the AI Aquarium Screensaver from Microsoft Store as Your Screen Saver

 

When you download and install the AI Aquarium Screensaver from the Microsoft Store, you might notice that it doesn't appear in your screen saver settings by default. This is because Microsoft Store apps are installed in a protected system directory (C:\Program Files\WindowsApps), while screen saver files typically need to be placed in the C:\Windows\SysWOW64 directory for Windows to recognize them. Here's a step-by-step guide to manually set up the AI Aquarium Screensaver:

Step 1: Locate the AI Aquarium Screensaver Executable

First, navigate to the Microsoft Store app installation directory. The default path is:

textCopy Code

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps

Search for the executable file named AIAquaScr.exe. This file is the core component of the AI Aquarium Screensaver.

Step 2: Copy the Executable to the SysWOW64 Directory

Once you've located AIAquaScr.exe, copy this file to the C:\Windows\SysWOW64 directory. This directory is where Windows looks for screen saver files. Here's how to do it:

  • Right-click on AIAquaScr.exe and select "Copy".
  • Go to C:\Windows\SysWOW64.
  • Right-click inside the folder and select "Paste".

Step 3: Show File Extensions

Before renaming the file, you need to ensure that file extensions are visible in Windows. Follow these steps:

  • Open any folder on your computer.
  • Click on the "View" tab in the menu bar at the top.
  • Check the box labeled "File name extensions" (this may appear as "Extensions" in some versions of Windows).

Step 4: Rename the Executable to .scr

Now, rename AIAquaScr.exe to AIAquaScr.scr. Here's how:

  • Right-click on AIAquaScr.exe in the SysWOW64 folder and select "Rename".
  • Change the filename from AIAquaScr.exe to AIAquaScr.scr.
  • Press Enter to confirm the change.

Step 5: Set the AI Aquarium Screensaver in Windows Settings

With the file now in the correct format and location, you can set it as your screen saver:

  • Right-click on your desktop and select "Personalize".
  • In the left sidebar, click on "Lock screen".
  • Scroll down and click on "Screen saver settings".
  • In the Screen saver settings window, under "Screen saver", select "Aiaquascr" from the dropdown menu.
  • Click "Apply" and then "OK".

Additional Tips

  • If you encounter permission issues when accessing the WindowsApps folder, you may need to take ownership of the folder or run File Explorer as an administrator.
  • Ensure that you have the latest version of the AI Aquarium Screensaver installed from the Microsoft Store, as this method might not work with older versions.
  • If you're using a different version of Windows, the steps might slightly vary, but the core idea of placing the .scr file in the SysWOW64 directory remains the same.

By following these steps, you should now have the AI Aquarium Screensaver as an option in your screen saver settings, ready to bring a touch of aquatic life to your idle screen. Enjoy your new underwater world!