What is an scr file

An .SCR file is a Windows file often used for importing screen savers that are then installed on the computer. If you need to create an empty .SCR file for your screen saver creation program to use, you can do so with the basic Windows interface by creating a new file on the computer. This file will not contain data until you populate it with your program of choice.

Right-click the "Start" button and click "Open Windows Explorer."
Navigate to the folder where you want to create the .SCR file.
Right-click in an empty space in the folder, then click "New" and "Text document."
Erase the text document filename and .TXT extension, then type in the name you want for the .SCR file, along with the .SCR extension, and press "Enter."

Have a problem opening a .SCR file? We collect information about file formats and can explain what SCR files are. Additionally we recommend software suitable for opening or converting such files.

The primary and most frequent association of the .scr extension is with the Screensaver Application (SCR) file type in Microsoft (MS) Windows.

An SCR file is an executable file (EXE) in the Windows-specific executable format (PE) that can be directly run by the system. SCR is a special screensaver application, usually small in size, intended to run after a set inactivity period to temporarily (until any user action) replace the user's desktop with a blank screen or moving figures, slideshows or any other imagery.

While the initial idea behind a screensaver was not to let the same pixels be continuously lit when the machine is idle so as to prolong the life of the monitor's CRT screen, now screensavers are mainly used for screen-locking or decoration purposes.

All Windows versions come with several .scr screensavers pre-installed (the default location: "C:\Windows\System32"), and additional screensavers can be installed. Because .scr files in Windows could be directly run just like EXE files while bypassing some system security checks, the .scr extension was earlier used by malware to masquerade as screensaver files.

Alternatively, the .scr filename extension also stands for 'Script' and can be associated with script files (SCR). A script is a pre-programmed sequence of actions to be performed by a system or application. Scripts are used as a way of automating repetitive and routine tasks that can be formalized and programmed, especially in large and complex environments (like CAD applications).

An SCR script file is usually a plaintext file containing the source code of a script that must be interpreted in order to be run by a scripting framework provider. Many applications use .scr files to store their scripts, and although .scr script files can be opened/edited with a text editor, using application-specific editing tools is often more convenient.

You can open SCR files with the following programs:

- The quick facts

Are you having problems opening a SCR file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a SCR file?

SCR files have multiple uses, and Windows Screen Saver is one of them.

Windows Screen Saver

These screensaver files are used by Windows for energy-saving and screen protection purposes. Windows screensavers were originally created to prolong the life of CRT and plasma display monitors.

If a screensaver has been set by the user through the display properties of Windows, then the system will automatically activate the user's chosen screensaver when the Windows computer has been idle for a certain time. This is performed so as to minimize the power consumption levels of these display devices and to avoid "burn-in" on old CRT monitors, where the display could be damaged if the same content was displayed for a long period of time. Screensavers solved this by displaying random content.

Screensavers also allow users to secure the Windows desktop. A Windows screensaver can be configured to be protected by a password. Other options like setting a fixed number of idle minutes before the chosen screensaver is activated are available through the display properties of Windows.

How to open SCR files

Important: Different programs may use files with the SCR file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your SCR file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different SCR openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: June 29, 2022

Be careful when you get added by new/private accounts. The last couple of days I've been added by 30 people all sending me a link that downloads a .scr file. They will say it's a screenshot, IT IS NOT.

I haven't checked out what exactly this file does, but i'm guessing it's some kind of key logger.

Stay safe, people.

EDIT: From what I've been told by the comments, an .scr is a Windows Screensaver file, which is basically a script that will make some funny stuff appear on screen when you're afk. However, they only have to contain a few basic command lines to qualify as a "screensaver" and after that you could just add a bunch of code to do less funny stuff. In this case they will send a trade link to another account, trading all of your inventory to that account and then sending more harmful links to all your friends. Thanks /u/Ottermatic, /u/M8gazine and /u/Glimglide for the info.

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Warning

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

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File Type 2