If you ever used Windows XP, you probably remember the mesmerizing 3D Aquarium Screen Saver that came with the Microsoft Plus! add-on pack. It was relaxing, colorful, and somehow made your old CRT monitor feel alive.
Now fast forward to Windows 10 and Windows 11 — screen savers may no longer be a big part of modern computing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relive that nostalgia. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to install and use Aquarium-style screen savers on modern Windows systems.
You’ll also discover different aquarium screen savers, their installation methods, customization features, and a few caveats to keep in mind before you start. Let’s dive right in!
1️⃣ Why Use an Aquarium Screen Saver in 2025
While modern displays no longer require screen savers to prevent burn-in (thanks to LED and OLED technology), many people still love them for aesthetic and relaxation purposes.
An aquarium screen saver brings back that calm, meditative vibe — swimming fish, coral reefs, bubble sounds — that many of us associate with simpler computing days.
It can also be used as a low-energy digital aquarium, turning your idle PC into a decorative display when not in use.
2️⃣ Understanding How Screen Savers Work in Windows 11
Before jumping to downloads, it’s good to understand how Windows handles screen savers today.
In older versions of Windows, .SCR (Screen Saver) files were located inside the System32 folder. These are essentially executable programs that Windows runs when your PC is idle.
On Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft has hidden the screen saver settings deep inside the personalization menu — but they’re still there.
To access them quickly:
- Click Start and type Change screen saver.
- Select the result, and a small “Screen Saver Settings” window will appear.
- From the dropdown menu, you can select your installed aquarium saver.
3️⃣ Before You Begin: Safety Notes and Requirements
Before downloading or installing any screen saver, keep these precautions in mind:
- Executable files (.EXE) should always come from a trusted source.
- Many older screen savers were created in the early 2000s and may prompt you to install additional components.
- Some aquarium screen savers require Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, which isn’t preinstalled on Windows 11 by default.
- Screen savers may attempt to place desktop shortcuts during installation — these are unnecessary, and you can safely decline them.
4️⃣ Installing Aquarium Screen Savers (Two Main Methods)
There are two general types of aquarium screen savers you’ll encounter:
| Type | File Extension | Installation Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executable Installer | .EXE | Run setup, follow instructions | May create desktop shortcuts |
| Screen Saver File | .SCR | Copy manually to System32 | No installation needed |
Let’s look at both methods in detail.
5️⃣ How to Enable the .NET Framework 3.5 for Certain Screen Savers
Some older screen savers, especially the MSN Animated Aquarium, require the .NET Framework 3.5 to run properly.
If you see an error mentioning “missing .NET Framework 3.5,” you can enable it manually:
Method 1: Using Windows Features Panel
- Click Start and type Windows Features.
- Select Turn Windows features on or off.
- Check the box beside .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).
- Click OK and let Windows download and install it.
Method 2: When Prompted During Installation
If a screen saver setup detects it’s missing, Windows will offer to install it automatically. You can safely allow this process — it’s downloaded directly from Microsoft servers.
Once installed, you can re-run your screen saver installer and it should work without issues.
6️⃣ Step-by-Step Setup: Copying .SCR Files to System32
Some aquarium screen savers (like ZZ Aquarium 2) come as simple .SCR files packed in a .ZIP.
Here’s how to install them manually:
- Download and extract the ZIP file using File Explorer.
- Locate the
.SCRfile (e.g.,aquarium2.scr). - Copy it.
- Open the following path:
C:\Windows\System32 - Paste the
.SCRfile into this folder. - Once copied, open your Screen Saver Settings window — it will now appear in the dropdown list.
That’s it! The screen saver will now behave just like any built-in one.
7️⃣ Testing and Customizing Different Aquarium Screen Savers
After installation, you can preview each screen saver before setting it as default. To test:
- Open Screen Saver Settings.
- Select a screen saver from the list.
- Click Preview to see how it looks.
- If you like it, click Apply and then OK.
Each aquarium screen saver offers its own features — some have bubbles, background music, clocks, or lighting controls, while others are simpler but more resource-efficient.
Let’s now explore the best aquarium screen savers you can install today.
8️⃣ Best Aquarium Screen Saver Options You Can Try
Let’s move to the exciting part — exploring different aquarium screen savers available today.
Each has its own charm, and some mimic the original Microsoft Aquarium experience better than others.
🐠 1. Anemone’s Reef
Anemone’s Reef is colorful and visually rich, complete with fish, coral reefs, and a clock overlay. It even has bubbling water sounds to create an ambient mood.
You can adjust:
- Resolution and sound volume
- Enable or disable bubbles
- Access fish lists (some options may be greyed out on modern displays)
It’s a bit older, so expect some outdated controls, but visually it still captures that classic undersea feel.
🐟 2. At The Depth
Developed by the same creators as Anemone’s Reef, this screen saver offers a darker underwater aesthetic with jellyfish and deep-ocean lighting.
It’s ideal for those who prefer a moody, mysterious deep-sea vibe over bright coral environments.
Settings are similar, but this version tends to perform more smoothly on modern monitors.
🐠 3. Fantastic Fish
Fantastic Fish is one of the most customizable aquarium screen savers available. It allows you to:
- Add your own background images or music
- Choose between 12-hour and 24-hour clocks
- Toggle bubble effects or fish animations
However, it has a quirky loading screen that sometimes interrupts the full-screen experience. Despite that, its flexibility makes it a favorite among creative users who want to personalize their setup.
🐡 4. 3D Aquarium
If you want the closest thing to the original Windows XP Aquarium, this is it.
3D Aquarium features fluid fish movement, a realistic water effect, and a gentle digital clock overlay.
It’s lightweight, smooth, and works on both 1080p and 4K screens.
If you miss the classic Windows Plus! look, this one delivers that nostalgia perfectly.
🐋 5. MSN Animated Aquarium
This quirky relic from Microsoft’s MSN era has a unique twist — it features an animated underwater background but no fish.
Despite that, the lighting, bubbles, and ambient sound still create a relaxing mood.
You can tweak:
- Brightness and gamma
- Sound and clock format
- Match Desktop Settings
Because it’s older, it requires .NET Framework 3.5, but setup is simple once that’s installed. A niche choice, but a nostalgic one.
🐠 6. Tropic Fish
Bright, cheerful, and easy on resources, Tropic Fish is ideal for users who love tropical visuals.
Features include:
- Multiple fish species and coral backdrops
- Adjustable sound and quality settings
- Exit options on mouse movement or keyboard input
Even though the textures aren’t ultra-HD, the combination of color and motion makes it a lively option for any desktop.
🐙 7. ZZ Aquarium 2
ZZ Aquarium 2 is distributed as a .ZIP file containing a single .SCR. Once extracted and copied into System32, it works seamlessly.
There’s no built-in sound, but it features smooth animation and a classic static background with coral, castles, and rocks.
It’s also one of the lightest options here — ideal for low-spec PCs or laptops.
🐠 8. Fishdom
Fishdom is inspired by the popular game series and adds an interactive element to your screen saver.
Fish swim among coins and treasure chests, with animated lighting effects that make the underwater world come alive.
While slightly heavier on CPU, it’s beautifully rendered and perfect if you want a more game-like experience.
9️⃣ How to Uninstall or Remove a Screen Saver
If you want to clean up or remove unused screen savers later, here’s how:
Method 1: Through Settings
- Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
- Locate the aquarium screen saver (for
.EXEinstallers). - Click Uninstall.
Method 2: Manual Removal
If it was a .SCR file you copied manually:
- Open
C:\Windows\System32. - Find the file (e.g.,
aquarium2.scr). - Delete it.
- Restart your computer to refresh the list.
🔧 10. Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Even though these screen savers are fun, they can sometimes misbehave on modern hardware. Here are a few tips:
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Screen saver doesn’t appear | Wrong file location | Ensure .SCR is in System32 |
| Fish not visible | Missing .NET or scaling issue | Enable .NET 3.5 and check display scaling |
| No sound | Disabled in settings | Open screen saver settings and re-enable audio |
| Black screen or flickering | Compatibility issue | Right-click → Properties → Compatibility → Run as Windows 7 |
| Not full screen | Resolution mismatch | Adjust Windows scaling or use another screen saver |
11️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are these aquarium screen savers safe to use?
Yes, if downloaded from verified sources like Screensavers Planet, which scans all uploads for malware and adware. Avoid downloading .EXE files from random sites.
Q2. Do I need admin rights to install them?
Yes, especially when copying .SCR files into the System32 folder or enabling .NET Framework components.
Q3. Can I use these screen savers on multiple monitors?
Some support it, but most older versions only display on the main screen. For a workaround, set your monitors to duplicate mode.
Q4. Do they consume a lot of system resources?
No, most aquarium screen savers are lightweight and automatically pause when you resume work.
Q5. Is there a modern 4K Aquarium screen saver available?
Yes — 3D Aquarium and Fishdom work well on high-resolution screens and look stunning on modern displays.
12️⃣ Conclusion
Bringing back the aquarium screen saver isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a piece of digital relaxation reborn.
Whether you pick the vibrant Tropic Fish or the classic 3D Aquarium, each offers a serene undersea experience to make your computer feel alive again.
Just remember:
- Install only from trusted sites like Screensavers Planet.
- Enable .NET Framework 3.5 if needed.
- Copy
.SCRfiles properly to the System32 folder.
Once done, you’ve effectively turned your PC into a digital fish tank — peaceful, timeless, and surprisingly beautiful.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article discusses third-party screen savers originally created by independent developers. Always verify the download source before installing. The author and website are not responsible for system issues, software conflicts, or malware arising from unverified downloads.
Tags
Aquarium Screen Saver, Windows 11 Customization, Windows XP Nostalgia, Free 3D Aquarium, Tropic Fish Screensaver, System32 SCR Files, Windows Features, NET Framework 3.5, Screen Saver Settings, Classic Windows Features
Hashtags
#Windows11 #ScreenSaver #AquariumScreensaver #WindowsCustomization #Free3DAquarium #TropicFish #WindowsXP #DesktopAesthetics #MicrosoftWindows #TechGuide
