Screen shows locking before it starts screensaver

We are on Windows 11 22H2 Enterprise with Lenovo laptops. We are using a GPO for our screensaver for over 5 years now. Recently, we have started noticing, 'locking' screen for a second and then our actual screensaver starts. Could anyone please help me on how to stop showing the locking screen and just start the screensaver directly?
Has anyone experienced this?

Do you have Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away enabled in Settings > Accounts > Sign-In options?

That might be why you see that message.

If you need the PC to be locked when the screen saver starts, then leave that setting enabled, otherwise, if the setting is disabled, the PC will not lock itself when the screen saver starts.

Also check under the screensaver settings for the option to require sign in/Lock Screen when screensaver is activated - this should be off if you don’t wish to lock the screen.