Many Windows 11 users have reported that their PCs unexpectedly enter sleep mode, even during active use. This issue can disrupt workflow and overall user experience. If you’re experiencing this problem, this guide provides several methods to prevent your Windows 11 PC from going to sleep randomly.
Prevent Sleep Mode from Windows Registry
This method involves making changes to the Windows Registry. Proceed with caution, as incorrect modifications can cause system instability.
Step 1: Click on the Windows search bar and type Registry.
Step 2: Open the Registry Editor app from the search results.
Step 3: When the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following path:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\238c9fa8-0aad-41ed-83f4-97be242c8f20\7bc4a2f9-d8fc-4469-b07b-33eb785aaca0
Step 4: On the right side, find and double-click on the Attributes REG_DWORD key.
Step 5: In the value data field, enter 2 and click the OK button.
Step 6: Close the Registry Editor and restart your Windows 11 PC.
Change the Power Plan Settings
Incorrect power settings are a common cause of unexpected sleep mode activation. Adjusting these settings can often resolve the issue.
Step 1: Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
Step 2: In the Windows 11 Settings, switch to the System tab.
Step 3: On the right side, click on Power.
Step 4: In the Power screen, expand the Screen and sleep section.
Step 5: For both the When plugged in, turn off my screen after and When plugged in, put my device to sleep after dropdowns, select Never.
Run the Power Troubleshooter on Windows 11
Windows 11 includes a built-in Power Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix power-related issues, including unexpected sleep mode.
Step 1: Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
Step 2: On the left side, click on System.
Step 3: On the right side, select Troubleshoot.
Step 4: On the Troubleshoot screen, click on Other troubleshooters.
Step 5: On the Other troubleshooters page, click the Run button next to Power.
Update your Windows 11
Operating system updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve various issues, including unexpected sleep behavior.
Step 1: Head to Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates.
Step 2: Windows 11 will automatically scan for available updates and install them.
Update your Graphics Driver
Although not directly related to power options, outdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause system instability, leading to unexpected sleep mode.
Step 1: Click on Windows search and type in Device Manager.
Step 2: In the Device Manager, expand the Display Adapters section.
Step 3: Right-click on your graphics adapter and select Update driver.
Step 4: On the prompt that appears, select Search automatically for drivers.
Change the Screen Saver Settings on Windows 11
In some instances, screen saver settings have been linked to unexpected sleep mode behavior. Disabling the screen saver can help determine if it’s the cause.
Step 1: Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize.
Step 2: On the Personalization settings, click on Screen saver. The location of this setting may vary depending on the Windows 11 version. If you can’t find it, use the search bar within Settings and type Screen Saver.
Step 3: This will open the Screen saver settings. Click on the dropdown underneath Screen saver and select None.
Step 4: After making the changes, click the Apply button, then on Ok.
Disable Hibernation on Windows 11
Hibernation, a power-saving mode that saves your current session to the hard drive, can sometimes interfere with normal sleep behavior. Disabling it might resolve the issue.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel on your PC and click on Power Options.
Step 2: Click on the Change plan settings link beside your active plan on the Power options.
Step 3: On the next screen, click Change advanced power settings.
Step 4: In Advanced Power Settings, find and expand the Hibernate after section.
Step 5: Click on Settings (Minutes): and select Never. You must set Never for both On Battery and Plugged in.
Reset Windows 11
As a last resort, resetting your Windows 11 PC to its factory settings can resolve underlying software conflicts causing the sleep issue.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 computer.
Step 2: When the Settings app opens, navigate to System > Recovery.
Step 3: On the Recovery options, click on the Reset PC button.
Step 4: On the prompt that appears, select Keep my files.
Step 5: On the next prompt, select Local Reinstall.
Check for Faulty Hardware
If none of the above software solutions work, the problem might stem from a hardware issue. Overheating components or a failing power supply can cause unexpected shutdowns or sleep mode activations. Consider having a technician inspect your PC.
Addressing unexpected sleep issues in Windows 11 requires systematic troubleshooting, and by working through these steps, you’ll hopefully pinpoint the cause and restore normal operation.