How to Fix Windows 11 Sleep Mode Not Working

Having trouble getting your Windows 11 PC to enter sleep mode? This problem is a common one, but don’t worry, there are several ways to fix it. In this guide, we’ll go over eight different solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

Make Sure Sleep Mode Is Enabled

First things first, ensure that sleep mode is enabled on your computer. It’s possible that you or someone else may have turned it off by accident. Follow these steps to check your PC’s sleep settings:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Select System from the sidebar on the left.
• Choose Power & battery in the pane on the right.
• Select the Screen and sleep option to expand the menu.
• Set a timer for each option displayed in the menu, so your PC goes to sleep mode.

Restore Your Power Plan’s Default Settings

Windows 11 allows you to create and change settings for various power plans. An incorrectly specified option in these plans may cause your PC not to enter sleep mode. To restore your power plan’s settings to default:

• Launch Control Panel on your PC.
• Select Hardware and Sound > Power Options in the Control Panel.
• Choose Change plan settings next to your current power plan.
• Select Restore default settings for this plan on the screen that opens.
• Choose Yes in the prompt to confirm your action.

Disable Screen Saver on Your PC

Disabling screen savers can also resolve issues with putting your computer into sleep mode. To disable screen savers:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Choose Personalization from the sidebar on the left.
• Select Lock screen on the right pane.
• Choose Screen saver at the bottom of the screen.
• Select (None) from the Screen saver drop-down menu.
• Choose Apply followed by OK at the bottom of the window.

Run the Power Troubleshooter

Windows 11 offers multiple troubleshooters to help find and fix issues on your PC. When sleep mode doesn’t work, use the system’s Power troubleshooter to detect and resolve the issue. To use the Power troubleshooter:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Select System from the sidebar on the left.
• Choose Troubleshoot in the pane on the right.
• Select Other troubleshooters.
• Select Run next to Power on the troubleshooter screen.
• Wait for the Power troubleshooter to detect and fix issues with your PC’s power settings.

Disallow Devices to Wake Up Your Windows 11 System

Connected devices like keyboards, mice, and trackpads can wake your system up from sleep mode, causing it to stay on. You can revoke the ability to wake your PC from sleep from these devices using Device Manager:

• Open the Start menu, search for Device Manager, and select Device Manager in the search results.
• Expand the category Mice and other pointing devices, right-click your mouse, and choose Properties.
• Select the Power Management tab on the Properties window.
• Uncheck the box next to “Allow this device to wake the computer.”
• Select OK at the bottom of the window.
• Repeat the above steps for your keyboard and trackpad, but one at a time.

Disable Fast Startup

Disabling fast startup can be one of the solutions. Although it helps you start your computer faster, it may mess up the sleep function. To disable it, follow these steps:

• Hit the Windows key and search for Control Panel.
• Select Hardware and Sound, then Power Options.
• Click “Choose what the power buttons do.”
• Uncheck the “Turn on fast startup” option.
• Save the changes.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve provided several methods to help you troubleshoot and resolve sleep mode issues on your Windows 11 PC. From making sure sleep mode is enabled to using the Power Troubleshooter, these solutions can help you get your computer back to functioning properly. Keep in mind that not all methods will work for everyone, as each system may have unique factors causing sleep mode issues. If one solution doesn’t work for you, try another until you find the right fix for your PC. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a smooth and uninterrupted user experience with Windows 11.