Sleep mode is a useful feature in Windows 11 that helps save power while allowing you to quickly resume your work. However, sometimes your PC may not wake up properly from sleep mode. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for quick access.
Fortunately, there are several simple fixes you can try to get your Windows 11 device waking up as expected. These solutions cover basic settings adjustments to more advanced troubleshooting steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through clear, easy-to-follow instructions to help resolve sleep mode issues. No technical background is needed — just follow along step-by-step.
By the end, you should have a better understanding of why your PC isn’t waking up and how to fix it.
Quick Note Before You Begin
Before you start troubleshooting, here are a few quick checks and prerequisites to keep in mind:
- Make sure your device has the latest Windows updates installed. Sometimes, updates fix known bugs.
- Check that your keyboard, mouse, or other input devices are connected properly if you use them to wake the PC.
- Ensure your device is plugged in or has enough battery power. Some laptops won’t wake properly on low battery.
- Know whether you are using a desktop or laptop, as some steps may vary slightly.
Step 1: Adjust Power Settings to Allow Wake Up
Windows has settings that control which devices can wake your PC from sleep mode. If these aren’t set correctly, your computer might stay asleep.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the section called Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices depending on what you use to wake your PC.
- Right-click your keyboard or mouse device and select Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab.
- Make sure the box that says Allow this device to wake the computer is checked.
- Click OK to save changes.
This step is important because if your input devices aren’t allowed to wake the PC, pressing keys or moving the mouse won’t do anything.
Step 2: Change Power Plan Settings
The power plan controls how Windows manages power use, including sleep and wake behavior. Sometimes these settings can interfere with waking up.
- Open Control Panel by typing it in the Start menu search.
- Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Next to your selected power plan, click Change plan settings.
- Click Change advanced power settings.
- In the new window, expand Sleep and then Allow wake timers.
- Set this to Enable for both On battery and Plugged in if available.
- Click OK to apply.
Wake timers allow scheduled tasks or devices to wake your PC. Disabling them can prevent wake-up issues.
Step 3: Update Device Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers, especially for graphics and chipset components, can cause sleep mode problems.
- Open Device Manager again (Windows + X > Device Manager).
- Look for devices under Display adapters and System devices.
- Right-click each device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow prompts to install any updates found.
If Windows doesn’t find updates, you can visit your PC or device manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers.
Step 4: Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup is a feature that speeds up boot times but can sometimes interfere with sleep and wake functions.
- Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left panel.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Under Shutdown settings, uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
- Click Save changes.
Disabling Fast Startup can help resolve conflicts that prevent the PC from waking properly.
Step 5: Run Power Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter to detect and fix power-related issues automatically.
- Open Settings (Windows + I).
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Power and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
This tool can identify common problems and adjust settings for you.
Step 6: Check BIOS/UEFI Power Settings
If the above steps don’t help, it’s a good idea to check your BIOS or UEFI settings, as they control hardware-level power management.
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing the key shown on the screen during startup (usually F2, Del, or Esc).
- Look for power management settings related to sleep or wake features.
- Ensure wake-up options like Wake on LAN, Wake on Keyboard, or Wake on Mouse are enabled.
- Save changes and exit BIOS.
Modifying these settings can sometimes resolve hardware-level issues preventing wake-up.
FAQs
Why does my Windows 11 PC not wake up from sleep?
This can happen due to incorrect power settings, outdated drivers, or hardware issues. Sometimes, Windows updates or Fast Startup cause conflicts.
How do I know if my device supports waking from sleep?
You can check in Device Manager under your input devices. If the “Allow this device to wake the computer” option is available and enabled, your device supports waking.
Can a USB device cause wake issues?
Yes, some USB devices may not be configured to wake the PC or could cause conflicts. You can disable wake permissions for some devices if needed.
Does updating Windows help fix sleep mode problems?
Often, yes. Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs related to power management.
What is the difference between sleep and hibernate?
Sleep saves your session in RAM and uses a small amount of power. Hibernate saves your session to disk and uses no power but takes longer to resume.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and your Windows 11 PC still does not wake from sleep, consider these last resort options:
- Perform a system restore to a point where sleep was working correctly.
- Reset Windows 11 while keeping your files (Settings > System > Recovery).
- Contact your PC manufacturer’s support for hardware diagnostics.
- Visit the official Microsoft support page on power and sleep issues: Microsoft Sleep Mode Troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Sleep mode not waking up can be caused by a variety of factors, but most can be fixed with simple adjustments in Windows 11. Starting with checking device permissions to wake the computer, adjusting power plan settings, updating drivers, and disabling Fast Startup covers the most common issues.
Using the built-in troubleshooter and checking BIOS settings provide more advanced ways to tackle the problem. If all else fails, system restore or reset options give you a fresh start.
By following these easy, step-by-step solutions, you should be able to enjoy a smooth sleep and wake experience on your Windows 11 PC once again.