Enable Modern Standby Network Connectivity in Windows 11
Modern Standby in Windows 11 keeps your PC connected to the internet while it sleeps so you get emails and app updates instantly, much like a smartphone. This power state uses about 5 to 10 percent more battery per day than traditional sleep mode, but it wakes up your computer in less than two seconds.
You can change how Modern Standby handles internet access to save battery life when you unplug your laptop, or keep full network activity running while the screen is off.
You enable Modern Standby network connectivity by navigating to Control Panel , then Hardware and Sound, and finally Power Options. From there, change your active plan settings and adjust “Network connectivity in Standby” under advanced power settings. You can choose to enable, disable, or let Windows manage the connection.
What is Modern Standby Network Connectivity?
- Connected state: Your device stays connected to WiFi or other networks during sleep, so you get updates and notifications instantly.
- Disconnected state: Your device turns off network connections during sleep, which can save battery but means no updates until you wake it up.
- Managed by Windows: Windows decides when to keep the network on or off to balance notifications and battery life.
How to Change Modern Standby Network Settings in 🪟 Windows 11
Before starting, make sure the hardware supports Modern Standby.
Step 1Open Control Panel
1. Click the Start menu (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner).
2. Type Control Panel in the search box.
3. Select the Control Panel app from the search results.
Step 2Go to Power Options
Open Hardware and Sound inside Control Panel, then select Power Options.
Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options
Step 3Change Power Plan Settings
Locate the active power plan and click Change plan settings next to it.
Step 4Open Advanced Power Settings
Click Change advanced power settings.
Step 5Adjust Network Connectivity in Standby
Locate Network connectivity in Standby in the new window to view two specific states:
- On battery: choose Disable, Enable, or Managed by Windows.
- Plugged in: choose Disable, Enable, or Managed by Windows.
Choose the state that matches workflow requirements:
- Enable: Stay connected during sleep.
- Disable: Disconnect to save battery.
- Managed by Windows: Let Windows decide what’s best.
Click OK to save the configuration.
Alternative: Use Local Group Policy Editor
The Local Group Policy Editor provides an alternative method for managing these options. This built-in Windows tool suits administrative tasks well.
Step 1Open Local Group Policy Editor
1. Click the Start menu.
2. Type Edit group policy.
3. Select Edit group policy from the results.
Step 2Go to Sleep Settings
Navigate through the left panel using this path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Sleep Settings
Step 3Change Connectivity Settings
Locate these two policies on the right side:
- Allow network connectivity during connected-standby (plugged in)
- Allow network connectivity during connected-standby (on battery)
Double-click each policy and choose:
- Not Configured (default)
- Enabled – Keep network connected during standby.
- Disabled – Network may disconnect during standby.
Click Apply and then OK to confirm each change.
Summary
- Modern Standby lets your PC stay connected to networks while sleeping.
- You can choose to keep the connection on, turn it off, or let Windows decide.
- Adjust these settings via Control Panel or Local Group Policy Editor.
- Changing these can help balance getting notifications and saving battery power.
These adjustments give full control over how a Windows 11 PC handles network activity in sleep mode.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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