Keep Windows PCs Awake with PowerToys
PowerToys Awake keeps your Windows PC from sleeping or turning off its screen automatically.
Awake is a free tool found within Microsoft’s PowerToys collection. It gives you easy control over your computer’s power behavior.
This means your PC stays on for important jobs, like downloading big files or during long presentations. It stops Windows from going to sleep after a short period, like the usual five minutes.
Use the Awake utility in Microsoft PowerToys to keep your PC awake. Install PowerToys, run it as administrator, enable Awake, and select your desired mode like “Keep awake indefinitely” or “Keep awake temporarily.” You can then manage Awake settings from the Taskbar.
How to stop Windows from turning the screen or display off
Stop your Windows PC screen from turning off automatically with PowerToys. This free tool from Microsoft lets you manage settings like keeping your computer awake. Download and install PowerToys to get started.
To do that, go to the link below and download PowerToys.
Releases · microsoft/PowerToys · GitHub
On the screen, click on PowerToysSetup-0.43.0-x64.exe
Keep in mind that future versions might show a different version number than what's in the image.
After downloading the file, navigate to your Downloads folder, double-click the file, and start the installation.
Click Next to begin the setup wizard.
On the next screen, select Automatically start PowerToys (Preview) at logon.
Finally, click Install to add PowerToys to your Windows 11 PC.
After installing the app, close the PowerToys Welcome screen when it first launches. Then go to the Start menu and search for "PowerToys," as highlighted below.
When the app re-opens, toggle the button to On to Always run as administrator. Also, turn on Run as a startup and Download update automatically, as highlighted in the image below.
PowerToys Awake uses a setting called "Keep awake" to prevent your Windows PC from sleeping. To turn on "Keep awake," first open the PowerToys app. Then, click the "Awake" tab in the left menu and toggle the button to the "on" position. Check the box to keep your screen on, then select the desired mode from the options provided.
The following Awake states can be selected:
- Off (Passive) - The computer's awakeness state is unaffected. The application is waiting for user input.
- Keep awake indefinitely - The computer stays awake until the user explicitly puts the machine to sleep or exits/disables the application.
- Keep awake temporarily - Keep the machine awake for a pre-defined limited time. Once the time elapses, the computer resumes its previous awakeness state.
You can also keep the PC awake temporarily, then specify how long.
Exit and restart your computer.
How to use Awake from the Taskbar
You can use the PowerToys Awake tool right from your Windows Taskbar after you set it up. This means opening the main PowerToys app isn't necessary every time you want to keep your computer awake. Just click the show icons arrow on your taskbar to find the Awake icon.
Click the show icons up arrow, then right-click on the Awake teacup icon and select the mode you want the computer to stay awake or turn off to use the default power & sleep settings on the PC.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
- Microsoft PowerToys offers the Awake utility to prevent your Windows PC from going to sleep or turning off the display.
- It is especially useful in environments where corporate settings automatically limit display time, enhancing productivity.
- Users can customize Awake settings to keep their computers awake indefinitely or for a specified timeframe.
- Access and adjust Awake settings conveniently from the Taskbar for on-the-fly changes.
- Installing PowerToys is a straightforward process, ensuring you can quickly implement these features and improve your Windows experience.
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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.
Running v0.51.1
Since installing Windows 11 Pro Keep Screen On does not work any more!!
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