How to Enable Wake Timers in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to turn Wake Timers on or off in Windows 11. Windows uses a wake-on-timer to perform scheduled tasks. For example, you can schedule a task to wake a PC up from Sleep and hibernation or to install updates at a scheduled time automatically.

Whether you want your PC to stay awake to install updates or stay awake to connect to it remotely, using the steps below should help you get it done.

If a PC supports it, the Wake-On-LAN feature is a better option to wake it up and connect to it remotely. It comes ready to use with some network adapters and Windows systems. If a PC does not support Wake-on-LAN, then using Wake Timer with scheduled tasks should also work.

How to set up Wake Timers in Windows 11

As mentioned above, Windows can be set up to wake up and a specific time using Wake Timer and scheduled events. Wake Time specifies whether the system uses the system-wide wake-on-timer capability.

The system can automatically use a wake-on-timer on capable hardware to perform scheduled tasks. For example, the system might wake automatically to install updates.

Open the Control Panel in Windows 11 to turn wake timers on or off.

In the Control Panel app, click Hardware and Sound category.

 Then select Power Options as highlighted below.

Next, select the Change plan settings link as highlighted below.

Click the Change advanced power settings link for the current power plan.

On the advanced power options windows, expand Sleep, then expand:

Allow wake timers:

• On battery: Enable
• Plugged in: Enable

then configure the wake time to Enable as highlighted below.

Click OK to save your changes and exit.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Enabling Wake Timers allows your PC to perform scheduled tasks while in Sleep or hibernation mode.
• This feature is beneficial for managing updates and remote connections effectively.
• Accessing the Control Panel and adjusting power settings is essential for configuration.
• Ensure that the option is enabled for both battery and plugged-in states for optimal performance.
• Remember that if your hardware supports it, Wake-On-LAN can be a more efficient alternative for remote access.