How to Schedule Automatic Wake Time in Windows 11
Automatic wake time in Windows 11 turns on your PC by itself from sleep or hibernation mode at a specific time you choose. This feature lets your computer start up and run tasks or get ready for you before you sit down at your desk.
Setting up an automatic wake time takes about 5 minutes using built-in Windows settings and Task Scheduler (a tool that runs programs on a schedule). You need administrator privileges on your Windows 11 Home or Pro PC to make these power and schedule changes.
Use Task Scheduler to create a task. Name it, set it to run when logged off with highest privileges, and configure triggers for your desired wake time. In the Conditions tab, check “Wake the computer to run this task.
How to wake a PC at a specific time
To schedule wake time Windows 11 tasks, use the built-in Task Scheduler app. This tool lets your PC turn on automatically from sleep mode so it can run background updates, downloads, or scripts without needing you to press the power button.
First, open the Task Scheduler in Windows. In Windows 11, go to the Start Menu , then search for and open the Task Scheduler app.
In the Task Scheduler, click on Task Scheduler Library. Then, on the right side, click Create Task.
On the General tab, name your task something like “Wake me up.” Select ‘Run whether user is logged on or not.’ Make sure to also check the box for ‘Run with highest privileges’ (this requires administrator rights).
Go to the Triggers tab and click New. Choose the time you want the computer to wake up. You can pick a one-time event or a recurring schedule.
To schedule a task in Windows 11, open the Conditions tab. Select the checkbox labeled "Wake the computer to run this task." This setting wakes the computer from sleep to run the task.
Go to the Actions tab and click New. To get this going, set the program to run C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe and add /c in the arguments box. This action will briefly open and close a command window.
Save your task. You will be asked to enter your system password to confirm the changes.
BIOS/UEFI Wake Configuration
Sometimes Windows settings aren't enough to schedule wake time. Check your computer's BIOS or UEFI (low-level motherboard configuration software) settings if the PC fails to wake.
Troubleshooting Power Options
If your PC doesn't wake up as scheduled, check your Windows 11 power options next, as settings like Fast Startup can sometimes interfere.
How to turn on Wake Timers
Wake timers in Windows 11 give scheduled tasks permission to turn on your computer from sleep or hibernation. If you skip this power plan setting, your PC will stay asleep and ignore any automatic wake times you set up in the Task Scheduler.
Search for and open the Control Panel, then go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Click Change plan settings next to your active plan, then select Change advanced power settings.
Expand the Sleep section, then expand Allow wake timers and set both On battery and Plugged in to Enable.
Click OK to save your settings. For more details, refer to official Microsoft documentation on power management.
Summary
By using the Task Scheduler, configuring BIOS wake alarms, and enabling Wake Timers in your power settings, you can force your Windows 11 computer to wake up at any time. This ensures your PC is ready for remote access or daily tasks without manual input.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
completely useless, my problem is that even though I move or press the left button on the mouse, it doesn’t start