How to Schedule Automatic Wake Time in Windows 11
This guide explains how to set your Windows 11 computer to wake up automatically at a time you choose. Normally, your computer waits for you to press a button to wake up from modern standby or hibernation. By following these steps, you can have your PC ready and waiting for you.
Why do this?
Setting a wake-up time is helpful if you want to connect to your PC remotely or have it ready to go as soon as you sit down at your desk. It saves time and ensures your computer is active when you need it.
What happens when done?
Your computer will automatically leave its sleep or hibernation state at the exact time you scheduled, allowing it to perform tasks or be ready for immediate use.
How to wake a PC at a specific time
If your PC supports it, you can also enable Wake on LAN to wake it via network activity. To set a specific time, use the Task Scheduler.
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, click the Create Task link on the right side.
In the General tab, name your task “Wake me up.” Select Run whether user is logged on or not. You must also check the box for Run with highest privileges. (Requires admin privileges).
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.
Switch to the Conditions tab. Check the box that says Wake the computer to run this task.
Go to the Actions tab and click New. To keep it simple, set the program to run C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe and add /c in the arguments box. This opens and closes the command window instantly.
Save your task. You will be asked to enter your system password to confirm the changes.
BIOS/UEFI Wake Configuration
Sometimes Windows settings are not enough. You may need to check your BIOS or UEFI settings. Restart your computer and press the designated key (usually F2, F12, or Del) to enter the BIOS. Look for Power Management or ACPI settings. Ensure that “Resume by RTC Alarm” or “Wake on Alarm” is enabled. This allows the hardware to wake the system independently of the OS.
Troubleshooting Power Options
If your PC does not wake, check your power settings. Fast Startup can sometimes block scheduled tasks. To disable it, go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable” and uncheck “Turn on fast startup.” You can also verify if your system is being blocked by running powercfg -requests in an elevated Command Prompt.
How to turn on Wake Timers
For this to work, you must enable “Wake Timers.” A wake timer allows the system to pull itself out of Sleep and hibernates states.
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 is a great way to ensure your PC is ready for remote access or daily tasks without manual input.
Why does my PC not wake up even with Task Scheduler enabled?
This often happens because Windows Wake Timers are disabled in your Power Options. Additionally, check your BIOS settings to ensure the RTC Alarm is active. Finally, ensure that no background processes are preventing the system from transitioning out of sleep mode by checking the powercfg -requests command.
Do I need to change BIOS settings to wake my Windows 11 PC?
For most modern PCs, Windows settings are sufficient. However, if your computer fails to wake, you may need to enter your BIOS/UEFI menu and enable the “Resume by RTC Alarm” feature. This feature allows the motherboard to trigger a wake event at a specific hardware-level time.
What is the difference between ‘Wake Timers’ and ‘Fast Startup’?
Wake Timers are specific settings that allow Windows to wake the PC for scheduled tasks. Fast Startup is a hybrid shutdown feature that saves the system state to a file to boot faster. Fast Startup can sometimes interfere with wake timers, so disabling it is recommended for reliable scheduling.
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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.
completely useless, my problem is that even though I move or press the left button on the mouse, it doesn’t start