How to Fix Windows Keeps Waking Up from Sleep

Windows sleep mode is designed to save power while keeping your system ready for quick access. However, many users encounter an issue where Windows keeps waking up from sleep unexpectedly. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to conserve energy or extend your device’s battery life.

If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry. This guide will examine the possible causes and provide practical troubleshooting steps to prevent your PC from waking up independently.

Why Does Windows Keep Waking Up from Sleep?

Several factors can trigger your PC to wake up from sleep mode. Understanding these causes will help you apply the proper fix.

• Wake Timers Are Enabled: Wake timers allow scheduled tasks, such as Windows updates or system maintenance, to wake your PC from sleep.
• Connected Devices Trigger Wake Events: Keyboards, mice, and USB devices can send wake signals that cause your PC to turn back on.
• Network Activity Wakes the PC: Some settings allow your PC to wake up when there’s network traffic, especially if Wake-on-LAN is enabled.
• Scheduled Tasks Wake the System: Windows Task Scheduler can have active tasks that trigger wake-ups at specific times.
• Power Management Settings Are Misconfigured: Incorrect power settings can prevent the system from staying in sleep mode.
• Outdated Drivers or Windows Updates: Missing or outdated drivers can interfere with sleep settings, leading to unexpected wake-ups.

How to Fix Windows Keeps Waking Up from Sleep

1. Identify What’s Waking Up Your PC

Before making changes, check what is causing the wake-ups:

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

• powercfg -lastwake

3. This will show the last event that woke your PC.
4. Run another command:

• powercfg -waketimers

5. This will display any active wake timers.

If a specific device or task is waking your PC, proceed with the following fixes.

2. Disable Wake Timers

Wake timers allow Windows updates or scheduled tasks to wake the PC. To disable them:

1. Press Win + X and select Power Options.
2. Click Additional power settings.
3. Select Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
4. Click Change Advanced Power Settings.
5. Expand Sleep> Allow wake timers.
6. Set it to Disable
7. Click Apply and OK.

3. Prevent Devices from Waking Your PC

Some peripherals like mice and keyboards may be causing wake-ups.

Using Device Manager:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices.
3. Right-click your device and select Properties.
4. Go to the Power Management tab.
5. Uncheck. Allow this device to wake the computer.
6. Click OK and repeat for other devices.

4. Disable Wake-on-LAN in Network Settings

Network activity can wake your PC if Wake-on-LAN is enabled.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters and right-click your network device.
3. Select Properties and go to the Power Management tab.
4. Uncheck Allow this device to wake the computer.
5. Click OK to save changes.

5. Stop Scheduled Tasks from Waking Your PC

Some scheduled tasks are configured to wake your PC automatically.

1. Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter.
2. Expand Task Scheduler Library.
3. Look for tasks enabling the Wake the computer to run this task option.
4. Right-click the task, select Properties, and go to the Conditions tab.
5. Uncheck Wake the computer to run this task.
6. Click OK and exit.

6. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated drivers or system updates can cause sleep issues.

1. Press Win + I and select Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. Open Device Manager and update drivers for:
   • Display adapters
   • Network adapters
   • Chipset drivers
4. Restart your PC after updating.

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Fortect is an all-in-one PC repair tool with a built-in driver updater. It scans your Windows PC for outdated or corrupted drivers that may be causing your system to wake up unexpectedly. It automatically updates and repairs these drivers to resolve the issue.

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7. Adjust Power Plan Settings

Configuring your power plan can help you maintain sleep mode properly.

1. Press Win + X and select Power Options.
2. Click Additional power settings.
3. Choose your active plan and click Change plan settings.
4. Select Change Advanced Power settings.
5. Expand Sleep settings and adjust timers as needed.

Conclusion

If your Windows PC keeps waking up from sleep, it can be caused by wake timers, device settings, network activity, or scheduled tasks. You can prevent unwanted wake-ups and improve power efficiency by identifying the root cause and applying the proper fixes—such as disabling wake timers, adjusting power settings, and updating drivers.