Windows

How do I stop Windows from waking my PC?

Updated 2026-08-14

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Quick answer

You can stop Windows from waking your PC by adjusting the power settings and disabling wake timers. Additionally, check device settings to prevent them from waking the computer.

This guide provides steps to prevent Windows from waking your PC unexpectedly, including power settings adjustments and device configurations.

Steps

  1. 1

    Open Power Options

    Right-click the Start button, select 'Power Options', then click on 'Additional power settings'.

  2. 2

    Change Plan Settings

    Select 'Change plan settings' next to your selected power plan, then click 'Change advanced power settings'.

  3. 3

    Disable Wake Timers

    In the advanced settings, expand 'Sleep', then 'Allow wake timers', and set it to 'Disable'.

  4. 4

    Modify Device Properties

    Open Device Manager, right-click on devices like your mouse or network adapter, select 'Properties', go to the 'Power Management' tab, and uncheck 'Allow this device to wake the computer'.

Adjust Power Settings

Navigate to the Power Options in the Control Panel to modify advanced settings that control wake timers and sleep behavior.

Configure Device Settings

Check the properties of devices such as your mouse and network adapter to ensure they are not set to wake the computer.

Watch out for

  • Some devices may not have the option to disable wake features, depending on manufacturer settings.

FAQ

What if my PC still wakes up after following these steps?

Check for scheduled tasks in Task Scheduler that might be set to wake the computer or review any third-party software that may interfere with sleep settings.

Can I stop my keyboard from waking the PC?

Yes, you can disable the wake feature for your keyboard in Device Manager under the 'Power Management' tab.

Are there any updates that could affect power settings?

Yes, Windows updates can sometimes reset power settings. It's advisable to review these settings after major updates.