Windows 11 brings many improvements, but like any operating system, it can have its quirks. A common issue some users face is their PC not waking up from sleep mode. This guide will walk you through potential causes and provide solutions to resolve the issue, helping you get back to work quickly.

1. Power Settings Misconfiguration

Incorrect power settings can prevent your PC from waking properly.

  1. Access your power settings by pressing Win + I to open the Settings app. Navigate to System > Power & battery.
  2. Adjust your sleep settings under Screen and sleep. Ensure these settings align with your needs, such as setting “Put the device to sleep” to Never while troubleshooting.
  3. For more detailed adjustments, go to Additional power settings > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Expand the Sleep section and ensure options like “Allow wake timers” are enabled.

2. Outdated or Faulty Drivers

Incompatible or outdated drivers, particularly for graphics and network adapters, can lead to sleep mode issues.

  1. Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting it. Expand categories like Display adapters and Network adapters.
  2. Update drivers by right-clicking on each device and selecting Update driver. If a recent driver update caused the issue, you can roll back the driver by selecting Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.

3. Fast Startup Interference

Windows 11’s Fast Startup feature, which is designed to speed up boot times, might interfere with the wake function.

  1. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
  2. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable, then uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended). Save the changes and restart your PC.

4. Peripheral Device Interference

External devices connected to your PC, like USB drives or external monitors, can prevent the system from waking up.

  1. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices, external monitors, or other peripherals.
  2. Put your PC to sleep and then wake it up using the keyboard or power button. If it wakes up successfully, reconnect the devices one by one to identify the problematic device.

5. BIOS/UEFI Settings

Incorrect BIOS/UEFI configurations can affect the sleep and wake functions of your computer.

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings by restarting your computer and pressing the designated key (often F2, Delete, or Esc).
  2. Look for power management settings, such as ACPI settings or Wake on LAN. Ensure ACPI mode is enabled and Wake on LAN is set correctly.
  3. Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings, then test the wake function again.

Additional Tips

  • Check for Windows Updates: Regularly update your system by checking for Windows updates in the Settings app to ensure compatibility and stability.
  • Perform a System Scan: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to rule out any malware that might be interfering with system processes.
  • Reset Power Plans: If all else fails, consider resetting your power plans to their default settings using the command prompt with powercfg -restoredefaultschemes.

Conclusion

Dealing with a Windows 11 system that won’t wake from sleep can be frustrating, but by understanding the potential causes and applying the solutions provided, you can likely resolve the issue. Keep your system and drivers up to date, and regularly check your settings to ensure your PC operates smoothly.

Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo, the founder of Computer Info Bits, has over 20 years of IT expertise. He's passionate about technology and aims to demystify it. Since 2019, he's been writing articles covering essential computer tips to complex hardware discussions, helping readers better understand and use their technology. Marlo stays up-to-date with the latest tech developments through extensive research and interaction.