If your Windows 11 computer refuses to wake up from sleep mode, you’re not alone. This common issue can be frustrating, but there are several potential fixes to try before considering more drastic measures.

Before diving into specific fixes, it’s essential to understand why these issues might occur. Common reasons include hardware conflicts, outdated drivers, or incorrect power settings.

Initial Checks

Ensure Proper Power Supply

Check the Power Connection: Ensure your device is adequately charged or plugged in.
Inspect Power Outlets: Sometimes, the issue may be as simple as a tripped breaker or a faulty power strip.

Examine Peripheral Devices

Mouse/Keyboard Check: Try waking the PC using the keyboard or mouse. Ensure these devices are functioning correctly and replace batteries if they are wireless.

System Updates

Importance of Keeping Your System Updated

Regular Updates: Keeping your system updated is crucial for security and functionality. An outdated system may contribute to sleep mode issues.

How to Check for Updates

Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click on ‘Check for updates’. If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Adjusting Power Settings

Power Plan Settings

Access Power Options by searching in the Control Panel.
Review your current power plan settings and adjust them to ensure that sleep modes are configured correctly.

Advanced Power Settings

Go to ‘Change plan settings’ > ‘Change advanced power settings’.
Adjust settings that may prevent your PC from waking up, such as ‘USB settings’ or ‘PCI Express’ and ‘Link State Power Management’.

Troubleshooting Steps

Perform a Hard Reboot

Hard Reboot Process: If your PC is unresponsive, performing a hard reboot by holding down the power button may resolve the issue.

Utilize Windows Troubleshoot Feature

Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Run troubleshooters for ‘Power’ and ‘System Maintenance’ to find and fix issues automatically.

Advanced Fixes

Adjust Device Manager Settings

Open Device Manager and expand categories like ‘Keyboards’ and ‘Mice and other pointing devices’.
Right-click on your devices, go to ‘Properties’, and under the ‘Power Management’ tab, ensure ‘Allow this device to wake the computer’ is checked.

BIOS/UEFI Settings Check

Entering BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a specific key (often F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) during boot.
Adjust Settings: Look for power management options and ensure that any ‘Wake on LAN’ and similar settings are enabled.

Reinstall Device Drivers

Reinstall drivers for key components such as network adapters, mice, keyboards, and USB controllers through Device Manager.
Update graphics drivers, as these can sometimes cause issues with sleep mode.

Last Resort Measures

System Restore or Reset

If all else fails, consider using System Restore to roll back your computer to a previous state before the sleep issues began.
Alternatively, reset your PC via Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Choose to keep your files but note that most apps and settings will be reset.

Contact Windows Support

If you’ve exhausted all options and your PC still won’t wake from sleep, contacting Windows support or visiting a professional technician might be necessary.

Conclusion

Dealing with a Windows 11 computer that won’t wake from sleep can be troublesome, but by following these steps, you can likely resolve the issue without needing professional help. Regular maintenance and updates are key to preventing such problems from occurring in the future.

How To Fix Windows 11 That Won’t Wake From Sleep