Troubleshoot problems waking computer from sleep mode (2023)

Symptoms

When you use a Microsoft mouse or keyboard that is listed in the "Applies to" section, you may experience one of the following symptoms:

  • You may be unable to wake the computer from sleep or standby mode by using your mouse or keyboard.

  • After you wake your computer from standby, your pointing device may not work.

  • When you press the SLEEP key on a keyboard that has a Sleep key or has a key that is configured to activate Sleep, the computer does not go into Sleep mode.

Cause

This issue may occur if one or more of the following conditions are true:

  • You are running Windows Vista and have not updated to Service Pack 1 or a later version.

  • The Basic Input/output System (BIOS) system that is installed on the computer reduces power to the port to which the input device is connected.

    Note You may be unable to use Bluetooth devices to resume operation from certain power management states (such as "suspend" or "hibernate"). In some low-power states, the wireless transceiver may be unable to receive information from the Bluetooth devices.

  • You are using a portable or notebook computer that does not allow resume by using a Bluetooth device. If you are having problems waking a laptop by using a Bluetooth device, see Method 3 first.

  • The Keyboard item in Control Panel is not configured to wake the computer when you press a key on the keyboard.

  • Your computer may have encountered a system problem.

  • The Sleep key on your keyboard is configured incorrectly.

    (Video) How to Fix PC Monitor Not Waking Up from Sleep Mode

Resolution

If pressing the Sleep key again does not resolve this, try each of the following methods in the order in which they are presented and determine whether the problem still exists before you try the next method. If you are using the original version of Vista and have not updated to the latest available Service Pack, updating to Service Pack 1 or a later version may resolve this problem.

For more information, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

928631 A USB device may no longer work correctly after Windows Vista resumes from sleep or from hibernation

871233 USB device is not recognized when you attach it immediately after your Windows XP-based computer resumes from standby or hibernation

929577 A Bluetooth device may no longer work correctly when you wake a Windows Vista-based computer from sleep

Method 1: Install the current software for your device and verify its configuration

First, download the latest version of the Microsoft IntelliType software, IntelliPoint software, or both for your keyboard, your mouse, or both. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/download/download.aspx?category=MKAfter you install this software, run it, and then verify that the correct device is selected and that the settings are as you want them to be. If your keyboard does not have a dedicated Sleep key and you want to program Sleep for an alternative key, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Keyboard control panel.

    • In Windows Vista or Windows 7, Click
      Start Troubleshoot problems waking computer from sleep mode (1), type keyboard in the Start Search box, and then click Keyboard or Microsoft Keyboard in the Programs list.

    • In Windows XP and earlier versions, click Start, click Run, type Control keyboard, and then click OK.

  2. On the Key Settings tab, double-click the key that you want to change to access the Reassign a Key wizard.

    (Video) Windows 10 Does Not Wake Up From Sleep FIX

  3. Select the Start a Program, Web page, or file option, and then click Next.

  4. To enable this key to start Sleep mode, run the following command:

    rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendStateNote In this command, there are spaces before and after powrprof.dll.

Method 2: Try alternative keys, mouse buttons, or the power button on your keyboard

To resolve this issue and resume computer operation, use one of the following methods:

  • Press the SLEEP keyboard shortcut.

  • Press a standard key on the keyboard.

  • Move the mouse.

  • Quickly press the power button on the computer.

    Note If you use Bluetooth devices, the keyboard may be unable to wake the system.

Method 3: Verify that your device is allowed to wake the computer

To resolve this issue for, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Keyboard control panel item, as described in Method 1.

    (Video) Troubleshoot problems waking computer from sleep or hibernation mode

  2. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Properties.

  3. Click the Change Settings button

    Note This step requires Administrator access

  4. Click the Power Management tab, and then verify that the Allow this device to wake the computer is enabled.

  5. Click OK, and then click OK again.

Note If your computer does not support Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), the earlier steps may not be available. In this case, you have press the power button to wake the computer. If you cannot resume computer operation by using any of these methods, you may have experienced a system problem.

For information about how your system resumes operation, see the documentation that accompanied your computer or contact the computer manufacturer. For information about Microsoft Windows Power Management settings, see Microsoft Windows Help.

Note Many laptop manufactures will not allow a Bluetooth device to wake the computer from sleep mode because of the power consumption requirements to keep the Bluetooth radio activated (Bluetooth paging can consume up to 15% of the computer’s power). Therefore there are a couple of workarounds that you can use:

  • If you can open the lid of your laptop, use the embedded keyboard or pointing device or an external non-Bluetooth device to wake the computer.

  • If you cannot open the lid (for example, because it is in a docking station) or if you have it plugged into external power (that is, you are not using the battery), you can change the Power settings in Windows to not go into Sleep mode when plugged in.

    (Video) Fix Common Windows Sleep Mode Issues

Troubleshoot problems waking computer from sleep mode (2)

Alternatively the Microsoft Bluetooth stack or your laptop’s proprietary Bluetooth stack may allow customization to allow wake by using Bluetooth devices.

Method 4: Examine the BIOS settings of your computer for power features that disable or reduce power to ports that are used for your keyboard or mouse

Because BIOS access varies by computer, to resolve this issue, see the documentation that is included with your computer. Alternatively, contact your computer manufacturer for information about how to configure the BIOS.

For more information about hardware and software vendor contact information, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendors

More Information

The ability to recover from sleep mode by pressing a key on the keyboard or by moving the mouse on a computer that supports ACPI is dependent on the computer's motherboard. This ability is disabled in older Intel motherboards, and the only way to wake the computer from sleep mode is to press the Power button.

With most newer motherboards, you can wake the computer by pressing the Power button, by pressing a key on the keyboard, or by moving the mouse.

ACPI support is necessary to take full advantage of the power management and Plug and Play features in Windows. If you are not sure whether your computer is ACPI-compliant, please see the printed documentation for your computer or motherboard, or contact the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard.

For more information about hardware and software vendor contact information, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendorsMicrosoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

FAQs

Why is my computer stuck in sleep mode? ›

There are some possible reasons for this. One of which is that the computer does not have the right drivers installed or they are outdated. Another one is that the computer hardware simply does not support the function of waking up the computer from Sleep Mode.

Why doesn t my computer wake up from sleep mode Windows 10? ›

Wake Up Permissions

Search for and open Device Manager from the Start menu. Double-click on Keyboards and right-click on HID Keyboard Device to select Properties. Under Power Management tab, make sure that the box for 'Allow this device to wake the computer' is selected. Save settings.

Why does my laptop not wake up from sleep mode? ›

If the computer does not wake from sleep or hibernate mode, restarting the computer, changing settings, or updating the software and drivers might resolve the issue. If you have a notebook computer that cannot return from sleep mode, first make sure it is connected to a power source and the power light is on.

How do I wake up from a black screen? ›

If you experience a black or blank screen on your Windows device, try the following: To wake the screen, use one of the following keyboard shortcuts: Windows logo key + P or Ctrl + Alt + Del.

Why does my PC have power but not turn on? ›

Step 1: Check Your Cables

Make sure any surge protector or power strip is correctly plugged into the outlet, and that the power switch is on. Plug in other devices to the power strip and confirm they are operating properly. Double-check that your PC's power supply on/off switch is on.

How to get out of sleep? ›

  1. Get Up and Move Around to Feel Awake. ...
  2. Take a Nap to Take the Edge Off Sleepiness. ...
  3. Give Your Eyes a Break to Avoid Fatigue. ...
  4. Eat a Healthy Snack to Boost Energy. ...
  5. Start a Conversation to Wake Up Your Mind. ...
  6. Turn Up the Lights to Ease Fatigue. ...
  7. Take a Breather to Feel Alert. ...
  8. If You're Driving, Pull Over When Sleepy.
Mar 27, 2022

How do I force my laptop to wake up? ›

Wake the computer by moving the mouse or pressing any key on the keyboard. Press the power button if it still won't wake up.

How do I get my screen to wake up? ›

For an effortless way to activate this, just set the screen to turn on when you pick up the phone. From Settings, search for and select Lift to wake. Tap the switch next to Lift to wake to turn this feature on.

Why is my computer screen black and unresponsive? ›

We'll look at some things that can cause a black or blank screen: Connection problems with your monitor or screen. Display adapter driver update issues. Issues with recent system updates or installations.

Which shortcut key is used to black screen on off? ›

The shortcut is Ctrl + Alt + B . You can download this tool on Softpedia.

How do I force my computer to turn? ›

Power Plug or Power Button

To forcibly shut down your computer, press and hold the power button for as long as it takes to initiate the shutdown -- usually three to five seconds, but sometimes longer.

Why couldn't I wake up from my sleep? ›

Possible Medical Condtions. If you are struggling to wake up in the morning, it's important to rule out medical conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, if you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, your inability to get out of bed may be related to your diagnosis.

Why do I struggle to wake up? ›

Difficulty waking up in the morning causes

These include: parasomnias, such as sleepwalking, sleep talking, and night terrors. sleep apnea, which causes periods of stopped breathing during sleep. sleep deficiency, which can involve not getting good quality sleep, or sleep deprivation, which is not getting enough sleep.

Why is it so hard to wake up? ›

Sleep inertia, or wake-up grogginess, is the main reason you're unable to fully wake up in the morning or after a nap. It's a completely normal part of your sleep-wake cycle that's intensified by factors like high sleep debt and circadian misalignment (caused by sleeping in, social jetlag, and travel jet lag).

How do I wake up my laptop without the power button? ›

Using a Keyboard

One of the easiest ways to turn on your laptop without a power button is by using the laptop keyboard itself. You can enable this setting from the BIOS of your laptop as shown here: While turning on your laptop, hold F2, F10, or the DEL key to enter the BIOS instead of Windows.

Why do I have to press the power button to wake up my laptop? ›

Hibernation requires a brief press of the power button to wake it. Change the settings in Advanced Power Options. Hibernation is set to start automatically on a new computer after it goes to Sleep for a set time. It saves battery life on laptops but annoying on desktops.

What is the sleep key on the keyboard? ›

Use the Alt + F4 Keyboard Shortcut to Put Your PC in Sleep Mode.

How do you escape the black screen of death? ›

8. Repair a Black Screen of Death in Safe Mode
  1. Click Advanced options then Troubleshoot.
  2. From here go to Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  3. Select option 4, Enable Safe Mode.
  4. Wait for Windows Safe Mode to start.
  5. Once booted, press Windows + X.
  6. In the Quick Link menu select Device Manager.

How do you turn on a phone that just went black? ›

Charge your phone for at least 30 minutes. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds. On your screen, tap Restart , or press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds, until your phone restarts.

What to do if laptop screen is black? ›

One of the main causes for this issue is a corrupt system file preventing the operating system from loading, resulting in a black or blank screen. Restart Windows to see if it's a temporary issue and resolves itself with a reboot. If the problem persists, erase your hard drive and reinstall Windows.

Videos

1. Fix Your Windows 10 Computer When It Doesn’t Wake from Sleep Mode | HP Computers | @HPSupport
(HP Support)
2. How to fix the problem of monitor is going to sleep (black screen)
(Olearny)
3. How To Fix Sleep Issues In Windows 10 [Quick Tutorial]
(MDTechVideos)
4. How to Wake Up Computer from Sleep Mode DELL (Official Dell Tech Support)
(Dell Support)
5. How To Fix Windows 7 Sleep Problem FIX
(MDTechVideos)
6. Windows 10 My PC Keeps Waking up from Sleep on Its Own Solution
(MDTechVideos International )
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated: 04/29/2023

Views: 5655

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.