Does your computer take a nap just when you need it most? If youre downloading a huge file, installing a heavy update, or compiling software for hours, having the computer go to sleep can interrupt progress and waste time. The good news is that both Windows and macOS let you keep the system awake safely and reversibly, either by tweaking power settings or, on Windows, with a perfect shortcut for advanced users thanks to PowerToys. Below we explain how to get everything ready, with tips to avoid wasting energy or shortening your screens lifespan.
Set up Windows so it doesnt sleep
In Windows, the most direct route to prevent sleep is Settings > System > Power & sleep. Inside this section youll see separate options for the display and for the PCs sleep mode; also, if you use a laptop, each block is duplicated for battery and plugged-in modes. To keep the machine active when youre not touching it, set the PC sleep option to ‘Never’, and if you also want the monitor to stay on, adjust the display turn-off time the same way.
Keep a couple of nuances in mind: keeping the display on permanently can reduce the panels useful life, so if your task doesnt require looking at the screen, its best to allow the monitor to rest while preventing only the system from going to sleep. This approach lets you continue long downloads or installations without interruptions, and youll also save some power, which your bill and your hardware will appreciate.
One last important reminder: when you finish that project you were compiling in Visual Studio or the huge Steam library download, return to more sensible values. Go back to Settings > System > Power & sleep and replace that ‘Never’ with a reasonable period. That way youll keep the balance between performance and efficiency, prolong your components life, and avoid leaving the PC running forever without need.
PowerToys Awake: the switch for Windows
If you prefer not to touch your usual settings or want a quick on/off lever, the Awake module in Microsoft PowerToys is your ally. PowerToys is a utility suite aimed at advanced users, and Awake does exactly what its name suggests: it keeps the machine awake on demand without changing the power plan you use daily. To install it, download PowerToys from Microsofts official website, run the installer and, once open, locate the Awake panel in the apps sidebar.
Inside Awake, enable the feature and choose the mode that suits you best. You can opt for ‘Keep awake indefinitely’ so the system wont sleep until you turn it off, or select ‘Keep awake temporarily’ and set a specific time — ideal if you estimate how long that heavy task will take. Also, if for some reason you want the monitor not to turn off either, check the option to keep the display on; remember, though, that keeping the panel active for hours can shorten its lifespan, so use it only when you really need it.
When Awake is running, youll see an icon with a blue coffee cup in the notification area next to the system clock, which serves as a clear signal that the mode is active. To stop it, right-click the icon, go to ‘Mode’ and choose ‘Off’ or switch to a timer if that fits you better. This approach is extremely convenient for switching between intensive sessions and your normal setup with just two clicks, and in fact avoids having to navigate menus every time you start a huge download, a system installation or a software compilation you dont want interrupted.
Keep your Mac awake without surprises
In macOS, control is in System Preferences > Battery (on some machines it may appear as ‘Energy Saver’). Once inside, youll see two tabs if you use a laptop: ‘Battery’ and ‘Power Adapter’. Adjust both separately, since your Mac may behave differently when its plugged in. In each tab youll find the control for ‘Turn display off after’; if you need the display not to turn off, drag the slider to ‘Never’. However, the most efficient setup for background tasks is to allow the display to sleep while preventing the computer from going to sleep.
To do this, look for the option that prevents the Mac from sleeping when the display is off and enable it; that way, even if the panel dims, the system will continue working in the background as usual. If you see the checkbox for ‘Put hard disks to sleep when possible’, uncheck it while the task lasts so theres no unexpected pause during an installation or a critical download. Keep in mind that exact options may vary by model, so if you dont see a particular control, proceed with the next available setting until you achieve the goal: keeping the Mac awake even if you arent actively using it.
When finished, apply the same philosophy as on Windows: return to a more power-saving, balanced profile. Restore reasonable times for turning off the display and allow the system to sleep when not in use. This reduces consumption, protects your monitors health and prevents your Mac from running day and night without a good reason — something that, although convenient, isnt wise to keep long-term.
In short, whether with native Windows and macOS settings or using PowerToys Awakes quick lever, you have control over when and how your computer rests. Enable these modes only when a specific task requires them, and disable them afterward; that way youll ensure long downloads, heavy installations and compilations arent interrupted while taking care of your hardware and energy consumption like a good tech enthusiast.
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