Dell not entering sleep mode? Here's how to fix it

Sleep mode conserves power when you're not working on your Dell® PC. It's a great in-between option when you're not quite ready to shut down but need a quick break away from your computer. Sometimes, though, settings configurations and drivers can interfere with sleep mode. 

Not to worry—Asurion Experts are here to answer the question, "Why won't my PC fully go into sleep mode?" Whether it's a BIOS that requires repairs or a hard disk drive failure, we can help. 

Common reasons your PC will not go to sleep

A Dell computer will not go to sleep if it's not configured properly. Disconnects between hardware and software can also impact sleep mode. Here are a few common issues our experts see:

• Misconfigured power settings. Dell PCs include settings options for sleep mode. If the sleep mode settings aren't enabled, the monitor stays active.
• Driver conflicts or outdated drivers. If it's been some time since your last driver update, it can cause compatibility problems between hardware and software that may prevent a PC from sleeping. 
• Background applications preventing sleep. Certain applications won't allow PCs to enter sleep mode. If one of these is running on your computer, the system stays awake.
• Hardware issues or BIOS settings. Hardware may conflict with some system processes, including sleep mode. 

How to troubleshoot a Dell PC that won't go to sleep

Troubleshooting can identify what's causing your computer to stay awake. Here are a few options to try. 

Check and adjust power settings

Is your Dell PC set up to allow sleep mode? Find out by checking its power settings.

1. Click Start.
2. Type "Power Options" in the search box.
3. Click Power Options (or Power, Sleep, and Battery Settings). 
4. Click Choose what the power buttons do, which should be visible on the left side of the screen.
5. Click Change Settings that are currently unavailable.
6. Make sure that "Turn on Fast Startup" is not checked under "Shutdown Settings."

Next, move on to your PC's sleep settings.

1. Click Start.
2. Type "Power" in the search box.
3. Click Power and Sleep Settings.
4. Review the time control settings for sleep mode and adjust them to your preferences.

Dell allows sleep mode to begin anywhere from one minute to five hours after it detects inactivity. If you set the timer to "Never," it won't sleep. 

Update or reinstall drivers

Dell frequently releases driver updates for its PCs. If you haven't updated your drivers in a while, it may cause system conflicts that prevent the Dell sleep button from working or prevent your PC from entering sleep mode on its own. To update or reinstall drivers, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Dell Drivers & Downloads page.
2. Wait for the website to recognize your device. Confirm the information is correct, then click on the hyperlink to explore driver recommendations.
3. Click on Driver updates to run a system scan.
4. Install any recommended drivers.

Disable background applications

Some software programs and apps won't allow your PC to enter sleep mode, even if you're not actively using them. You can find out if you have any disruptive programs running in the background using a simple command prompt.

1. Click Start.
2. Type "cmd" in the search box.
3. Right-click on the Command Prompt program, then select Run as Administrator.
4. Type "powercfg/requests" and press Enter.
5. An output will appear. Look for any applications listed under "Awaymode." 
6. Close the applicable programs to see if that resolves the Sleep mode issue. 

If the diagnostics test finds any hardware issues, consider taking your PC for the proper repairs. Unresolved hardware problems may cause other system disruptions. 

Install Windows updates

Microsoft regularly issues updates for Windows users. To check if any are available for your Dell PC, do the following:

1. Click Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Review and install recommended updates.
4. Restart your computer.

After restarting your PC, see if it transfers to sleep mode according to your settings. 

Run a Dell diagnostics test

If you’ve tried all of the software troubleshooting with no luck, Dell offers free diagnostics tests that can uncover hardware issues. Since a hardware conflict may prevent sleep mode, it's worth a try.

1. Visit Dell.com/support
2. Confirm the page detected your PC. It should show the model and service tag number.
3. Click Scan Now to run a hardware diagnostics test.