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Make Clock App Alarms Work During Sleep Mode

Anonymous
2024-10-07T10:13:48+00:00

Hi everyone,

I’m struggling with an issue regarding the Clock app on Windows 11. I’m trying to set an alarm that rings even when my PC is in sleep mode, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to work as intended. Honestly, what's the point of having an alarm clock if it won't go off when the computer is asleep or hibernating? It feels like a clear design oversight.

I’ve tried multiple workarounds, but nothing has worked so far. Here’s what I’ve done:

  • I’ve enabled "Allow wake timers" in my power plan settings.
  • I’ve set up a task in the Task Scheduler to wake the computer up 10 minutes before the alarm (e.g., alarm at 8:00 AM, task scheduled at 7:50 AM to run a random app like Notepad). This should ensure that the PC is awake for the alarm to ring.

However, this didn't work today, and I’m left wondering why.

My suspicion is that: Since the task doesn’t unlock the screen (because I have a password set), maybe the computer goes back to sleep immediately after it wakes up.

Does anyone have insights or better ideas to get this to work? It’s confusing that something as simple as an alarm becomes so complicated on a Windows machine. I’d appreciate any advice!

Thanks in advance!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Sleep and Power on, off

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-10-09T18:02:35+00:00

    Hello and thank you for your answer.

    1. Done.
    2. Done.
    3. Not safe. I'll leave it like this.
    4. Do you have recommendations?
    5. Updated.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Reported
    Anonymous
    2024-10-07T11:49:45+00:00

    Hi Bacchinif,

    I have reviewed the issue, and from my understanding, Setting an alarm on a Windows 11 PC that functions correctly while the computer is in sleep mode can be tricky. Here are some strategies to help you resolve this issue and ensure your alarms ring as intended:

    1. Adjust Power Settings for Wake Timers

    You mentioned that you’ve enabled "Allow wake timers," but it’s important to double-check this setting:

    • Go to Power Options:

    1. Press Windows + X and select Power Options.
    2. Click on Additional power settings.
    3. Select Change plan settings next to your current plan.
    4. Click on Change advanced power settings.

    • Set Wake Timers:

    1. In the Power Options window, expand the Sleep section.
    2. Expand Allow wake timers and set it to Enabled for both On battery and Plugged in.
    3. Modify Task Scheduler Settings

    To ensure that your scheduled task wakes the computer and remains awake for the alarm:

    • Open Task Scheduler:

    1. Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter.

    • Edit Your Task:

    1. Find your task (the one set to wake the computer) and double-click it to open properties.
    2. Go to the Conditions tab and make sure the Wake the computer to run this task option is checked.
    3. Under the Settings tab, make sure to check If the task fails, restart every... and set a reasonable time frame in case the task doesn't run as expected.
    4. Unlock the Screen

    If the computer goes back to sleep immediately after waking due to the lock screen, you might need to adjust your settings:

    • Disable the Lock Screen Temporarily:

    o You could try temporarily disabling the lock screen to see if that resolves the issue:

    1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
    2. Change the setting under Require sign-in to Never.

    o Note: This is just for testing. You can always revert the setting back to your preferred security level afterward.

    1. Use a Third-Party Alarm App

    If the built-in Clock app continues to fail, consider using a third-party alarm clock application. Many of these apps are designed to wake the PC from sleep and can be more reliable than the default options.

    1. Check for Updates

    Ensure that your Windows 11 is up to date, as updates can sometimes fix bugs and improve functionality:

    • Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.

    I hope these steps help resolve your issue. If you need further assistance, feel free to let me know.

    Best regards,

    Arvind

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