Surface 8 - Win 11: Screen keeps going to SLEEP!

Question

I've already set my sceen NOT to go to sleep when plugged in and it still is showing the SMart battery (which there isn't a way to TURN OFF) so when I'm STILL on the computer (literally working and taking notes) -- it completely blacks out - I can hear the video in but then have to click the powerbutton to then get back to my sign on screen. What is the issue??? I have changed the battery setting several times but it should NOT turn off if I:

1. changed it NOT to go to sleep at all when plugged in
2. not sure why the batter saver (smart battery) is on at all since it is plugged in and I've set it NOT to turn off
3. can see that because I"m watching video -- it seems to be turning this on but if I set it to NOT do screen saver, why is it doing this?

HELP as I've already have to lock/ unlock my screen at least 5X and I'm trying to get my work done -- this is NOT productive at all. Please FIX this issue as it should not overwrite my power settings!

Using Suface 8 (brand new)

Windows 11

Answer 1

Hi rparkster,

Thank you for reaching Microsoft Community. I'm sorry to hear about the screen going to sleep randomly issue that you are having on your Surface Pro 8.

Smart charging is like not causing the issue since this feature only limits the battery to charging up to 80% to help preserve the battery of the device (see: Smart charging on Surface (microsoft.com)). It is really weird that the screen goes to sleep even when you are in the middle of taking notes. Please try first to reset the power plans of the device to its defaults and see if the issue persist. To do this, please open an elevated Command Prompt (Run as admin) then type this command: powercfg -restoredefaultschemes and hit Enter.

After doing the step above, please run these steps on your Surface Pro 8 then see if the issue persist:

1: Run Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

See: Fix common Surface problems using the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit (microsoft.com)

2: Check for Windows Update

Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security and select Check for updates

Make sure all updates need are installed including Optional updates

3: Update drivers and firmware

Check what is the current OS Build of your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About. 

Go to Download driver and firmware for Surface, choose Surface Pro

Then click the link next to Surface Pro 8 then click Download on the next page.

Choose the .msi file that matches your current OS Build and click Next.

After downloading, run and install the .msi then Restart. 

4: Run System File Checker Tool

See: Using System File Checker in Windows (microsoft.com)

Kind regards,

Marrion

Answer 2

Thank you. I'll try these and see if it happens. All i know is that was the one thing I noticed was that it was on smart charge and my screen kept blanking on me even though I was watching a work video -- AND i was taking notes.

Answer 3

Hi rparkster,

Thank you for the response. Please let us know how did it go and if the issue persist after the steps provided.

Kind regards,

Marrion

Answer 4

I did take the steps, but it actually wouldn't remove the Smart Battery setting till I used the command to reset it -- it literally would NOT turn off even though I tried to adjust the battery setting and wasn't on video of course. But I got it to finally charged fully.

Answer 5

Hi rparkster,

Thank you for the response. Good to know that you were able to fully charge the device already. How about the screen going blank randomly, does it still happens?

Kind regards,

Marrion