How to change the sleep time on my laptop

Question

When I am screen sharing to a tv my laptop automatically goes to sleep if I don't touch it once in awhile. How can I change that?

Answer 1

Hi Sharon McKellar,

I understand the issue, this usually happens when the sleep timeout is set too short, so the laptop enters sleep while you’re idle during screen sharing.

Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, please change sleep time via Power Options:

1. Press Windows + S, type “Control Panel”, and open it
2. Go to “Hardware and Sound” > “Power Options”
3. Click “Change plan settings” next to your current plan
4. Set “Put the computer to sleep” to a longer time or “Never”, then select “Save changes”

This ensures your system does not enter sleep mode unexpectedly while idle.

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Answer 2

Change the sleep timeout so the laptop stays awake while sharing:

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Power & sleep (or Power & battery on newer builds).
2. Under On battery power, PC goes to sleep after and When plugged in, PC goes to sleep after, choose a longer time or Never while presenting.
3. Optionally, also increase Screen timeout so the display does not turn off while sharing.

If using a laptop lid closed while connected to the TV:

1. Select Search on the taskbar, type control panel, and open it.
2. Go to Power Options > Choose what closing the lid does.
3. For When I close the lid, select Do nothing (for On battery and/or Plugged in, as needed).
4. Select Save changes.

This prevents the laptop from going to sleep so quickly while screen sharing.

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References:

• Battery saving tips for Windows
• Shut down, sleep, or hibernate your PC
• Power settings in Windows 11