How to fix screensaver and sleep mode after recent update

Question

How to fix screensaver and sleep mode after recent update

I Chestnutt 0

After the August 2026 windows 11 update my hp laptop 15-dw-3xxx does not enter screensaver or sleep mode via time setting.

I have reset all the power settings and timers but screensaver never launches by itself. I also checked all registry entries and the power settings.

I can force the screensaver to work via a shortcut but it will not launch via time setting.

When I force the laptop into sleep mode it only lasts a few seconds before the login screen comes back up.

I have done DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth also sfc /scannow with negative results.

All my device drivers are up to date and I have run diagnostics to clean up corrupt files.

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Answer 2

Ian-T 13,200 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @I Chestnutt

Since the screen saver works from a shortcut, the likely cause is a device or background process continuously resetting the idle timer and waking the laptop.

Run these commands in Terminal (Admin):

powercfg /requests

powercfg /lastwake

powercfg /waketimers

powercfg /devicequery wake_armed

If a keyboard, mouse, USB receiver, or network adapter is listed, open Device Manager > device Properties > Power Management and temporarily disable Allow this device to wake the computer. Also disconnect nonessential USB devices and test again.

If a keyboard, mouse, USB receiver, or network adapter is listed, open Device Manager > device Properties > Power Management and temporarily disable Allow this device to wake the computer. Also disconnect nonessential USB devices and test again. If nothing is identified, test with a clean boot to determine whether an HP utility or another startup application is interfering with the idle timer.

Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.

These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get back on track.

Finally, install the BIOS and chipset drivers from HP for the exact laptop model, even if Device Manager reports that the drivers are current.

I hope this helps, please feel free to let me know if you need any further assistance

I Chestnutt 0 Reputation points

2026-08-24T13:01:37.7533333+00:00

Screensaver does not wake if run via shortcut. Sleep always wakes.
Ian-T 13,200 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-24T23:42:06.0933333+00:00
Hi

Thank you for the comment and feedback. that confirms the powercfg checks are not identifying a wake source. The next useful step is to isolate whether an HP or other third-party service is interfering.

Please try a clean boot and then test both automatic screen saver activation and Sleep:

Search for msconfig and open System Configuration.

On Services, select Hide all Microsoft services, then Disable all.

On Startup, select Open Task Manager and disable the startup items.

Restart and test again.

If the issue stops, re-enable the services and startup items in groups until the responsible application is identified. If it continues even in a clean boot, please also check whether Automatically wake my device when I approach is available under Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep, and temporarily disable it.
Ian-T 13,200 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-26T07:13:53.1866667+00:00

Hi
Just checking in to see if everything is good
I Chestnutt 0 Reputation points

2026-08-26T11:54:10.9866667+00:00

No, just don't have the time to troubleshoot more right now.
Ian-T 13,200 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-26T23:06:49.88+00:00

I understand, thank you for your time and sorry for not giving you the best answer possible.

Have a great day
I Chestnutt 0 Reputation points

2026-08-27T00:58:50.85+00:00

I appreciate all your assistance. I was just hoping for a quicker/ better resolution. I finally ran a clean boot along with a safe boot and a diagnostic boot and nothing restored my screensaver and sleep mode.

Thanks Hope you also have a great day.
Ian-T 13,200 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-27T01:08:07.8233333+00:00

Thank you for your understanding and time, I truly appreciate it