Get Computer Out Of Power-Saving Mode [Windows & Mac]

We have several techniques in this guide to get a computer out of power-saving mode, for instance, through the Control Panel, running particular code in the Command Prompt, and more.

Key Takeaways

• The computer may shift to the power-saving mode if you have left the screen idle for some minutes, as specified in the settings.
• Use the Taskbar menu, PC Settings, or the Command Prompt to turn off power mode on a Windows computer and adjust the battery settings for a Mac computer.
• Safely pull out the RAM disk and graphics card and clean them if the issue persists.

Why Is Your Computer Switching To Power-Saving Mode?

While testing for the situation, we found several reasons why a computer may enter the power-saving mode. Here are the causes;

• Improper connection between the monitor and the CPU.
• Using a faulty power source.
• Overheating of CPU, GPU, motherboard, or other critical components.
• The computer was left idle for too long.

Also Read: Computer Turns On, But No Signal To Monitor

How To Get A Computer Out Of Power-Saving Mode?

We tested all the methods to provide the exact steps for each. However, try these methods common to both Windows and macOS.

• Reconnect the monitor. 
• Blow off dust from the cables.
• Power cycle the computer.
• Use a different power source.

Windows

Windows offer plenty of techniques to turn off the power-saving mode. You can use the one you find the easiest. Besides, check out this guide on updating Windows.

From Taskbar

This is the quickest and the most convenient method to disable the power-saving mode on your PC: 

1. Move your cursor to the right edge of the “Taskbar” and click on the arrowhead pointing upwards.
2. Double-click on the “Battery” symbol in the mini-menu.

   

3. Drag the pointer to the extreme right to disable power-saving mode. 

   

Control Panel

We modified the duration of putting our computer to sleep from a few minutes to Never. Doing so ensures that the computer does not go into the sleep mode.

Follow the instructions below to undo power mode via Control Panel:

1. Come to the “Desktop” and click the “Control Panel” icon.

   

2. Pick “System And Security.”

   

3. Head to “Power Options.”

   

4. Click on the blue button, “Change Plan Settings.”

   

5. Select “Never” in both the boxes, “On Battery” and “Plugged In,” in front of “Put The Computer To Sleep.”
6. Hit the “Save Changes” button at the bottom.

   

Also Read: How To Fix Your Computer Has A Virus Error

PC Settings

The option to switch from power-saving mode also lies in the PC Settings. Furthermore, read these fixes we used when our PC was stuck on the motherboard screen.

Use this method to get your computer out of power-saving mode:

1. Launch the “Start” menu and click the “Settings” gear.

   

2. Select “System” on the “Settings” page.

   

3. Scroll down to “Power And Sleep” on the left pane.
4. Set “Never” in all the drop-boxes on this screen.

   

Command Prompt

Another method we resorted to was using the Command Prompt window. You can type a specific code in the Command screen to resume the normal functioning of your computer.

Access the command prompt with the following steps:

1. Simultaneously press the “Windows+R” keys on your keyboard.

   

2. It will give you access to the “Run” box.
3. Type the code “cmd” and hit “Enter.”

   

4. You should see the “Command Prompt” window.
5. Execute the code “powercfg -change -standby-timeout-ac 0.” Ensure that you have added spaces in the appropriate places.

   

6. Your computer will get out of the power-saving mode once the code is processed.

Also Read: Undoing Changes Made To Your Computer 

Set A Screen Saver

After setting a screen saver, your computer will not go into the power-saving mode. Instead, you will see your chosen type of animation, photos, or text on the screen after your computer is idle for a specified time, such as 1 minute.

Here is how you can choose a screen saver for your computer: 

1. Place your mouse on the computer’s “Search Bar” and type “Screen Saver.”
2. Select “Change Screen Saver” from the search results.

   

3. It will lead you to a new window.
4. Choose any type of screen saver from the drop-down.

   

5. Set the waiting time to “1 Minute.”
6. Press “Apply” followed by “OK” to save the settings.

   

Use Power Troubleshooter

Windows has a lot of built-in troubleshooters for different components that you can access it from Settings. Moreover, check this guide on how do USB hubs work.

You can navigate to the troubleshooter with these steps:

1. Open the “Update And Security” section in “Settings.”

   

2. Click on “Troubleshoot” from the left menu bar.
3. Hit “Additional Troubelshooters.”

   

4. Find “Power” in the list and “Run The Troubleshooter.”

   

5. Wait for the process to complete. It will diagnose and fix any detected issues or prompt you to solve them.

Also Check: Nvidia Display Driver Failed To Start

Clean RAM And Other Components

If modifying the settings does not work, the computer may have a technical issue. We shut down the computer and removed all the power cables. Next, we opened the case and pulled out the RAM from its slot on the motherboard. We cleaned the edges of the RAM with a soft cloth or an eraser to remove the dust and rust. 

Lastly, placing the RAM back into its slot and turning on the computer got our computer out of the situation. Repeat the step for the graphics card if the issue persists. However, if you choose to perform this step, make sure to deal with the computer components with a gentle hand. In case you do not have the expertise, consult a technician.

Mac OS

Apart from a Windows computer, we also tried disabling the power-saving screen on a macOS computer. Unlike Windows, the methods are limited for macOS. 

System Preferences

As per our testing, modifying the battery saver settings for the macOS computer prevented it from going into power-saving.

Use the system preferences menu to turn off the power-saving mode:

1. Click on the “Apple” symbol on the top bar.
2. Go to “System Preferences.”

   

3. Select the “Energy Saver” option on this menu.

   

4. Switch to the “Battery” tab.
5. Choose “Never” in the “Computer Sleep” and “Display Sleep” toggle lines.
6. Furthermore, remove the ticks beside the boxes “Put Hard Disk To Sleep When Possible” and the one below that.

   

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