How to Change Windows Sleep Settings

This article explains how to change sleep settings in Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 by accessing Power Options or Power and Sleep settings.

Change Sleep Settings in Windows 10

To change sleep settings in Windows 10, first, access the Power & sleep settings:

1. In the Windows search box, start typing sleep, then select Power & sleep settings.

   

2. In the Sleep section, choose how long you want the PC to wait before going to sleep:

   • Choose a length of time in the On battery power, PC goes to sleep after drop-down menu.
   • Choose a length of time in the When plugged in, PC goes to sleep after drop-down menu.

   Your changes are automatically saved.

   

Change Sleep Settings in Windows 8.1

To change sleep settings in Windows 8.1:

1. Hover over the lower-right corner of the screen to bring up the Charms bar, and select Search.

   

2. Type sleep in the Windows search box, and then select Power and sleep settings.

   

3. In the Put the computer to sleep section, choose how long you want the PC to wait before going to sleep while on battery power (laptops only) and when plugged in, then select Save changes.

   

Change Sleep Settings in Windows 7

In Windows 7, you'll have to open the Control Panel to access Power Options and change sleep settings.

1. Select the Start icon, and then choose Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel, select the Power Options icon.

   You must be viewing the Control Panel in the large or small icons view to see the Power Options icon.

3. Select Change plan settings next to your power plan.

4. In the Put the computer to sleep settings, choose how long you want the PC to wait before going to sleep while on battery power (laptops only) and when plugged in, then select Save changes.

   

Change Your Power Plan in Any Windows Version

All Windows versions offer three power plans, with each plan having different computer sleep settings. You can change your current plan's settings, as explained above, or you can choose a different power plan and use its default sleep settings. (You can also customize these settings, but this section covers how to select a power plan to use its pre-set sleep settings.)

To select a power plan, open Power Options. There are several ways to open Power Options, depending on the Windows version you're using, but one method works with any version:

1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog box.

   

2. In the Run dialog box, type powercfg.cpl, then press Enter (or select OK).

   

3. In Power Options, select Create a power plan in the left pane.

   

4. Choose from one of three plans:

   • Balanced (or Recommended): The Balanced plan ("Recommended" in Windows 10) is the default setting, and it's often the best option for general users because it's neither too restrictive nor too limiting.
   • Power Saver: The Power Saver plan puts the computer to sleep the fastest. This is a great option when you're using a laptop and want to get the most out of the battery or save electricity.
   • High Performance: The High Performance plan leaves the computer active the longest before it goes to sleep. This setting results in the battery draining more quickly if left as the default.

   

5. If you want to name your plan, enter a name in the Plan name field, and select Next.

   If you don't want to enter a customized name, select Next. The default name, usually My Custom Plan, remains in the Plan name field. If there's no name in this field, the following error displays after you select Next: "When you create a power plan, you must name it. Type a name in the box."

   

6. Select Create.