Colin Snow
Don't Sleep is a free utility that prevents your computer from entering sleep mode, activating power-saving mode, shutting down, or taking any other action triggered by periods of inactivity. It does this by convincing the operating system that there are important tasks in progress. This is especially useful when running older software on modern operating systems, such as Windows 7 or Windows Vista, which have more aggressive power-saving features. Don't Sleep also has a timer that allows time-controlled blocking or shutdown of your computer, which is handy during long downloads or software installations. However, using an app like this can drain the battery quickly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Preventing computer from entering sleep mode, activating power-saving measures, shutting down automatically, or taking any other action triggered by periods of inactivity |
| Operating Principle | Convinces the operating system that there are important tasks in progress, thus aborting the sleep process |
| Primary Function | Preventing the computer from entering sleep mode |
| Secondary Functions | Preventing computer shutdown, standby, hibernate, turn off, restart, and log off |
| Timer | Allows time-controlled blocking or shutting down of the computer |
| Installation | Not required; can be executed from the desktop or carried on a USB stick or other memory devices |
| Compatibility | Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista |
| Licence | Freeware with no restrictions on usage |
| File Type | exe |
| File Size | 267 KB |
What You'll Learn
Don't Sleep's functionality
Dont Sleep is a free, lightweight software utility that prevents a computer from entering sleep mode, activating power-saving measures, shutting down automatically, or taking any other action triggered by periods of inactivity. It is particularly useful when running older software on modern operating systems, such as Windows 7 or Windows Vista, which have more aggressive power-saving features.
Dont Sleep operates by convincing the operating system that important tasks are in progress, thus aborting the sleep process. It can prevent the system from shutting down, restarting, hibernating, logging off, activating the screen saver, or deactivating the monitor. This can be useful when running a presentation, defragmenting a disk, or encoding a large file.
The app also includes a timer feature that allows for time-controlled blocking or shutting down of the computer. This can be useful during long downloads or software installations. However, using Dont Sleep can drain the battery more quickly than usual.
Dont Sleep does not require installation and can be executed from the desktop or carried on a small USB stick or other memory devices. It is provided under a freeware license with no restrictions on usage and is compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, with both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads available.
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Compatibility and license
Don't Sleep is a freeware program for Windows that can be downloaded and installed for free. It is compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2012-2025. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.
Don't Sleep is a lightweight and portable program that does not need to be installed on the computer. It can be executed directly from the desktop and can be carried on a small USB stick or other memory devices. The program is designed to prevent the system from shutting down, restarting, hibernating, turning off, or going into standby mode. It is especially useful when running older programs on modern operating systems, as it can prevent the system from confusing prolonged periods of inactivity with strict power-saving measures.
The program works by convincing the operating system that there are important tasks in progress, thus aborting the sleep or shutdown process. It also has a timer feature that allows users to control the blocking or shutdown of the computer for a specified time. This can be useful for leaving downloads active for a few hours and then shutting down the computer to save energy.
Don't Sleep does not change the power-saving options on the system and has a low impact on system resources. It is available in multiple languages and is easy to use. The latest version of Don't Sleep is 9.63.1, which was released in December 2024.
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User reviews
"Don't Sleep" is a handy, lightweight, and user-friendly tool that effectively prevents unexpected system shutdowns, standby mode, hibernation, and other power-saving actions. It's especially useful when running older software or time-consuming tasks that you don't want to be interrupted.
One user, BiLL Solomon, praised its convenience, saying: "Don't Sleep... saves many hand moves and also saves time! And it's easier than ever." They also highlighted the timer feature, which allows for time-controlled blocking or shutting down of the computer.
Another user, Elena Opris, described it as a "tiny but powerful application" that prevents unwanted restarts or shutdowns. They appreciated its portability, noting that it can be run directly from an external device without requiring installation or changes to the Windows registry. Opris also highlighted the ability to schedule "blocking" tasks at specific dates and times, and the low usage of system resources.
The Uptodown Content Team also reviewed the app, calling it a "simple and light app" that keeps your computer awake. They highlighted its ease of use, noting that it doesn't require installation—users can simply unzip and run the program.
While generally well-received, some users have noted potential security concerns with the "Don't Sleep" application. The file "DontSleep.exe" has a technical security rating of 67% dangerous due to its ability to record keyboard and mouse inputs. It is recommended that users always download such software from trusted sources to avoid malicious files.
Overall, "Don't Sleep" is a valuable tool for users who need to prevent automatic shutdowns or interruptions during critical or time-consuming tasks. Its simplicity, portability, and functionality have made it a popular choice for many.
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Similar apps
There are over 25 alternatives to Don't Sleep for Windows, Mac, Android, F-Droid, and Linux. Here are some of the similar apps:
Amphetamine
This is the most popular alternative to Don't Sleep for Mac. It is a free, super-simple, keep-awake utility that can keep your Mac awake through a simple on/off switch or automatically through customizable triggers.
Caffeine
Caffeine is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The Windows version works by simulating a keypress once every 59 seconds so that your machine thinks you are still working at the keyboard. The Mac version puts an icon in the right side of your menu bar; clicking it will prevent your Mac from going to sleep. The Linux version is a status bar application that can prevent the activation of the screensaver and the "sleep" power-saving mode.
Should I Sleep
This is a commercial alternative to Don't Sleep. It can prevent the display from dimming when you are reading or watching something.
KeepOn
KeepOn is an Android app that allows you to keep your device's screen on for a desired duration. It also allows you to return to the default settings automatically when the screen turns off.
Coffee: Keep Display Awake
Coffee allows you to keep the display awake without changing the device settings.
Econap
Econap helps you save energy by checking if something important is running on your system before your PC enters sleep mode. It can be used from a USB stick or similar memory device without prior installation.
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Developer information
"Don't Sleep" is a software application developed by Nenad Hrg from SoftwareOK.com. It is a small, portable program that can be executed from the desktop or carried on a USB stick or other memory device. The software is designed to prevent a computer from entering sleep mode, activating power-saving measures, shutting down, or taking any other action triggered by periods of inactivity. It does this by reporting to the operating system that it has important tasks in progress, thus aborting the sleep process.
The "Don't Sleep" application is particularly useful when running older software on modern operating systems, such as Windows 7 or Windows Vista, which have more aggressive power-saving features. It is also useful when performing time-consuming tasks that you don't want to be interrupted by automatic system actions. In addition to its primary function, "Don't Sleep" also includes a timer feature that allows users to control the blocking or shutdown of their computer for a specified time. This can be helpful during long downloads or software installations.
The latest version of "Don't Sleep" is 9.63.1, which was released in December 2024. It is available for Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and other older versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. The software is provided under a freeware license with no restrictions on usage, and the download and installation are free. Nenad Hrg accepts donations for the continued development of this free software.
The "DontSleep.exe" file associated with the "Don't Sleep" application is not essential for the Windows operating system and does not affect system performance when inactive. It is typically located in the C:\Users\USERNAME\Desktop directory and has a file size of around 90 KB. While it is not a necessary process, it can be useful for preventing unexpected shutdowns or interruptions during critical tasks. However, it is important to download such software from trusted sources to avoid potential malware or virus issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Don't Sleep is a small, free-to-use, portable program that prevents system shutdown, standby, hibernate, turn off, and restart.
Don't Sleep reports to the operating system that it has important tasks to complete, thus aborting the sleep process.
DontSleep.exe is an executable file associated with the software "Don't Sleep" developed by Nenad Hrg from SoftwareOK.com.
The DontSleep.exe file is typically located in the C:\Users\USERNAME\Desktop directory.
DontSleep.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and does not affect system performance when inactive. It is useful when you want to prevent your computer from going into sleep mode or shutting down automatically.
