Productivity Depends On Sleep: The Ultimate Energy Source

Don't Sleep is a free, portable Windows program that prevents system shutdown, standby, hibernation, turn off, and restart. It is especially useful for users running older programs on modern operating systems, such as Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11, which have more aggressive power-saving features. Don't Sleep also prevents logging off, deactivating the monitor, or activating the screen saver. The app has a timer that allows time-controlled blocking or the shutting down of a computer, which is useful for long downloads or software installations.

Preventing unexpected computer shutdowns

Unexpected computer shutdowns can be frustrating and negatively impact your productivity, especially when performing important tasks. There are several reasons why your computer may be shutting down without warning, and understanding these causes can help you prevent them from occurring in the future. Here are some tips to help you avoid unexpected computer shutdowns:

• Check for Overheating: Overheating is a common cause of unexpected shutdowns. To prevent this, ensure your computer is in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, and not against a wall. Use a cooling pad if you're a laptop user, and consider replacing the thermal paste if it gets too hot.
• Monitor Power Supply: Ensure the power cord is securely plugged in, the outlet is functioning correctly, and the voltage is stable. For laptops, check the battery level and charger. For desktops, inspect the power supply unit (PSU) for any signs of damage, such as burns or loose wires.
• Update Outdated Drivers and GPU: Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to system instability and unexpected shutdowns. Open Device Manager and update drivers one by one, or use a service that automatically searches for and updates outdated drivers. For GPU drivers, check the manufacturer's website for the latest updates.
• Scan for Malware and Viruses: Malware and viruses can cause abrupt shutdowns. Use a reliable antivirus or anti-malware software like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender to perform a full system scan and remove any malicious programs or files.
• Turn off Fast Startup: The Fast Startup feature in Windows 10 can cause random shutdowns. To turn it off, go to Control Panel > Power Options > "Choose what the power buttons do" > "Change settings that are currently unavailable" > Uncheck "Turn on fast startup" > Save changes.
• Check Hardware and Software Issues: Unexpected shutdowns can be caused by faulty hardware or software conflicts. Use the Device Manager to identify and troubleshoot device issues. Additionally, use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files.
• Use a Tool to Prevent Shutdowns: Consider using a tool like "Don't Sleep," a small freeware program that prevents system shutdowns, standby mode, hibernation, and turn off. It is compatible with various Windows operating systems and can be executed from a USB stick or other memory devices. However, using such tools can drain the battery quickly.

By following these tips and regularly maintaining your computer, you can significantly reduce the chances of unexpected shutdowns and improve your overall computing experience.

Keeping your screen awake

Windows

If you are using a Windows device, you can use the PowerToys Awake utility. This tool is designed to keep your computer awake without managing its power and sleep settings. It does this by spawning background threads that tell Windows they require a specific state of the machine. PowerToys Awake supports various modes, including keeping the computer awake indefinitely, for a set time interval, or until a certain date and time.

Another option for Windows is the Don't Sleep program. This freeware prevents system shutdown, standby, hibernation, turn off, and restart. It also prevents the deactivation of the monitor or the activation of the screensaver. Don't Sleep has a timer that allows you to control when your computer shuts down or unblocks.

Chrome

If you are using a Chrome browser, you can use the Keep Awake (Display | System) addon. This addon has two modes: Display and System. In Display mode, it prevents the screen from turning off, while in System mode, it prevents the system from going to sleep.

Android

For Android devices, there are several apps that can keep your screen awake, including KeepOn, Caffeine, and KinScreen. These apps allow you to set up a quick tile to toggle between a timeout and keeping your screen on indefinitely.

Using a timer to control blocking or shutting down

The Don't Sleep utility is a free-to-use tool that prevents your computer from entering sleep mode, activating power-saving measures, shutting down automatically, or taking any other action triggered by periods of inactivity. It does this by convincing the operating system that important tasks are in progress, thus aborting the sleep process.

The utility also has a timer that allows you to control the blocking or shutting down of your computer for a specified time. This is particularly useful for long downloads or software installations.

To use the timer feature, first, download and install your preferred version of Don't Sleep (either portable or installed). Once the app is open, go to the Timer tab and set a time for your computer to stay awake before the default power scheme is restored. You can minimise the app to your system tray by clicking the "To-Tray" option in the top right corner.

Using the timer feature on Don't Sleep will keep your computer awake for the specified time. However, it's important to note that frequent usage of this tool can drain the battery faster than usual.

Preventing automatic power-saving mode

The "Don't Sleep" utility is a small, free-to-use program that prevents your computer from entering sleep mode, activating power-saving measures, shutting down, or logging off automatically. It is especially useful when running older software on modern operating systems, such as Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

To prevent your computer from entering automatic power-saving mode, you can use the "Don't Sleep" utility or manually adjust your power settings.

Using the "Don't Sleep" Utility

"Don't Sleep" is a straightforward tool that prevents your computer from sleeping or shutting down by convincing the operating system that important tasks are in progress. This prevents the activation of the screen saver or the computer's sleep mode. The "Don't Sleep" utility also includes a timer that allows you to control when your computer blocks or shuts down.

Manually Adjusting Power Settings

If you prefer not to use a third-party utility, you can manually disable power-saving mode on your computer by changing the power management settings. Here are the steps to disable power-saving mode on a Windows operating system:

• Click the Power icon on the right side of the desktop taskbar.
• Click the "More Power Options" link at the bottom of the pop-up window.
• Click and enable the "High Performance" option in the Additional Plans section of the Power Options window.
• Select "Change Plan Settings" next to the High Performance setting to open the plan settings editor.
• Change the setting for "Turn Off Display" to "Never" under both the "On Battery" and "Plugged In" headings.
• Also, change the setting for "Put the Computer to Sleep" to "Never" under both headings.
• Click "Save Changes" to apply the new settings.

By following these steps, you can prevent your computer from automatically entering power-saving mode and keep it active during periods of inactivity.

Compatibility with older software

Don't Sleep is a utility that prevents your computer from entering sleep mode, shutting down, or taking any other action triggered by periods of inactivity. It is especially useful when running older software on modern operating systems.

Don't Sleep is compatible with older versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Vista. It can be used on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. The developer also provides access to previous versions of Don't Sleep, which can be useful if compatibility issues arise with the latest version.

The program does not require installation and can be executed directly from the desktop or a USB stick. It is a small, lightweight program that does not burden the CPU and has an extreme tiny size. Don't Sleep is provided under a freeware license with no restrictions on usage.

In addition to preventing system shutdown, Don't Sleep also offers features such as a timer that allows time-controlled blocking or shutting down of the computer. This can be particularly useful during long downloads or software installations.

Frequently asked questions