Waking your computer from sleep with the keyboard in Windows 11 is a handy trick. You’ll first need to ensure your keyboard is set to wake the computer in the device manager, then adjust your power settings. This process lets you easily resume work without touching the mouse. Below, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve this.
How to Wake Computer from Sleep with Keyboard in Windows 11
The following steps will guide you through configuring your keyboard so that it can wake up your computer from sleep mode in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Open the Start menu and type “Device Manager.” Click on the Device Manager app.
Device Manager lets you manage all the hardware connected to your computer. You’ll be able to see all your devices and their settings here.
Step 2: Find Your Keyboard
Expand the “Keyboards” section and right-click on your keyboard device. Select “Properties.”
This is where you’ll find specific settings related to your keyboard. You need to ensure that your keyboard has the appropriate permissions to wake your computer.
Step 3: Adjust Power Management Settings
Navigate to the “Power Management” tab. Check the box that says, “Allow this device to wake the computer.” Click “OK.”
This step ensures that your computer will recognize keyboard input when it’s in sleep mode. If this box is unchecked, your keyboard won’t be able to wake the device.
Step 4: Configure Power Settings
Open the Start menu again, type “Control Panel,” and select it. Go to “Hardware and Sound,” then “Power Options.”
Power settings control how your computer behaves when it’s on, off, or in sleep mode. You’ll need to make sure your computer is set to allow wake with the keyboard.
Step 5: Change Advanced Power Settings
Click “Change plan settings” next to your current power plan. Then click “Change advanced power settings.” In the new window, expand the “Sleep” section and ensure “Allow wake timers” is enabled.
This ensures that Windows 11 respects the wake commands sent by your keyboard. Without this setting, your previous changes might not have an effect.
After completing all these steps, your computer should wake up from sleep mode when you press any key on your keyboard.
Tips for Waking Computer from Sleep with Keyboard in Windows 11
- Always ensure your keyboard drivers are up to date for the best functionality.
- For laptops, make sure your laptop lid settings don’t interfere with the wake function.
- If you have multiple keyboards connected, make sure you adjust the settings for the correct one.
- Check your keyboard’s compatibility with this function, especially if it’s an older model.
- Restart your computer after making these changes to ensure the settings are applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my keyboard not waking up my computer?
Ensure that “Allow this device to wake the computer” is checked in Device Manager and that your power settings allow it.
Can a wireless keyboard wake up my computer?
Yes, wireless keyboards can wake up your computer if they are marked as “Allow this device to wake the computer” in Device Manager.
Do I need to change BIOS settings to wake my computer with the keyboard?
Usually, you don’t need to change BIOS settings for this function, but it might be required on some older systems.
What if my computer doesn’t have a “Power Management” tab for the keyboard?
You might need to update your keyboard drivers or check if your keyboard supports this function.
Can I use any key to wake the computer?
Yes, pressing any key on the keyboard should wake up the computer if the settings are correctly configured.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Find your keyboard.
- Adjust Power Management settings.
- Configure Power Settings.
- Change Advanced Power Settings.
Conclusion
Setting up your Windows 11 computer to wake from sleep with the keyboard can streamline your workflow and save you time. It’s a small adjustment with a big payoff, letting you jump back into your tasks with just a key press. Remember to check your settings and update drivers to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other ways to optimize your Windows 11 experience. From power settings to keyboard shortcuts, there’s always something new to learn. Happy computing, and enjoy the ease of waking your computer with a simple press of a key!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.