Computer returns to Lock screen even while in an application or webpage

[Mistyblu3]

I wasn't sure which board to select for this issue so if this is the wrong one, please let me know.

This has happened from the very beginning: I'm using the computer, playing a game, looking at stuff in a browser, etc. (this happens both when a browser is open or a separate application), and then even as I'm clicking on things, the screen goes blank and then the lock screen comes on. I have not found any particular time or event that would cause it do to this. Any ideas on what it might be or how to fix it?

[Elohi_NR · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mistyblu3,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details:

• Did this happen after a recent window or software update?
• Have you made any hardware/software changes?
• Have you tried any troubleshooting steps?
• Did you make any changes to the settings of your PC prior to the issue?
• When was the last time it worked fine?

Let's take a look at all the places where Windows can suspend to try to find the culprit:

Check closely your Display, Sleep, and Hibernate settings in Power Options

Display timeout has been moved to Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional Power Settings, on active Power Plan, choose Change Plan Settings then adjust Display timeout.

While there check also Advanced plan settings > Sleep > Allow Wake Timers > under Battery & Plug In options set to Enable, Apply, Save.

3) If your Power Options settings are set correctly then the next suspect is the screensaver which is mysteriously setting a 1 minute timeout to blank Screensaver when some Themes are chosen. Check that now at Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen > Screen Saver Settings.

This could also pertain to an issue of an Unattended Sleep Timeout setting in the Registry. See the Marked Answer here for what has worked for others:

Here is the solution that worked out for me:

1. Click on the windows icon
2. Type regedit
3. Right-click on regedit icon, click Run as administrator
4. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\238C9FA8-0AAD-41ED-83F4-97BE242C8F20\7bc4a2f9-d8fc-4469-b07b-33eb785aaca0
5. Double click on Attributes
6. Enter number 2.
7. Go to Advanced power settings (click on Windows button, write power options, click on Power Options, in the selected plan click on the Change plan settings, click on the Change advanced power settings).
8. Click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable
9. Click Sleep, then System unattended sleep timeout, then change these settings from 2 Minutes to 20 for example.
That's it! At least it works for me.

Also, try updating BIOS, and graphics drivers. Click here

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[Mistyblu3]

Thank you for those suggestions! I didn't even know where to begin. This has happened from the moment I got the computer. I thought upgrading to 11 would help, but it didn't. I made the changes you specified so now I will wait and see if it happens again. I think the timeouts were the problem but we will see. 

Thank you!

Sande

[Elohi_NR]

Hi @Mistyblu3,

Appreciate it. Do keep us posted. Take care.

[Mistyblu3]

It's been a couple of weeks and I've had no more issues!! Thank you, @Elohi_NR for your help!!