Computer Sleeps When Sleep Disabled

[scurvy4]

Recently HP notebook goes to sleep when sleep is disabled in Windows 11. Recent BIOS update installed from Windows Update suspected.

Goes into sleep mode quickly if not used. This totally destroys the ability to have unattended backups - have to stay active on system for hours during backup.

Setting used for backups is when plugged in goes to sleep never.

In all modes it no longer does my screen saver. It just goes to sleep and I can only wake it up via the built-in keyboard - no longer from the USB keyboard or mouse.

AMD Ryzen 5 7520U CPU. BIOS Version/Date AMI F.17, 2/24/2025.

The only BIOS update I can find on the support page says it is for Intel CPUs.

[zoey7886]

@scurvy4, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding HP Notebook! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Check Power & Sleep Settings:

• Go to Settings > System > Power & sleep and ensure that the sleep settings are set to "Never" when plugged in or on battery.
• Also, check the advanced power settings by clicking on "Additional power settings" and then "Change plan settings" for the active power plan. Make sure that the settings reflect "Never" for sleep.

BIOS Rollback:

• If the issue directly followed a BIOS update, consider rolling back to the previous BIOS version if it's available. You can do this by accessing the BIOS setup during startup (usually by pressing F10, Esc, or a similar key) and looking for a rollback option.

Reinstall or Update Drivers:

• Sometimes, driver conflicts can occur after a BIOS update. Check HP Support Assistant for any updated drivers or consider manually updating the chipset and power management drivers from the HP website.

Check for Windows Update Influences:

• Make sure no recent Windows Update has altered your power settings by reviewing the update history or performing a system restore to a point before the updates.

Reset Power Plan:

• You can reset your power plan to default settings and then set it up again to ensure there are no residual settings causing conflicts.

Disable Sleep Using Group Policy Editor:

• If you're comfortable with using the Group Policy Editor (available on some Windows 11 versions), navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Sleep Settings and configure policies to disable sleep mode.

Run Power Troubleshooter:

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Power troubleshooter to detect and fix power-related issues.

Check Screen Saver Settings:

• Ensure your screensaver is properly configured under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver settings.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[scurvy4 · Accepted solution]

Apparently there is a new sleep setting (or at least one that I don't remember from before): System unattended sleep timeout. Probably added in a Windows Update. This had a value of 0 for Plugged in. So I set it to a high value (180 minutes) and that solved the issue.

This setting occurs in Advanced settings in Power Options under the Sleep category.

This is a link from Change plan settings.

The instructions you give seem to be for an older version of Windows (Windows 10 or perhaps an earlier version of Windows 11). I believe I could only reach Power Options via calling up Control Panel and could not get there from Settings. (I've seen Microsoft do this before: what used to be easy to reach has been hidden under more layers).

So although you did not quite provide directions to get to these advanced settings, your first main category led me to look there. I suggest you update your list of potential solutions. And adjust for the (newest) Windows 11 changes.