Why Does Your Monitor Keep Going Into Power Save Mode and How to Fix It

Can I Stop A Monitor Entering Power Saving Mode? (

If you are a Windows 11 or Windows 10 user then you will probably notice your laptop or even desktop screen getting dim or turning off after a certain period of time. Don’t panic when this happens as this is just the computer entering power save mode.

The Windows operating systems power save mode feature helps save energy or save power on devices. When the power save mode is activated, the operating system reduces the amount of power consumed by the device by limiting the performance of certain components. This includes reducing the display brightness, slowing down the processor speed, and turning off background apps and other power-intensive features. Power save mode is particularly useful for laptops, tablets, and other portable devices that rely on battery power. By activating power save mode, users can extend the battery life of their device and continue using it for longer periods without needing to recharge it.

How do I stop my monitor from going into power save mode?

Although the power saving mode is useful there are instances when you really don’t need it. A few examples are as follows:

  • Plugged-in devices: If your device is connected to a power source, such as a wall outlet, then power save mode may not be necessary.
  • High-performance tasks: If you’re performing high-performance tasks such as gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive applications, power save mode may limit the device’s performance and result in reduced productivity.
  • Power source availability: If you know that you’ll have access to a power source soon, such as when you’re traveling or working in a location with available outlets, you may not need to use power save mode.

Here’s what you can do to stop computers from entering power save mode.

Adjust power and sleep settings in Windows

You can prevent your computer from entering power save mode by making changes to its settings.

To adjust power and sleep settings in Windows 11, select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep.

From here you can set how long the screen will turn off when plugged in or even how long you device will enter sleep mode after a certain amount of inactivity has lapsed.

You can also change the power mode of your computer, selecting between Best power efficiency, Balanced, or Best performance.

Troubleshooting power saving mode issues

If your external monitor keeps on entering power saving mode even if you already made sure that the power settings are correct then there might be some factor causing this issue.

  • Cable or connection issues: If there is an issue with the cables or connections between your computer and monitor, your monitor may not receive the necessary signals to stay active, causing it to enter power save mode.
  • Graphics card or driver issues: If there is an issue with your graphics card or driver, your monitor may not receive the necessary signals to stay active, causing it to enter power save mode.
  • Overheating: If your computer or graphics card is overheating, it may cause your monitor to enter power save mode as a safety measure.
  • Hardware problems: If there is a hardware problem with your monitor, such as a faulty power supply or damaged components, it may cause your monitor to enter power save mode or not turn on at all.
  • Operating system issues: If there is an issue with your operating system, it may cause your monitor to enter power save mode or not turn on at all.
  • Malware or virus: In rare cases, malware or virus can cause your computer monitor to enter power save mode, especially if they are designed to interfere with system functions.

Solution 1: Check the video cable

Check the video cable (VGA cable , HDMI , or DisplayPort) and make sure that it is connected properly on both ends. Check if the connection is tight on the monitor side and the desktop computer side.

If you suspect the this cable might be causing the problem due to some visible damage then I suggest that you use a new cable.

Solution 2: Update your graphics card driver

One of the factors that can cause your computer monitor entering power saving mode is because of outdated or corrupted graphics drivers.

Updating the video card driver

  • Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
  • Click on “Device Manager” from the list of options.
  • In the Device Manager window, locate “Display Adapters” and click on the arrow next to it to expand the section.
  • Right-click on the graphics card that you want to update and select “Update driver” from the context menu.
  • In the Update Drivers window, select “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
  • Windows will search for the latest drivers for your graphics card and download them if available.
  • Once the download is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to install the updated driver.

Solution 3: Try switching your GPU

If your computer has an external graphics card and a CPU with an integrated graphics then you can try using the integrated GPU. This allows you to eliminate the possibility of the problem being caused by an issue with the graphics card when running certain programs.

Switch from an external GPU to an internal GPU

  • Open the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon (gear icon).
  • In the Settings window, click on “System” and then select “Display” from the left-hand side menu.
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the Display settings and click on the “Graphics settings” link.
  • In the Graphics settings window, under the “Choose an app to set preference” section, click on the “Classic app” button.
  • Click on the “Browse” button to navigate to the executable file of the application for which you want to switch the GPU.
  • Once you have selected the executable file, click on “Options.”
  • Under “Graphics performance preference,” choose “Power saving” to use the integrated GPU, or “High performance” to use the external GPU.
  • Click on “Save” to apply the changes.

Solution 4: Run the Windows troubleshoot tool

The Windows Troubleshoot tool is a built-in feature in the Windows operating system that helps users diagnose and fix common problems with their computer. It provides a simple, step-by-step process to identify and resolve issues related to hardware and software.

You should consider using this tool to fix the power saving mode issue you are experiencing with your computer monitor.

Use the Windows troubleshooting tool to check monitor power saving mode issues

  • Open the Start menu and type “troubleshoot settings” in the search bar, then click on “Troubleshoot settings” from the search results.
  • In the Troubleshoot settings window, click on “Other troubleshooters”
  • Click on the run button on the Power section.
  • Windows will now scan your system for device issues.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process. Windows will attempt to identify and resolve any problems it finds with your monitor.
  • If the troubleshooting tool is unable to resolve the issue, it may provide suggestions for additional steps you can take to resolve the problem.

Solution 5: Run a malware or virus scan

Another possible reasons why your monitor keeps on going to power saving mode is because of a malware or virus. You need to use the built-in security feature of Windows 11 or Windows 10 to scan your computer.

Scan your computer for viruses or malware in Windows 11

  • Open the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon (gear icon).
  • In the Settings window, click on “Privacy & Security.”
  • Click on “Windows Security”
  • Click on the “Virus & threat protection” option.
  • Click on the “Quick scan” button.
  • If any threats are detected, Windows Security will prompt you to take action to remove them.
  • If you want to perform a more thorough scan, you can click on the “Advanced scan” option and select from the different scan types available, such as a full scan or a custom scan.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What should I do if my monitor keeps going into power save mode even after trying all of the above steps?

    If the issue persists, it may be a hardware issue with either the monitor or the graphics card. It's best to consult a professional for assistance in diagnosing and fixing the problem.

  2. Why does my monitor keep entering power save mode?

    There are several reasons why a monitor may keep going into power save mode, including issues with the graphics card, faulty monitor cables, incorrect settings, or an issue with the monitor itself.

  3. Can a faulty motherboard cause the monitor to go into low power mode?

    Yes, a faulty motherboard can cause the monitor to go into power save . The motherboard is responsible for sending the video signal to the monitor, so if there is an issue with the motherboard, it can cause the monitor to stop receiving the signal and go into power save.

  4. Can a weak CMOS battery cause the monitor to go into power save?

    Yes, a weak CMOS battery can cause the monitor to go into power save . The CMOS battery is responsible for maintaining the motherboard's BIOS settings, including the settings. If the battery is weak, the settings may not be maintained properly, causing the monitor to go into power save.

  5. Why does my monitor activate power save when I'm watching a movie or playing a game?

    This issue can be caused by a number of things, including outdated graphics card drivers, incorrect power settings, or issues with the monitor itself. Try updating your graphics card drivers, changing your power settings, or connecting your monitor to another computer to determine the cause of the issue.


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