How to Change Screen Sleep and Hibernate Timeouts in Windows

Learn how to adjust screen sleep and hibernate timeouts in Windows. Follow these simple steps to customize your device's power settings for optimal performance and convenience.

March 18, 2026 By Thomas Proudfoot

In this guide, we'll learn how to adjust your computer's screen sleep and hibernate settings. Setting these options helps you control when your device goes to sleep or stays awake, which can affect power use and convenience.

You'll see how to choose the right timeouts for your needs, whether you want your screen to stay on or save energy by sleeping after a set period.

Let's get started

First, open the Start menu. Then go to Power, Sleep, and Battery Settings.

Step #2: Click on "Power, sleep, and battery settings" — Click on "Power, sleep, and battery settings"

Here, select 'Screen, sleep, and hibernate timeouts.'

When you're plugged in, you'll probably want to set this to Never.

Step #5: Click on "| Never" — Click on "| Never"

I'm setting my device to sleep after one hour.

This depends on your preference.