A reader has an issue with a PC shutting down.
“I have a Windows 11 PC and whenever I leave the computer on for a few hours and walk away, it shuts off. I have to turn it back on by turning the power strip off and back on, and also have to turn the PC back on. How can I fix it?”
Maybe I have to turn the computer off when I’m not on it. I usually push the sleep button when I’m away from the PC. But it still turns itself off. thank you for your help.”
Shutting down is not normal with Windows 11, so there may be some kind of issue happening. My first thought is that your PC is having a hard time waking up when it goes to sleep. I had an HP Windows 7 PC once that refused to wake up after it entered sleep mode. So let’s start by shutting off sleep mode and seeing if that has any effect.
Type power, sleep, and battery settings into your Windows 11 search box and click on the result.
Click on Screen & Sleep Options.
You’ll notice you have options for shutting down your screen or putting your PC asleep if it’s inactive for a period of time.
Click the drop-down arrow under put my device to sleep after down to Never.
See if that makes a difference. If your computer is still shutting down, there may be a problem with heat. If you’re using a laptop, make sure it’s in a well-ventilated spot sitting on a hard surface and not something like a sofa cushion. Check the vents and make sure they are clear of dust (or if you’re in my house, cat hair).
If you’re using a desktop, touch the tower when you find it shut off. Is it hot? Are the fans running? Are any of the vents against a wall or blocked in any way?
Let me know if any of this helps.