How to Put a Windows 11 Computer to Sleep and Wake It Up

What you need: A Windows 11 computer that is turned on.

Before you begin: Save any document you are working on. Sleep keeps your open programs and documents where they are, and saving also keeps a copy on the computer.

1. Click Start (the Windows logo) on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2. Click Power (the circle with a short line at the top) near the bottom-right of the Start menu.
3. Click Sleep. The screen goes dark. This is normal: the computer is resting and using very little power, and it is not turned off.
4. Wait a few seconds. To wake the computer, move the mouse or press any key on the keyboard. The screen lights up again.
5. If you see the lock screen or a box asking for your PIN or password, sign in by following How to Sign In to a Windows 11 Computer.
6. If the screen is still dark after 10 seconds, press the computer's power button once and let go right away. Do not hold the power button down, because holding it turns the computer off and you could lose work that is not saved.

Expected result: The screen is lit again and your open programs and documents are where you left them.