What To Know
- The simplest solution to keep your Surface Pro on is to disable sleep mode altogether.
- This method allows you to control when the device goes to sleep, while still enjoying the benefits of sleep mode when you need it.
- ” This software allows you to configure custom sleep settings for your Surface Pro, including disabling sleep mode when the device is closed.
The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile device that seamlessly transitions between laptop and tablet modes. However, one common frustration for users is that the Surface Pro automatically goes to sleep when closed. This can be inconvenient if you’re using it for presentations, streaming videos, or even just keeping a document open for later reference. Thankfully, there are several ways to keep your Surface Pro on, even when closed. This guide will walk you through the various methods, ensuring you never have to worry about your Surface Pro going to sleep unexpectedly.
Understanding Surface Pro’s Sleep Modes
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand how the Surface Pro handles sleep modes. There are two main sleep modes:
- Sleep: This mode saves your current work and puts the device into a low-power state. It wakes up quickly, allowing you to resume work almost instantly.
- Hibernate: This mode saves your current work and shuts down the device completely. It takes longer to wake up, but it uses less battery power than sleep mode.
The default behavior for a closed Surface Pro is to enter sleep mode. This is a power-saving feature designed to conserve battery life. However, if you need your Surface Pro to stay on, you can adjust these settings.
Method 1: Disabling Sleep Mode
The simplest solution to keep your Surface Pro on is to disable sleep mode altogether. This will prevent the device from going to sleep, even when closed. Here’s how:
1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to System: In the Settings window, click on “System.”
3. Choose Power & Sleep: Select “Power & sleep” from the left-hand menu.
4. Adjust Sleep Settings: Under “Choose when to turn off the display,” set the “Never” option for both “When plugged in” and “When on battery power.”
5. Confirm Changes: Close the Settings window.
With sleep mode disabled, your Surface Pro will remain on, even when closed. However, keep in mind that this will consume more battery power.
Method 2: Utilizing the Power Button
Instead of disabling sleep mode entirely, you can use the power button to keep your Surface Pro on. This method allows you to control when the device goes to sleep, while still enjoying the benefits of sleep mode when you need it.
1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to System: In the Settings window, click on “System.”
3. Choose Power & Sleep: Select “Power & sleep” from the left-hand menu.
4. Adjust Power Button Settings: Under “Power button,” choose “Do nothing” for the “Press and hold the power button” option.
5. Confirm Changes: Close the Settings window.
Now, pressing and holding the power button will not put your Surface Pro to sleep. You can use this method to keep your device on even when closed, but remember to manually turn it off when you’re done.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If you prefer a more automated approach, consider using third-party software like “Keep My Surface On.” This software allows you to configure custom sleep settings for your Surface Pro, including disabling sleep mode when the device is closed.
1. Download and Install: Download and install Keep My Surface On from the Microsoft Store.
2. Configure Settings: Launch the application and configure the desired settings. You can choose to disable sleep mode altogether, or set specific time intervals for sleep mode activation.
3. Enable the App: Enable the app to run automatically in the background.
Keep My Surface On provides a more flexible solution for managing sleep settings, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs.
Method 4: The “Always On” Feature (Surface Pro 7 and Newer)
Starting with the Surface Pro 7, Microsoft introduced the “Always On” feature. This feature allows your Surface Pro to remain on, even when closed, while displaying a low-power clock screen. To utilize this feature:
1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to System: In the Settings window, click on “System.”
3. Choose Power & Sleep: Select “Power & sleep” from the left-hand menu.
4. Enable Always On: Under “Sleep,” enable the “Always On” option.
With “Always On” enabled, your Surface Pro will remain on, even when closed, providing a convenient way to check the time or receive notifications without fully waking up the device.
Method 5: Utilizing External Displays
If you’re primarily using your Surface Pro with an external monitor, you can keep the device on while closed by simply keeping the external monitor connected. The Surface Pro will stay awake as long as the external monitor is powered on. This method is ideal for presentations or extended work sessions where you don’t need to interact directly with the Surface Pro screen.
Method 6: Utilizing a Surface Dock
Similar to external displays, connecting your Surface Pro to a Surface Dock will keep the device on and powered, even when closed. The Surface Dock provides various ports for connecting peripherals, including external monitors, and keeps the Surface Pro powered and active.
Method 7: Utilizing a USB-C Hub
If you don’t have a Surface Dock, you can use a USB-C hub to achieve similar results. Connect the USB-C hub to your Surface Pro and then connect an external monitor to the hub. This will keep the Surface Pro on and powered, even when closed.
Wrapping Up: Ensuring Your Surface Pro Stays Awake
Choosing the right method to keep your Surface Pro on when closed depends on your specific needs and usage patterns. From disabling sleep mode to utilizing external displays, there are various solutions to ensure your Surface Pro stays awake and ready when you need it. By understanding these methods, you can enjoy the full potential of your Surface Pro without worrying about it going to sleep unexpectedly.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Will keeping my Surface Pro on when closed drain the battery faster?
A: Yes, keeping your Surface Pro on when closed will consume more battery power than allowing it to go to sleep. This is because the device is not in a low-power state. However, if you are using your Surface Pro with an external display or dock, the battery drain will be minimal as the device will be powered by the external source.
Q: Can I use the “Always On” feature if I have an older Surface Pro model?
A: The “Always On” feature is only available on Surface Pro 7 and newer models. Older Surface Pro models do not have this feature.
Q: Is there a way to keep my Surface Pro on when closed without using any software?
A: Yes, you can keep your Surface Pro on by disabling sleep mode or using the power button method. However, these methods may require manual intervention to turn the device off.
Q: What happens if I close my Surface Pro while it’s in the middle of a task?
A: If you close your Surface Pro while it’s in the middle of a task, it will typically go to sleep. However, if you have disabled sleep mode or are using a method to keep the device on, the task will continue running in the background.
Q: Is it safe to keep my Surface Pro on when closed for extended periods?
A: While it’s generally safe to keep your Surface Pro on when closed, it’s best to avoid doing so for extended periods, especially if you’re using the device on battery power. This can put unnecessary strain on the battery and potentially shorten its lifespan.
