Win10/pc wakes up from sleep by itself (is this normal?)

7of9 · 02 Mar 2017

When my PC goes into sleep mode, I noticed that my pc (using Windows10) wakes up by itself intermittently and goes to my login screen or window that shows my time/date/weather.

This only happens when I'm connected to the internet. Could it be programs trying to auto update? Or Win10 trying to take care of some windows tasks?

I've had other issues:
1) my speaker level meter randomly appearing on screen - without touching any computer controls whatsoever (keyboard, mouse, speaker volume knobs) Sometimes, the volume goes up really loud, sometimes the volume goes up and down, up and down. then the volume meter will disappear off my desktop again.

2)My multi-monitor hidden task bars will unhide and hide one by one. Lately, after my pc has been on for awhile, my task bars will not stay hidden.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Caledon Ken · 02 Mar 2017

Hi 7of9

Sounds like you have the gremlin app.

On your device awakening. When it wakes up sign in and go to command prompt(admin) and enter

powercfg -lastwake

Also note the time it wakes up and see if the event viewer gives you any clues. Last couple of weeks someone found MBAM was the culprit.

On sound, might be driver, you could try updating. Make a restore point before you update so you know you can return to present

Not sure how much use you are making of apps, love them on my phone, not sure about my desktop. I would start settings, click on Privacy, scroll to bottom of left hand list, click on background apps. This may even fix the waking.

Shut off the apps you don't need to run in background, which in my case is just about all. If you don't know someone on the forum should know but you should google your self first.

Ken

7of9 · 03 Mar 2017

Thanks for answering. I tried powercfg -lastwake.

The dos prompt window opens and immediately closes (practically just a blink). So unable to see any information.

The sound drivers are up to date.

Not using any apps. I basically game/watch tv on this pc. I use Spybot beacon for privacy.

Tried googling the sound issue. No luck.

Thanks anyway.

MrWhoopee · 03 Mar 2017

Check "Wake Timers":

Open Control Panel
click Power Options
click Change Plan Settings (for whichever power plan is selected)
click Change Advanced Power Settings
Press + next to Sleep
Press + next to Allow Wake Timers
Disable both

HTH

Caledon Ken · 04 Mar 2017

When you say the Dos window opened for a second I think I may not have stated process in enough detail. The next time it awakens, sign in.

Then right click on start, click on command prompt (admin), The window opens and stays open, then enter the command powercgf -lastwake

For sound, type Troubleshooting into the Cortana search, click on Troubleshooting. The window opens. In upper left click View All, then click "Playing audio". When the trouble shooter opens click on advance, then run as administartor, then next.

I don't use any apps either but by default a bunch run in background.

Did you check event viewer when it wakes. Might also be an idea to check event viewer in the different logs when sound goes crazy. See what is happening.

Have you audited your Startup tab in Task manager.

I like MrWhoopee idea as well.

Ken