Windows & BSOD · high

How to fixSLEEP-WAKE-FAIL

PC fails to wake from sleep (S3/Modern Standby)

What this error means

PC fails to wake from sleep (S3/Modern Standby) ranks as a high-severity Windows operating system issue in our database. The computer appears to enter sleep/standby but cannot wake up. Requires hard reset. It sometimes comes down to BIOS setting disabling wake-on-USB. See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Update GPU and network/Wi-Fi drivers

Update GPU and network/Wi-Fi drivers.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help
02Disable Modern Standby if supported: powercfg /a

Disable Modern Standby if supported: powercfg /a.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help
03Enable USB wake support in BIOS → USB Wake Support

Enable USB wake support in BIOS → USB Wake Support.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help

Possible causes

  • Driver not supporting S3 wake correctly (common for USB and GPU drivers)
  • Modern Standby (S0ix) conflict with older hardware
  • BIOS setting disabling wake-on-USB