PC starts on its own - it can be because of that
If your PC seems to go on by itself, incorrect settings and foreign fingers can be responsible. We give you the most common reasons why a computer starts up on its own and how you can best deal with it.
Standby, children's hands and cat paws: that's why your computer works on its own
If you do not switch your computer off completely, but only put it into energy-saving mode (standby), external factors can switch your computer on again:
- If you have pets, they may climb over your keyboard or mouse. Cats love to sit on the keyboard unnoticed.
- If you have children at home, they can also switch on your computer by moving the mouse or pressing a short key.
- If you can exclude such factors, you have probably chosen the wrong settings. In the next paragraph you will find out where you can follow up.
1. Unwanted settings: The computer wakes up from sleep mode or standby
Depending on the BIOS settings, your computer reacts to a mouse movement in idle and standby mode to switch the computer on. For sensitive mice, slight vibrations are sufficient, for example when walking past or through loud music. Basically, your computer can wake up from hibernation or standby with USB devices, PS2 mice or keyboards and a sleep button.
- Switch off your computer and restart it. Start the BIOS during startup. If you don't know how to do this, our next article will show you how to access the BIOS.
- Find the ACPI settings (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) here. These are often found under terms such as power management, hibernation or the like.
- Now specify that your computer should no longer be activated by mouse movements.
2. Unintended settings: PC starts up automatically
If your computer switches itself on even when you have shut it down completely, infrared commands from remote controls, signals via LAN or modem, the activation of the power switch, and a wake-up function (real-time clock alert) may be responsible.
- If you use a remote control, remove the batteries from it. If your computer no longer switches itself on, the remote control is responsible.
- Alternatively, you can disconnect the LAN cable from your computer when it is switched off, if it is connected via a LAN cable. If this helps, you have activated Wake on LAN.
- If your computer does not start automatically due to the modem or a remote control, you may have activated an automatic wake-up. Another article will tell you how to check this setting.
