Work on Microsoft's open source tools collection for Windows continues. The next tool that the developers plan to integrate is called Awake, and as the name suggests, can be used to keep the PC from changing its power state.

Microsoft released the first preview of "the new" PowerToys for Windows 10 in 2019. The initial version supported just two features: a shortcut guide and FancyZones, a tool to create windows layouts to improve productivity. New tools were added to the collection regularly, and the latest version includes tools to rename files, a keyboard manager and application launcher, image resizer, color picker, microphone muter, and more.

Awake, formerly called Espresso, is a new tool that will soon be integrated into the collection. Windows users may use third-party tools to keep their PC from entering sleep mode. To name just a few, which we reviewed in the past: Caffeine, Sleep Blocker, Don't Sleep, or Stand-Bye.

Issue 4246 on GitHub describes the functionality of the tool:

This feature would prevent the OS from going to sleep with the options to set a timer for when it can go back to sleep

A screenshot was published that highlights some of the functionality of the tool (under its previous name Espresso).

You can enable or disable the tool, just like any other main tool in PowerToys. When enabled, options are provided to keep the display active and to keep the PC awake permanently or for a specified period. The developers may also add a system tray icon so that users may control the functionality right from the system tray icon. Additionally, options to invoke awake from the command line may also be added.

Closing Words

Awake will keep the PC and the display awake when it is enabled. While there are plenty of other tools and options available to keep the PC from entering Sleep mode or turning off the monitor, users of PowerToys may appreciate the addition. No one has to use it, but if it is integrated well, it may replace some of the other tools on user systems that are used for the purpose.