How to Stop Windows 11 from Turning Off the Screen After 1 Minute (Lock Screen Timeout)

Many Windows 11 users encounter a frustrating issue where they leave their computer to get a cup of coffee, and within exactly 60 seconds, their monitor goes completely black, and the PC locks itself. This incredibly aggressive timeout is designed for enterprise security, ensuring that no one can access your workstation if you step away from your desk.

However, if you are using your PC at home, having the screen constantly turn off while you are reading a long article or watching a video is infuriating. Furthermore, this specific 1-minute timeout often overrides your standard power plan settings. You can disable this aggressive behaviour and restore your normal screen timeout rules.

How to Fix the 1-Minute Lock Screen Timeout

This aggressive behaviour is usually caused by a hidden setting called “System unattended sleep timeout.” Because it is hidden by default, you must first unhide it using the Registry Editor before you can change it.

Step 1: Unhide the Setting in the Registry

1. Click the Start button, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor (provide administrator permission if prompted).
2. Navigate to the following exact path by expanding the folders on the left: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Control > Power > PowerSettings > 238C9FA8-0AAD-41ED-83F4-97BE242C8F20 > 7bc4a2f9-d8fc-4469-b07b-33eb785aaca0.
3. Once you have clicked on the 7bc4a2f9... folder, look at the main window on the right.
4. Double-click on the value named Attributes.
5. Change the “Value data” from 1 to 2.
6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Change the Timeout Duration

Now that the setting is visible, you can change it in your Power Plan.

1. Click the Start button, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
2. Change the “View by” option in the top right to Large icons.
3. Click on Power Options.
4. Click the blue link labelled Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
5. Click the blue link labelled Change advanced power settings.
6. A new window will appear. Scroll down and click the + (plus) icon next to Sleep to expand it.
7. You will now see a new option called System unattended sleep timeout. Expand it.
8. Change the duration from 1 Minute to a much higher number, such as 30 Minutes or 60 Minutes.
9. Click Apply, then click OK.

Your screen will no longer aggressively black out the moment you step away from your desk.