By default, Windows puts the computer to sleep after a set period of inactivity. When this happens, your download stops.
Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode . Ensure "Stay Connected to the Internet" is toggled on. will downloading continue in sleep mode
This is where it gets tricky, as mobile devices have aggressive battery-saving features. By default, Windows puts the computer to sleep
Some apps are aggressive about saving battery. If your download keeps pausing, check your "Background App Refresh" (iOS) or "Battery Optimization" (Android) settings to ensure the app has permission to run in the background. Summary Table Does it download in Sleep? What to enable Windows PC Usually No Modern Standby or "Turn off screen only" Mac Power Nap / Wake for Network Access PS5 / Xbox Rest Mode / Sleep Mode Smartphone Background App Refresh The Bottom Line Ensure "Stay Connected to the Internet" is toggled on
If you want to be 100% sure, don't select "Sleep." Instead, go to your Power Plan settings and set the display to turn off after 5 minutes, but set "Put the computer to sleep" to Never . This saves your monitor's lifespan while keeping the PC fully active. 2. macOS: Power Nap is Your Friend