Caffeine 1.98 for Windows

Caffeine 1.98 is a tiny free utility from Zhorn Software that keeps a Windows PC awake. While it runs, the computer does not switch to sleep, turn off the screen or show the screensaver, and you can download Caffeine for Windows from the official Zhorn Software website.

What does Caffeine do?

Windows saves energy by dimming the screen, locking the session and eventually putting the computer to sleep when nobody touches the keyboard or mouse. Usually that is useful, but sometimes it gets in the way: a long download stops when the PC falls asleep, a presentation goes dark in the middle of a meeting, a remote session drops, or a monitoring dashboard on a wall screen keeps disappearing. Caffeine solves this by making Windows believe that someone is still working at the computer. It sits in the notification area as a small icon, and you can turn it on or off with a click. That is simpler than changing power settings back and forth, especially on a work laptop where you may not have permission to change them.

How do I install and use it?

1. Open the Caffeine page on zhornsoftware.co.uk and download the program.
2. Save it to a folder of your choice.
3. Run it and look for its icon in the notification area.
4. Use the icon to pause or resume Caffeine when you need normal power saving back.

Is it safe to use?

Caffeine is a small program, about 306 KB, and it only prevents the idle timeout. Download it from zhornsoftware.co.uk and not from portals that wrap small tools in their own installers. Keep in mind the side effects: an unlocked PC that never sleeps is a security risk in an office, so lock the screen manually when you walk away, and on a laptop the battery will drain faster.

Is it allowed at work?

Some companies have rules about screen locking for good reasons. If your employer manages the computer, check the IT policy before using tools that keep it awake, and never use such a tool to appear online when you are not working.

Is it free?

Yes, Caffeine is freeware.

What if my PC still goes to sleep?

Make sure Caffeine is running and not paused, and start it again after a reboot; you can add it to the Windows startup folder if you need it all the time. Some company policies override local settings; in that case talk to your administrator.

Pros and cons

• Pro: tiny and simple.
• Pro: one click to turn on or off.
• Pro: free.
• Con: drains laptop battery faster.
• Con: unlocked screen is a risk in shared spaces.

Alternatives

Other small tweaking tools in our listings: Mem Reduct for memory, Timer Resolution and TCP Optimizer; for automated clicks, GS Auto Clicker.