Why We Recommend Leaving Your Device Powered On

You may hear us recommend leaving your computer powered on, especially overnight or when you’re not using it. We know this can feel counterintuitive, especially if you’re used to shutting devices down at the end of the day.

This post explains why leaving devices powered on is helpful, what happens during that time, and how we balance maintenance with energy use and convenience.

What “powered on” really means

Leaving your device powered on does not mean:

  • The screen must stay on

  • You need to be logged in

  • The computer can’t lock or go to sleep

In most cases, your device can:

  • Lock the screen automatically

  • Turn off the display

  • Enter a low-power idle state

It just needs to remain available so maintenance can occur.

What happens when your device is powered on

Many important maintenance tasks run outside normal work hours to avoid disrupting your day. These tasks often require the system to be powered on, even if no one is using it.

Examples include:

  • Installing operating system updates

  • Applying security patches

  • Updating antivirus and endpoint protection

  • Running system health checks

  • Completing software updates that require reboots

  • Performing cleanup and optimization tasks

If a device is turned off, these tasks may be delayed or repeatedly postponed.

Why overnight maintenance matters

Running maintenance after hours allows us to:

  • Reduce interruptions during the workday

  • Avoid surprise reboots while you’re working

  • Complete updates in a controlled window

  • Keep systems current and secure

When devices are consistently powered off overnight, updates tend to stack up — which can lead to:

  • Longer update times later

  • More frequent reboot prompts

  • Higher risk of missed security patches

How this improves security and reliability

Keeping devices powered on supports:

  • Faster deployment of critical security updates

  • Reduced exposure to known vulnerabilities

  • More consistent patch compliance

  • Fewer emergency fixes during business hours

This aligns with common security expectations and best practices found in frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC/NIST, PCI-DSS, and general cybersecurity guidance.

Common questions

Will this increase my electric bill?
Modern computers use very little power when idle, locked, or in low-power states. The cost difference is typically minimal.

Can I still lock my computer or close the lid?
Yes. Locking your screen is encouraged, and laptops can usually be closed depending on configuration. The key is that the device remains powered and reachable.

What if I prefer to shut down?
Occasional shutdowns are fine. We simply recommend leaving devices on regularly so maintenance can complete.

Our recommendation

We recommend leaving your device powered on, especially overnight, so maintenance and updates can be completed smoothly and with minimal impact to your workday.

This helps keep systems secure, reliable, and compliant — and reduces the chance of unexpected interruptions later.

If you have questions or believe your device needs different behavior based on how it’s used, please let us know and we’re happy to review it.

Al Davis