The Sync desktop app will synchronize your files whenever you are signed into your computer. The Sync desktop app will temporarily stop syncing when your computer is put to sleep, off, or if you have signed out. You can easily change a few settings on your computer to help the Sync desktop app continue to synchronize your files, even when you are away from your computer. This article will cover how to prepare your computer for Sync on Windows and macOS.
Prevent your Windows 10 desktop from going to sleep:
- Click the Windows logo at the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Click the Settings icon (gear cog).
- Click System.
- Select Power & Sleep from the menu.
- Under Sleep, choose Never (when plugged in, PC goes to sleep after).
Prevent your Windows 7 or 8 desktop from going to sleep:
- Select the Windows logo at the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Select Control Panel.
- Select System & Security.
- Select Power Options.
- Ensure the Balanced (recommended) plan is selected / checked.
- Click Change plan settings.
- Choose the Never option from the Put the computer to sleep dropdown list.
- Click Save changes.
Prevent your Mac from going to sleep:
- Click the Apple logo at the top left corner of your screen
- Select System Settings...
- Select Battery
- Select Options...
- Select Always for the option Wake for network access.
Instead of signing out of your Mac, enable a screensaver with secure authentication (optional):
- Click the Apple logo at the top left corner of your screen.
- Select System Settings...
- Select Lock Screen.
- Select 10 minutes for the option Start Screen Saver when inactive (you can adjust the start time to your liking).
- Once you have enabled a screen saver navigate back to the Lock Screen page.
- Select Immediately for the option Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off (you can adjust the time to your liking).
Now your Mac will stay awake and instead of signing out, as your screensaver will prompt for authentication. This setup will ensure that the Syncs desktop app is always running in the background.