Nothing deflates a talk like a screen that dims while you're explaining slide twelve. It happens because Windows measures idle time by input, and presenting usually involves very little of it.
Do these before you start
- Plug the laptop in. Battery power has shorter timeouts.
- In Settings → System → Power & battery, set Screen and sleep to Never for the session.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb so notifications don't pop up over your slides.
- Disable the screensaver if one is configured.
- Close what you don't need. Fewer apps means fewer surprises.
A backup plan for browser-based decks
If you present from the browser, with Google Slides, a web-based deck or a live dashboard, a browser extension that holds a screen wake lock keeps the display on while the tab is open. It's cheap insurance when you can't afford a surprise.
Afterwards, put your power settings back so the laptop sleeps normally and doesn't drain on the way home.