Caffeine for Windows

Used Caffeine for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

Key Details of Caffeine

Prevent your PC from locking or going to sleep.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
There have been 3 updates
Virus scan status:
Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffJuly 4, 2025

Caffeine keeps a computer from locking up or falling asleep by regularly simulating keystrokes. Like a strong cup of coffee, the program prevents your screensaver from kicking in without your having to disable the screensaver itself. It's handy for times when you don't want a screensaver but also don't want to change your desktop settings.

We enjoyed this program's interface, because it didn't try to overextend itself. Caffeine basically has only an on/off switch. It's pretty much impossible to be confused with such a simple layout. The program's description claims it simulated a keystroke once a minute in order to keep our computer from going to sleep. We had no way to prove or disprove whether the keystroke happened, but the program lived up to its billing: we left the computer idle for several minutes, which normally would have resulted in the screensaver kicking in, and nothing happened. Since that was what was supposed to happen (or not happen) it is obviously an effective way to keep your screen open. Caffeine is so simple and basic that it offers no features, special or otherwise. While this doesn't hurt its overall excellence, a timer or scheduler might be a smart inclusion. Regardless, this was a great way to keep a computer from lapsing into sleep.

Caffeine is freeware. It comes as a compressed file.

What’s new in version 1.98

Added -lighticons and -darkicons to force one of those.

Caffeine for Windows

Used Caffeine for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: January 16, 2024

Latest update: July 4, 2025

Version: 1.98

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 8
Windows 10
Windows 7
Windows 98

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 483,607

Downloads Last Week: 447

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.9/5

8 User Votes

Download file wants internet access
mr.realityDecember 18, 2014
Pros
I don't have any.
Cons
The file that you download requires access to the internet. That's a non-starter.
Summary
Comes with unwanted mallware :-(
cmikkelsenFebruary 22, 2014
Pros
The Caffeine does what it's supposed to, but...
Cons
Comes with PassShow and other unwanted adds that will spam you with adds on every website you go to
Summary
Not a recomended software, if you are not an experiensed user it's difficult to clean your computer for all the extra mallware/addware.
Simple and does the trick with no bloat
syordyJanuary 17, 2014
Pros
Simple, one file, no install install (simply put it on your machine)
Cons
No options from the GUI, like "run when Windows starts", but also not really needed.
Summary
Small, simple file that does just what you need it to do with no frills or hassles.
Simple program that does what it says.
CaptseadogOctober 25, 2011
Pros
You don't have to move your mouse to keep your screen from sleeping. It does it behind the scenes so you are free to watch a movie etc without disturbance.
Cons
You have to remember to turn it off.
Summary
I have it on all my computers and smartphones.
Stops unnecessary screen saver locks
wsimondsMarch 9, 2011
Pros
Works as advertised...simple...straight forward...resides in the tool tray so you can see it is on and working
Cons
Changing default settings requires a command line entry instead of having an option menu in the program
Summary
It would have gotten 5 stars except getting it to use a different key stroke emulation (which I need it to do) requires a manual start from the command window with a toggle. I wanted it to auto start and with a different key stroke than the default because one of my programs uses that key stroke. Problem solved when I wrote a batch file and dropped that in the Windows Startup folder. But now IT has blocked all batch files so I have to start it manually each time. It needs a "preferences" option within the program to configure things that you want to change permanently. Making the user have to manually start the program from the command line each time you boot up detracts from an otherwise great little utility.
DOWNLOAD TO PREVENT WINDOWS FROM LOCKING EVERY MINUTE
marysneatdeskDecember 26, 2010
Pros
my vista was locking me out every 1 minute for some reason...and it annoyed me very much ! Then, I found Caffeine, and it was absolutely amazing! They also update this program from time to time too. Works quietly, icon on taskbar only .
Cons
NONE AT ALL
Summary
DOWNLOAD THIS
Frustration Saver
wsimondsFebruary 2, 2010
Pros
Small, easy, invisible, no bugs, no hit to performance, no complicated hooha. Just a neat work around for an annoying screen saver lock down
Cons
There are none
Summary
If you, like me, work in an environment where the IT department knows better than you how to configure your computer and insists on setting your screen saver to come on in too short a period of inactivity, sets it to require you to re-enter your log on information to get back to your desktop, and grays out the option to turn all of that off; THIS is the app for you. If you are running Windows, just drop this little puppy into your Start Up folder on your start menu and every time you boot up, it will run automatically in the background with just a small icon in your tool box. Just another little way of sticking it to the man. =)

Developer’s Description

By Zhorn Software

Prevent your PC from locking or going to sleep.

If you have problems with your PC locking or going to sleep, Caffeine will keep it awake. It works by simulating a keypress once every 59 seconds, so your machine thinks you're still working at the keyboard, so won't lock the screen or activate the screensaver.