Keeplit vs PowerToys Awake: which should you use?
Short answer
Both are free and use the same official Windows keep-awake request. PowerToys Awake is a good choice if you already use Microsoft PowerToys. Keeplit is a small standalone app that adds closed-lid support (while plugged in, with your lid setting restored afterwards), battery safeguards and a notification when a session ends.
Side by side
| PowerToys Awake | Keeplit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| What you install | Microsoft PowerToys, a collection of many utilities | One small app (about 2.4 MB) |
| Where from | GitHub, winget or the Microsoft Store | Microsoft Store |
| Keep awake indefinitely, for a time, or until a time | Yes | Yes |
| Let the screen turn off while the PC stays awake | Yes | Yes |
| Keep working with the laptop lid closed | No: the lid still does what Windows is set to do | Yes, while plugged in, for up to 4 hours |
| Puts your Windows settings back afterwards | Doesn't change the lid setting | Yes, even if the app crashes |
| Battery safeguards | Not its focus | Charger by default, optional battery cutoff |
| How it keeps Windows awake | Windows' official keep-awake request | Windows' official keep-awake request |
Pick PowerToys Awake if…
- You already use PowerToys, or want its other tools too.
- You only need the PC awake with the lid open.
Pick Keeplit if…
- You want to close a laptop and keep a download, build or AI agent running.
- You'd rather install one small app than a suite.
- You want guardrails: charger required by default, a battery cutoff, and a notification when a session ends.
What they have in common
Both ask Windows to stay awake with its official request instead of faking mouse movement, both stop only automatic sleep (choosing Sleep or pressing the power button still works), and both let you keep the screen on or let it turn off.