Turn off the host screen without disconnecting from Parsec

You can turn off your host computer's monitor while staying connected to Parsec by using the host's built-in display settings or power options — you do not have to close Parsec or end your remote session. The simplest method is to press Windows key + X on the host computer, select "Shut down or sign out," then choose "Sleep" or use your monitor's physical power button. If you want the screen to turn off automatically after a set time without interrupting your Parsec connection, you can adjust your power settings in Windows so the display sleeps while the computer stays awake.

Parsec keeps running on the host computer even when the monitor is off, so you can continue using your remote session from another device. The host will still stream video and respond to your input — only the physical display connected to that computer will be dark.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Windows key + X on the host computer and select Sleep to turn off the display without ending your Parsec session.
  • You can also press the physical power button on your monitor, or use Windows Settings to set the display to sleep after a certain number of minutes of inactivity.
  • Turning off the host display does not disconnect you from Parsec or stop the host from streaming — only the monitor goes dark.
  • If you want the display to sleep automatically, go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep, then set "Turn off after" to your preferred time.

Using the Windows power menu to sleep the display

The fastest way to turn off your host screen is through the Windows power menu. On the host computer, press Windows key + X to open the quick-access menu, then click "Shut down or sign out." A submenu will appear with options including "Sleep," "Shut down," and "Restart." Click "Sleep" to put the computer into sleep mode, which will turn off the display when ready.

Sleep mode keeps your Parsec connection active and your host computer running — only the screen goes dark. When you want to see the host display again, move the mouse or press a key on the host keyboard, and the screen will wake up. Your Parsec session will remain open the entire time.

Set your display to sleep automatically after inactivity

If you want the host screen to turn off on its own after a period of time without user input, you can configure this in Windows Settings. On the host computer, open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then navigate to "System" and select "Power & battery" from the left sidebar.

In the Power & battery menu, click "Screen and sleep." Under "Screen," you will see a dropdown labeled "Turn off after" with options ranging from 1 minute to several hours, or "Never." Select the time period you prefer — for example, if you choose 10 minutes, the display will turn off 10 minutes after the last keyboard or mouse input. Your Parsec session will keep running, and the host computer will remain on and responsive to remote commands.

You can set a separate timer for when the computer itself goes to sleep under the "Sleep" section in the same menu. This allows you to keep the display off while the host stays awake and connected to Parsec.

Use your monitor's power button

The simplest physical method is to press the power button on your monitor itself. This turns off only the display hardware, not the host computer. Parsec will continue running on the host, and you can keep using your remote session from another device without any interruption.

When you press the monitor's power button again, it will turn back on and show the host desktop. This method works with any monitor and does not require you to navigate menus or use keyboard shortcuts.

Understand the difference between sleep and shutdown

Sleep mode turns off the display and puts the host computer into a low-power state, but it stays connected to the network and keeps Parsec running. Your session will remain active, and you can continue using Parsec from a remote device. Waking the host is as straightforward as moving the mouse or pressing a key.

Shutdown, by contrast, closes all programs including Parsec and powers down the host computer completely. If you shut down the host, your Parsec connection will end, and you will not be able to use the remote session until the host is turned back on. For keeping Parsec active while turning off the display, always use Sleep, not Shutdown.

Troubleshoot if the display won't turn off

If your host screen is not turning off when you use Sleep or adjust power settings, check whether a program is preventing the computer from sleeping. Some applications — particularly games, video players, or presentation software — can override sleep settings. Close any programs running in the background on the host computer and try again.

You can also check your power settings to make sure sleep is actually enabled. Return to Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode and confirm that your power plan is not set to "Best performance," which sometimes disables sleep. If you are still having trouble, restarting the host computer and then adjusting the power settings again often resolves the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off the host display disconnect me from Parsec?

No. Turning off the display does not affect your Parsec connection. The host computer stays on and connected, and you can continue using your remote session from another device. Only the physical monitor goes dark.

Can I turn off the host screen from my remote device while using Parsec?

You can use Parsec to send commands to the host computer, but the most reliable way is to press Windows key + X on the host itself and select Sleep. Some remote desktop tools allow you to trigger sleep from the client, but Parsec's primary function is streaming, not system control.

What happens to my Parsec session if the host goes into sleep mode?

Your Parsec session stays active. The host remains on and connected to the network. When you move the mouse or press a key on the host, the display wakes up, and you can see the screen again. Your remote session never closes.

Is it bad for my monitor to turn it off frequently?

Modern monitors are designed to handle frequent on-and-off cycles without damage. Turning off the display when you are not using it actually extends the monitor's lifespan by reducing wear on the backlight and other components.

Can I set different sleep times for the display and the host computer?

Yes. In Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep, you can set "Turn off after" for the display to one time (for example, 5 minutes) and "Sleep" for the computer to a different time (for example, 30 minutes). This lets the screen go dark while the host stays awake and ready for Parsec.