DE 
EN ### Definition
Idle indicates that a PC remains fully powered on, drawing energy without executing any productive tasks for the user.
### Overview
The objective is to detect when a PC is not performing useful work and, after a defined idle period, automatically save open documents and either enter sleep mode or shut down. This approach conserves energy, reduces operating costs and enhances security.
Idle detection methods in Auto Shutdown Manager extend beyond basic checks of mouse or keyboard input or CPU and disk-load levels:
### 1. Detect Running Applications
This method examines window titles for specified text and supports wildcards to match dynamic titles (for example, “Ashampoo*” will match “Ashampoo Backup – 23%”). You can also disable the screensaver when presentation software or similar applications are detected. It’s simple and flexible, but it only prevents shutdown if the applications close themselves once their tasks complete. For more granular control, see Advanced Analysis below.
### 2. Detect Active Network Devices
Auto Shutdown Manager sends ping requests to designated network devices; as long as a device responds, shutdown is suppressed. Setup is straightforward, but this method requires that the device support and respond to ping.
### 3. Advanced Analysis of System Components
Using Windows Performance Counters, this method measures resource usage by applications, services or hardware—monitoring CPU load, network throughput, GPU activity and more. Any process or service exceeding defined thresholds is considered active and blocks shutdown. This approach is highly precise and supports hundreds of counters, but it requires familiarity with Performance Counters to configure effectively.
### 4. Acoustic Level
By monitoring ambient noise through a selected microphone, Auto Shutdown Manager prevents shutdown whenever noise exceeds a set threshold. This is easy to configure and ideal for keeping a PC awake during conference calls or other audio-intensive activities. Its drawback is that it only applies when noise reliably indicates user activity.
### Idle Timer Settings
Set the Idle Shutdown Timer to an appropriate interval—typically 15 to 20 minutes. The timer resets whenever any detection method registers productive activity. If no activity is detected and the timer reaches zero, the PC will sleep or shut down according to the default mode on the General tab. Be sure that “Save Documents before Shutdown” is enabled to protect any unsaved work.
With these settings in place, your PCs will only shut down when truly idle—minimizing energy costs, strengthening security by reducing the window for unauthorized access, and ensuring ongoing tasks and meetings remain uninterrupted.