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How do I put Mac Mini to sleep with keyboard only?

I've recently moved from Windows to Mac Mini (I have a Macbook Pro M1).


If I am done with my Macbook I just close the lid.

But if I am done with my Mac Mini, how do I put it to sleep? It sits on a shelf behind a curtain.

I wondered if there was a keyboard shortcut that would do it?

If not, is it just a click of the power button, or does that turn it off?


Also, my keyboard and mouse are both from Windows machines. When I want to wake the Mac, do I just hit Enter etc... and it will wake, or do I have to put the button again?


Thanks.

Mac mini (2023 with M2)

Posted on Feb 12, 2023 1:42 AM

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10 replies

Feb 12, 2023 3:04 AM in response to simon_a6

simon_a6 wrote:

But if I am done with my Mac Mini, how do I put it to sleep? It sits on a shelf behind a curtain.
I wondered if there was a keyboard shortcut that would do it?
If not, is it just a click of the power button, or does that turn it off?


The fastest and easiest way to Sleep a desktop, is to use the mouse.


Go to the Apple Menu and select Sleep.




Also, my keyboard and mouse are both from Windows machines.


What windows keyboard and mouse do you have?

USB or Wireless with reciever


Most Generic and PC keyboards are not problem.

I use USB Logitech keyboards and mice with several Mac mini's.


When I want to wake the Mac, do I just hit Enter etc... and it will wake, or do I have to put the button again?


To wake the Mac mini, you should be able to hit any key or click the mouse.

Feb 12, 2023 8:59 AM in response to simon_a6

Also, my keyboard and mouse are both from Windows machines.


That may complicate the issue. On Mac keyboards with an EJECT key†, pressing CONTROL-EJECT brings up this window:



Single keys activate so you don't need to use the mouse.

R = restart; S = sleep; ESC = cancel; RETURN = shutdown.


I simply do CONTROL-EJECT S to sleep all my Macs for years. If your Win keyboard has an EJECT button, it's worth seeing if it works.


† — those without Touch ID

How do I put Mac Mini to sleep with keyboard only?

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