How to set "No‐Sleep" for Kali - kdaisho/Blog GitHub Wiki

Here is the step of the "No-Sleep" configuration for Kali:

1. GUI Power Manager (The Hardware Layer)

This prevents the CPU and System from entering a "Suspend" state.

Location: Settings > Power Manager

System Tab: Set "System sleep mode" to Never.

Display Tab: Toggle "Display power management" to OFF. (This is the most critical switch for preventing the monitor from cutting the signal).

2. GUI Screensaver (The Software Layer)

This prevents the OS from "locking" the session, which can sometimes pause browser-based activities.

Location: Settings > Screensaver

Screensaver Tab: Toggle "Enable Screensaver" to OFF.

Lock Screen Tab: Toggle "Enable Lock Screen" to OFF.

3. Terminal Overrides (The "Seal the Deal" Layer)

Even if the GUI looks correct, the underlying X-server can have hidden timers. Running these commands ensures the display environment stays awake.

Commands:

xset s off       # Disables the software screensaver
xset s noblank   # Prevents the screen from turning black
xset -dpms       # Disables Energy Star power-saving signals

4. The "Presentation Mode" Shortcut

If you want a single "Master Switch" to override everything temporarily:

Click the Power/Battery icon in the top system tray.

Enable Presentation Mode.

Note: This acts as a global override that ignores all other idle timers.

5. Physical Hardware Check (Laptops Only)

If you are running this on a laptop and plan to close the lid:

Location: Power Manager > General Tab.

Setting: Set "When laptop lid is closed" to Do Nothing or Switch off display.

Warning: If set to "Suspend," the download will stop the moment the lid clicks shut.