Direct Answer: To keep Slack always active on desktop, keep the desktop app running (or a web tab open), reduce sleep/lock disconnects, and prevent tab suspension. If your laptop sleeps often, schedule-based presence keeps availability consistent during real work hours.

If you want a schedule-based way to stay active during work hours, see Idle Pilot or start free.

For the schedule-first overview, visit the Slack presence scheduler hub and the Keep Slack Active hub.

TL;DR

• Keep Slack running on desktop; don’t quit the app.
• Adjust sleep/lock settings to avoid disconnects.
• Use schedule-based presence if your laptop sleeps often.

How to Keep Slack Always Active on Desktop (Safe Options)

If you’re on a desktop or laptop and Slack keeps flipping you to away, this guide focuses on the device settings and workflow changes that keep you active without risky hacks.

Why it happens

Desktop Slack goes away when the app disconnects or your OS sleeps/locks the machine. Browser users can also get flipped to away if a tab gets suspended.

Options

1. Tune desktop settings: best first step, minimal risk.
2. Set clear schedules + statuses: reduce confusion when auto-away happens.
3. Schedule-based presence: reliable when your laptop sleeps often.

Step-by-step

1. Keep the Slack app running (hide, don’t quit).
2. Set Slack to launch on startup so it stays connected.
3. Increase sleep/lock timers within policy.
4. Disable browser tab suspension if you use Slack web.
5. If your laptop sleeps, use schedule-based presence during work hours.

Risks / policy considerations

• USB jigglers and scripts can violate IT policy.
• Overriding security settings may be blocked by admin tools.
• Schedule-based presence is safest when it mirrors real work hours.

FAQs

How do I keep Slack always active on desktop?

Keep the desktop app running or a web tab open, reduce sleep/lock disconnects, and avoid tab suspension.

Does the Slack desktop app stay active when the screen locks?

Not always. Screen lock can disconnect Slack, so adjust lock timers and keep the app running in the background.

Are mouse jigglers safe for Slack?

They can violate policy and create security risk. Safer options are settings and schedule-based presence.

What if my laptop sleeps often?

Use schedule-based presence to keep availability consistent while your device sleeps.

Summary: desktop presence is mostly about staying connected and avoiding sleep disconnects. When that isn’t possible, schedule-based presence is the reliable fallback.

Ready to keep presence consistent? Visit the Slack presence scheduler hub, the Keep Slack Active hub, or start free.