Cursor workflows can combine remote models with local files and commands, so the correct sleep setting depends on the task mode.
Editing and many agent actions in Cursor operate against files, terminals, tools, and development servers on your laptop. Full system sleep can pause those local dependencies even though model inference happens remotely.
If a Cursor feature explicitly runs as a remote background agent, follow its current product documentation. Do not assume local and remote modes have the same sleep behavior.
Prevent system sleep when the task reads your working tree or runs commands on the laptop.
Local terminal jobs pause when the operating system suspends.
Confirm where the workspace runs and whether the service documents background continuation.
Use a screen wake lock only when you want to watch progress, logs, or a preview.
Keep the system awake for Cursor tasks that use local files, terminals, or servers. A confirmed remote background task may not need the laptop awake.
Often yes if only the display turns off. Full laptop sleep can pause local Cursor processes and tools.
Not reliably as a system-sleep control. Use operating-system power settings for local work.
Behavior depends on the current feature and where its workspace executes. Check Cursor's documentation for that mode.