In Windows 11, users have the option to manage power consumption using the power mode (power plan). This setting allows them to specify hardware and system power consumption to ensure smooth system performance. By default, the power mode is set to “balanced,” enabling the Windows system to automatically balance performance with energy consumption on capable hardware.
However, depending on your specific device or situation, you can customize the power mode to either save energy or increase performance, even if it means consuming more energy. In this guide, we will discuss the steps to change the power mode on Windows 11.
What is Power Mode on Windows?
The Power Mode typically refers to different power management profiles or plans that control; how your computer manages its power consumption and performance. These profiles allow users to balance battery life and performance according to their needs.
On the Windows operating system, there are four different power modes or power plans:
Best Power Efficiency: This plan saves energy by reducing the system’s performance when possible.
Balanced: This plan aims to strike a balance between performance and energy consumption. It adjusts power settings based on the computer’s activity to save power when idle and provide better performance when active.
Power Saver: This plan maximizes energy efficiency and prolongs battery life by reducing the system’s performance and screen brightness. It is suitable for laptops and tablets when running on battery power.
High Performance: This plan prioritizes performance over power savings. It keeps the system running at full speed and is suitable for demanding tasks that require maximum performance.
Note
Some Windows systems also have an Ultimate Performance power plan to give you better performance.
How to Change Power Mode on Windows 11
By default, Windows 11 is set to a balanced power plan. However, you can change it using both Windows Settings and the Control Panel. Regardless of whether you are using a Windows laptop or desktop, the methods are similar. Let’s discuss them one by one.
1. Using Windows Settings
Windows Settings is a go-to place from where you can change all the settings on your system. In the Settings app, you will find a “Power & battery” section, which allows you to change the power mode.
To do so, follow the steps mentioned below:
1. Click on the Windows icon to open the Start Menu and click on Settings as shown in the image below.
2. Or, alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.
3. Next, from the left panel of the Settings window, select the System tab.
4. Then, on the right side of your screen, choose the Power or Power & Battery option.
5. In the next windows, look for the Power Mode option under the Power section.
6. After that, click on the drop-down menu icon next to it.
7. From the menu that appears, select your preferred power plan. It includes options such as Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, and Best Performance.
8. After that, restart your system to see the changes.
However, if you want more control over the power plan, you can change the power mode using the Control Panel.
2. Using Control Panel
Now, let’s discuss how we can change the power mode using the Control Panel’s power plan options. This will give you full control over power settings.
1. On the Windows search option, search for Control Panel and open it.
2. It will open up the control panel. Here, click on the Hardware and Sound option.
3. After that, on the next window select Power Options or you can click on the Choose a Power Plan link.
4. Then, select your preferred power plan. Here, you can choose any power plan, including balanced, power saver, or high performance.
5. If an option is missing, you can click on the Hide additional plans menu to get more power plan options. On some systems, you will get High Performance and Ultimate Performance options
Conclusion
That’s it; this is how you can change the power mode on Windows 11 PCs and laptops. You can follow any of the methods – using Windows Settings and Control Panel. However, if you want to change power plan settings for screen timeout and screen saver, then check out our linked guide.
