Windows

How do I change Windows power settings?

Updated 2026-08-14

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Quick answer

You can change Windows power settings by accessing the Control Panel or Settings app, depending on your Windows version.

Adjusting power settings can help optimize your computer's performance or battery life based on your needs.

Steps

  1. 1

    Open Settings or Control Panel

    For Windows 10, right-click the Start button and select 'Power Options'. For Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Power & battery.

  2. 2

    Select a Power Plan

    In the Power Options window, choose a power plan by clicking on 'Change plan settings' next to your selected plan.

  3. 3

    Adjust Advanced Settings

    Click on 'Change advanced power settings' to modify specific settings like sleep and display options.

Accessing Power Settings

To access power settings, you can go through the Control Panel or the Settings app. The method may vary slightly depending on whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Choosing a Power Plan

Windows offers several power plans such as Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance. You can select one based on your usage needs.

Customizing Power Options

You can customize advanced power settings like sleep, display timeout, and processor power management to further tailor your experience.

Watch out for

  • Changing power settings may affect system performance and battery life, especially on laptops.

FAQ

What is the difference between power plans?

Power plans differ in how they manage energy consumption; for example, 'Power Saver' reduces performance to save energy, while 'High Performance' maximizes performance.

Can I create my own power plan?

Yes, you can create a custom power plan by selecting 'Create a power plan' in the Power Options menu.

How do I reset power settings to default?

You can reset power settings by selecting 'Change plan settings' for your active plan and then clicking 'Restore default settings for this plan'.