Changing the power mode on Windows 11 can help optimize your device’s performance or battery life. To do this, you’ll access the Power & battery settings and choose between different power modes. Ready to make your laptop last longer or run faster? Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide.
How to Change Power Mode in Windows 11
Changing the power mode in Windows 11 will allow you to either save energy and extend your battery life or boost performance. Follow these steps to switch between power modes easily.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start button at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
The Start menu is your gateway to all the settings and apps on your device. It’s the blue square with the Windows logo.
Step 2: Access Settings
Select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
The gear icon symbolizes the Settings menu, where you can configure most aspects of Windows 11.
Step 3: Navigate to System
Click on the “System” option in the left-hand sidebar.
The System settings include options for Display, Sound, Notifications, and Power & Battery settings.
Step 4: Open Power & Battery Settings
Scroll down and click on “Power & battery.”
You’ll find this option under the System settings. It covers all things related to power consumption and battery usage.
Step 5: Choose a Power Mode
Under the “Power mode” dropdown, select between “Best power efficiency,” “Balanced,” or “Best performance.”
Each mode serves a different purpose. “Best power efficiency” saves the most battery, “Balanced” offers a mix, and “Best performance” provides maximum speed and power.
After you complete these steps, your device’s performance or battery consumption will adjust according to the selected power mode. This means you can either get more life out of your battery or a quicker response from your device.
Tips for Changing Power Mode in Windows 11
- Know Your Needs: If you’re traveling, “Best power efficiency” is ideal. For gaming, “Best performance” is your go-to.
- Balanced Mode: This is usually sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and word processing.
- Monitor Battery Health: Regularly check your battery health in the Power & battery settings.
- Custom Plans: Create custom power plans for specific needs through the “Advanced power settings.”
- Sleep Settings: Adjust sleep settings under Power & battery to further conserve energy when the device is not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the Power & battery settings quickly?
You can use the search bar in the Taskbar. Type “Power & battery” and select it from the results.
What’s the difference between the power modes?
“Best power efficiency” saves the most battery, “Balanced” offers a mix of performance and battery life, and “Best performance” maximizes speed and power.
Can I create custom power plans?
Yes, you can create custom power plans by going to “Advanced power settings” in the Power & battery menu.
Why is my battery draining quickly in Best performance mode?
“Best performance” mode uses more energy to enhance speed and response time, which can drain your battery faster.
Is there a shortcut to change power modes?
Currently, you need to go through the Settings menu to change power modes. There is no direct shortcut.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Start menu.
- Access Settings.
- Navigate to System.
- Open Power & battery settings.
- Choose a power mode.
Conclusion
Changing the power mode in Windows 11 is a handy way to optimize your device based on what you’re doing. Whether you’re trying to eke out every last bit of battery life during a long flight or you need all the performance you can get while gaming, Windows 11 has a power mode for you.
Don’t forget to explore the Power & battery settings to see what else you can tweak. If you want to learn more about Windows 11 and how to make the most out of your device, keep an eye out for further reading and resources. Switching power modes is just the beginning; mastering these settings can make your experience smoother and more efficient.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.