How to Change Power Plan in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the power plan in Windows 11 lets you adjust how your computer manages power to either save energy or boost performance. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life or get the most out of your PC, tweaking the power plan can help. Follow these steps: open Settings, navigate to System, find Power & Battery, and select a power plan. After reading this guide, you’ll know how to navigate and change these settings with ease.

How to Change Power Plan in Windows 11

You’ll be taking control of your Windows 11 device’s power consumption. The steps below will guide you through changing your power plan settings to best suit your needs, whether you want a balance between performance and efficiency or an all-out performance mode.

Step 1: Open Settings

To start, click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon.

In Windows 11, the Settings app is your gateway to customizing your system. The icon looks like a small gear, and it’s typically found in the Start menu. You can also press Win + I on your keyboard for a quick shortcut.

Step 2: Navigate to System

Once in Settings, find and click on System.

This will lead you to a new screen filled with options related to how your computer operates. It’s essentially the control center for all things system-related on your device.

Step 3: Click on Power & Battery

In the System menu, select Power & Battery.

You’ll see a range of options here that let you manage how your PC uses power. It’s where you’ll make changes to improve battery life or performance.

Step 4: Choose a Power Plan

Scroll to Power Mode and select the power plan you want to use.

In Windows 11, you can typically choose between Best Performance, Balanced, and Best Power Efficiency. Each plan adjusts different settings related to your computer’s power usage, impacting performance and battery life accordingly.

Step 5: Save Changes

After selecting your desired power plan, close the Settings app.

When you exit the Settings app, your changes will be automatically saved. You don’t need to worry about hitting any extra save buttons, making this process quick and painless.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your computer will operate according to your chosen power plan. This means it will either conserve energy, balance performance and energy use, or optimize for performance, depending on your preference. These changes help extend battery life or enhance PC performance based on the settings you’ve selected.

Tips for Changing Power Plan in Windows 11

  • Consider your daily usage: If you’re often on the go, choose a plan that conserves battery life.
  • Customize your plan: Advanced users can tweak individual settings within power plans for even more optimization.
  • Monitor battery usage: Check how much power each app uses to make more informed decisions about which plan to use.
  • Try different plans: Experiment with different options to find which one provides the best balance for you.
  • Use a shortcut: For quick access, create a desktop shortcut to the Power & Battery settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a custom power plan in Windows 11?

Yes, you can create a custom power plan by going to Power Options and selecting Create a power plan.

Creating a custom plan allows you to set your preferences for sleep, display, and more, giving you more control over your device’s power usage.

How do I revert to a previous power plan?

Simply follow the same steps to change the power plan and select your previous option.

You can switch back and forth between power plans at any time without losing your custom settings for each.

Will changing the power plan affect my PC’s performance?

Yes, different power plans can impact performance, either minimizing it to save battery or enhancing it for demanding tasks.

Choosing the right plan depends on your needs—whether that’s longer battery life or better performance for tasks like gaming.

Can I change power plans while on battery power?

Yes, you can change power plans regardless of whether your device is plugged in or running on battery.

This flexibility allows you to adapt to different situations, like needing more battery life when you are away from a power source.

Why can’t I see all power plans in Windows 11?

Sometimes, specific power plans are hidden; you can unhide them using the command prompt or by tweaking system settings.

It’s a simple fix that restores all the default power plans, giving you more options to choose from.

Summary

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Navigate to System.
  3. Click on Power & Battery.
  4. Choose a Power Plan.
  5. Save Changes.

Conclusion

Changing the power plan in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that significantly impacts how your computer operates. Whether you’re a road warrior always seeking out the nearest outlet or someone who needs their PC running at full throttle all day, adjusting your power plan is a smart move. By following the steps outlined above, you can optimize your device for whatever you need, whenever you need it.

Exploring the different power plans and customizing them to suit your needs can lead to a better balance between performance and energy efficiency. You might find yourself enjoying longer battery life during those long meetings or getting smoother performance during intense gaming sessions. Whatever your goal, Windows 11 makes it easy to adjust these settings.

If you’re looking to take this a step further, consider delving into more advanced power settings or creating your own custom power plans. This way, you can fine-tune every aspect of your device’s power usage, aligning it perfectly with your lifestyle. So go ahead, dive into your system settings, and see what works best for you. Your computer—and its battery—will thank you for it!

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