Changing USB power settings on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that involves adjusting the power management settings for USB devices. This can help you save battery life or ensure that your USB devices stay powered while your computer is in sleep mode. By navigating to the Device Manager and locating your USB devices, you can easily adjust these settings to meet your needs.
How to Change USB Power Settings on Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps to change the USB power settings in Windows 11. This will help you have better control over how your USB devices use power, especially when your device goes into sleep mode.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
First, click on the Start button and type “Device Manager” into the search bar. Press Enter to open the Device Manager.
Device Manager is a tool in Windows that allows you to view and control the hardware attached to your computer. You’ll be able to see all the devices, including USBs, that are connected.
Step 2: Locate Universal Serial Bus Controllers
In the Device Manager window, scroll down and find the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section. Click the arrow to expand the list.
This section lists all the USB ports and devices connected to your computer. You can manage the power settings for each of these devices here.
Step 3: Right-click on a USB Device
Right-click on the USB device for which you want to change the power settings, and select “Properties.”
The Properties menu gives you access to various settings and information about the device. Here, you can adjust how the device behaves in different power states.
Step 4: Access the Power Management Tab
In the Properties window, click on the “Power Management” tab.
This tab contains options related to how the device uses power. From here, you can make sure your USB device stays active when needed or saves power when not in use.
Step 5: Adjust Power Settings
Uncheck or check “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” based on your preference, and click OK to save changes.
This option allows your computer to either reduce power usage by turning off the USB device when not in use or keep it powered. Adjust it according to your needs.
After you complete these steps, your USB devices will behave according to the new power settings you’ve configured. This can help with battery conservation or ensure devices are active when needed.
Tips for Changing USB Power Settings on Windows 11
- Always double-check which USB device you’re adjusting settings for to avoid unwanted changes.
- Consider the impact of turning off USB devices on connected peripherals like keyboards or mice.
- If you experience issues with USB devices, try reverting to the default settings to troubleshoot.
- Remember that changing power settings can affect battery life, especially on laptops.
- Use Device Manager to update drivers if USB devices aren’t functioning properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access Device Manager in Windows 11?
Click the Start button, type “Device Manager” in the search bar, and press Enter.
What does the Power Management tab do?
The Power Management tab allows you to adjust how your device uses power, particularly during sleep mode.
Can changing USB power settings save battery life?
Yes, adjusting these settings can help conserve battery life by turning off devices when they’re not needed.
Why are my USB devices not working after changing settings?
If devices aren’t working, try reverting to default settings or updating the device drivers.
Is it safe to change USB power settings?
Yes, it’s safe, but be aware it might affect the functionality of the devices connected to your computer.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right-click on a USB device.
- Access the Power Management tab.
- Adjust power settings.
Conclusion
Changing USB power settings on Windows 11 is a handy way to manage how your computer uses energy, especially if you’re looking to extend battery life or ensure your USB devices stay active. By following the steps outlined, you can make your system work more efficiently or solve specific power-related issues with USB devices.
Remember, the Device Manager is a powerful tool at your disposal for managing device settings, so don’t hesitate to explore it further. Whether you’re a casual user or someone looking to squeeze more performance out of your laptop, understanding how to adjust these settings can be incredibly beneficial.
If you need more help or want to learn about other ways to optimize your PC, plenty of resources are available online. Feel free to dive deeper into managing device settings or explore additional power management tips. Happy computing!
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.