How to Change Power Mode in Ubuntu Linux
Power modes in Ubuntu Linux let you easily adjust how your computer balances speed and energy consumption. For example, switching to “Power Saver” mode can extend your laptop’s battery life by reducing how much power components use.
These modes offer different settings to control your system’s performance. You can pick a mode that prioritizes making your computer run faster or one that helps it last longer on battery power.
Ubuntu provides three main power profiles. “Balanced” is the default, offering a good mix of performance and power saving. “Power Saver” is best for getting the most out of your battery, while “Performance” boosts your computer’s speed for demanding tasks.
Open System Settings, click on Power, and then select your desired Power Mode from the dropdown menu. You can choose between Balanced, Power Saver, or Performance profiles to optimize for battery life or speed.
How to choose power mode in Ubuntu Linux
You can change the power mode in Ubuntu Linux to either save battery life or get the most performance from your computer. To change the power mode in Ubuntu, first open the System Settings panel. You can do this by typing ‘Settings’ in the Activities overview or by clicking the System menu in the top-right corner and choosing ‘Settings’. Then, look for the Power section.
Here’s how to do that in Ubuntu Linux.
Ubuntu Linux centralizes most settings in a single place: the System Settings panel. Access this panel via the Activities overview by typing ‘Settings.’ Alternatively, click the System menu in the top-right corner and select ‘Settings.’
To get to System Settings, open the Activities overview and start typing Settings.

Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar.
On the System menu, select Settings.

In the Settings app, click on the Power tile.

- Balanced: Standard performance and power usage. This is the default setting.
- Power Saver: Reduced performance and power usage. This setting maximizes battery life. It may enable some power-saving options and prevent them from being switched off.
- Performance: High performance and power usage. This mode will only be visible if it is supported by your computer. It will be selectable if your computer is running on AC power. If your device supports lap detection, you will not be able to select this option if the device is running on someone’s lap.

That’s it! You can now close the Settings app.
Conclusion:
- Changing the power mode in Ubuntu Linux is a straightforward process that allows users to optimize performance and power usage according to their needs.
- Following the steps outlined in this article, users can select from different power modes such as Balanced, Power Saver, and Performance, ensuring flexibility based on their specific requirements.
- Accessing the System Settings panel and navigating to the Power settings allows users to seamlessly modify the power mode for their Ubuntu Linux system.
- Whether prioritizing battery life, performance, or a balance between the two, Ubuntu Linux empowers users with the tools to customize their power usage effortlessly.
What does Ubuntu power mode do?
Essentially, the different power modes adjust your CPU’s operating speed and fine-tune system services to match the selected power mode. The “Power Saver” mode downclocks the CPU frequency to a low power state and disables/enables different system services to reduce power consumption.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
[…] systems it is possible to set a power mode to allow you to use the least amount of power you need. In Ubuntu this is done from the Power settings, but in Debian running XFCE the Power Manager does not give you this option. But that doesn’t […]
Anyone who dont have performance button enabled. You can also use that terminal command as a root.
powerprofilesctl set performance