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

This post shows students and new users steps to change the power plan in Windows 11.

A power plan is also known as a power scheme. It is a collection of hardware and system settings that manages how computers use and conserve power.

Our previous post showed you how to view the active power plan on your Windows 11 device.

Windows 11 has multiple power plans. For example, you’ll find Balance, Power saving, High Performance, and Ultimate Performance on some laptops. Each plan provides performance benefits and other savings, including improved laptop battery life, reduced power consumption, and more.

How to change device power plan in Windows 11

As mentioned above, Windows 11 comes with multiple power plans. Each plan provides performance benefits and other savings, including improved laptop battery life, reduced power consumption, and more.

Below is how one can change their power plan to optimize device performance or save battery life.

Here is a quick overview of the different power plans available in Windows 11:

• Balanced = This plan may be the default setting in most environments.
• Power saver = Saves power by reducing PC performance and screen brightness to help prolong battery life and consume low energy.
• High Performance = Maximizes screen brightness and might increase PC performance. This plan consumes a lot of power and may reduce battery life.
• Ultimate Performance = Only available in the Windows 11 Pro for Workstations edition by default. 
• Custom = Plans created by users.

To change your device power plan, first, open the classic Control Panel in Windows 11.

Or click Start and search Control Panel. Then, under best results, select and open the Control Panel App.

Next, click Hardware and Sound, and then select Power Options.

The Power Options Control Panel opens, and the power plans appear. Review each power plan.

Under Choose or customize a power plan, select or change to a plan available on your device. The computer shows an asterisk (*) next to the active power plan.

That should do it!

Related post:

• How to view your device’s active plan in Windows 11

Conclusion:

• Understanding and managing power plans in Windows 11 is crucial for optimizing device performance and conserving battery life
• With multiple power plans available, users can choose the best option to suit their specific needs, whether it’s balancing performance and energy consumption or maximizing power for high-performance tasks
• Accessing the Control Panel and navigating to Power Options provides an easy way to view and change the active power plan, ensuring users can effectively manage their device’s power settings
• By following these simple steps, users can take control of their device’s power plan and tailor it to their individual requirements, ultimately enhancing their Windows 11 experience and device efficiency