Windows 10 optimally set power options - how it works
With the correct setting of the Windows 10 power options, you can achieve a longer battery life or get the best performance from your computer. We show you how you can adjust the settings to your needs.
Windows 10: View and evaluate the current energy saving plan
Optimal setting of the energy options is particularly important for devices that run on battery power. For example, you can save electricity if the screen is switched off when it is inactive. First of all, you should check which savings plan is currently set on your computer.
- Enter the word "Power Options" in the search field of the start menu and then click on the search result. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Windows symbol and select the relevant entry there.
- The "Balanced" option is set as standard for Windows. This energy saving plan strikes a balance between performance and power consumption.
- The plan called "Energy saving mode" is particularly recommended for devices on battery power. Here, for example, the screen is switched off earlier and the computer goes into standby mode more quickly. This should guarantee you the longest possible service life.
- You can adapt each energy saving plan to your own requirements or create new plans.
Windows 10: Customize power options
To adjust the current plan, click "Change plan settings".
- Under "Edit energy saving plan settings" you can now change the specified times or switch off various options entirely. For example, you can prevent the screen from turning off completely.
- The settings for mains and battery operation can be entered separately on notebooks and tablets.
- This is particularly helpful, since you can put more emphasis on working quickly and less on saving electricity when using the mains.
- Try different options until the settings match your needs perfectly.
- With a click on the button "Save changes" your entries are immediately active.
Set advanced power options and change unavailable options
You can find further setting options under "Edit energy saving plan settings"> "Advanced energy settings".
- Specify here whether the hard disk should switch off. Of course, this saves energy, but then you always have to put up with several seconds of waiting for the storage medium to start up. Try this out, as it can be annoying to have to wait all the time.
- For notebooks or tablets, you can make the settings separately for battery and mains operation.
- With the "Power switch and close" option, you determine what happens when the notebook is closed or when the power switch is pressed. Choose between shutdown, hibernation, energy saving and do nothing.
- Windows puts notebooks into sleep mode after three hours of inactivity, regardless of whether they are connected to the mains or battery.
- If you want to turn this off, you will find the "Sleep after" option under "Save energy" and enter "Never" there.
- Some settings are initially grayed out and can only be edited by clicking on "Change currently unavailable settings".
- In order for your settings to be adopted, you must confirm them by clicking "OK" or "Apply".
Windows 10: Discard changes in power options
Feel free to try different variants until you are satisfied with the result.
- If your settings do not suit you and you are no longer sure what you have changed, set all entries back to standard.
- To do this, simply click on "Restore default settings".
- You can then set the energy options again.
The look of Windows 10 can be customized with different themes. In the free Windows 10 Theme Pack you will find wallpapers, window colors and sounds.