On Windows 11, a power mode (or plan) is a group of specific hardware and system settings (such as screen brightness, sleep, and others) to control the energy on a computer. Windows 11 uses a “balanced” power mode that automatically balances performance with energy consumption on capable hardware. However, depending on your device or situation, you can change the power mode to save energy (and battery life) or increase performance at the cost of more energy consumption.
In previous versions, the option to set the preferred power plan from the Battery button in the taskbar. However, on Windows 11, you can only configure these settings from the Settings app or Control Panel.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to change the power mode on a laptop or desktop running Windows 11.
Change power mode via Settings on Windows 11
To select a different power mode on Windows 11 through the Settings app, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on System.
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Click the Power (or Power & battery) page on the right side.
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In the “Power mode” setting, select the mode to use on Windows 11, including:
- Best power efficiency – saves energy by reducing the device performance when possible.
- Balanced – automatically balances performance with energy consumption on capable hardware.
- Best performance – offers the most performance, but it uses more energy.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will control the power consumption based on the selected mode, offering more performance, better battery life, or a balance between performance and energy.
Change power mode via Control Panel on Windows 11
To change the power plan through Control Panel on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Control Panel.
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Click on Hardware and Sound.
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Click on Power Options.
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Under the “Preferred plans” section, select the power mode for Windows 11, including:
- Balanced – automatically balances performance with energy consumption on capable hardware.
- Power saver – saves energy by reducing the device performance when possible.
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(Optional) Under the “Show additional plans” section, select the “High performance” mode, which offers the most performance but uses more energy.
After you complete the steps, the computer will start using the plan you selected.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.