How to Change the Power Plan in Microsoft Windows

Table of Contents:

1. Dell Recommended Power Settings
2. Windows XP: Select a Power Scheme
3. Windows Vista: Select a Power Plan
4. Windows 7: Select a Power Plan
5. Windows 8: Power Plans: Frequently Asked Questions
6. Windows 10: Create or Modify a Power Plan

This article explains how to change the default power plan in Microsoft Windows.

1. Dell Recommended Power Settings

Dell computers are shipped with the Windows default Balanced power plan. This setting maximizes battery life and performance. Dell recommends this setting in lieu of sacrificing battery life or performance.

2. Windows XP: Select a Power Scheme

To select a Power Scheme in Microsoft Windows XP, perform the following steps:

1. At a blank desktop (no windows open on the screen) press the F1 key. The Windows Help and Support window appears.
2. Type "power management" in the Search Help box at the top of the page and press Enter.
3. Click Choose a power scheme from the list of options.
4. Click Open Power Options in the right pane of the screen. The Power Options window appears.
5. Select from the power schemes listed in the dropdown box or click Create a power plan on the left side of the screen to build a new plan.
6. Click Apply at the bottom of the window, and then click OK to exit Power Options.

3. Windows Vista: Select a Power Plan

To select a Power Plan in Microsoft Windows Vista, perform the following steps:

1. At a blank desktop (no windows open on the screen) press the F1 key. The Windows Help and Support window appears.
2. Type "power management" in the Search Help box at the top of the page and press Enter.
3. Click Change power management settings from the list of options.
4. Click Click to open Power Options in the right pane of the screen. The Power Options window appears.
5. Select from the power plans listed or click Create a power plan on the left side of the screen to build a new plan.

4. Windows 7: Select a Power Plan

To select a Power Plan in Microsoft Windows 7, perform the following steps:

1. Click Start, and in the Search Programs and Files text box type "power options" and press Enter. The Power Options window appears.
2. Select from the power plans listed or click Create a power plan on the left side of the screen to build a new plan.

5. Windows 8: Power Plans: Frequently Asked Questions

This article provides information on changing, creating and saving Power Plans in Windows 8.

Windows 8: Power Plans: Frequently Asked Questions.

6. Windows 10: Create or Modify a Power Plan

This article provides information on changing, creating and saving Power Plans in Windows 10.

Create or modify a power plan in Windows 10.