How to Change Power Options On a Computer

Power Options button in Control Panel, Windows Vista

You can change the way your computer behaves when it comes to power management. You are not required to keep the factory default settings. This is especially true when your computer hibernates suddenly or will not shut down when you depress the power button. You may also be surprised to know that power settings for a notebook computer and a desktop computer are not identical. Here you will learn some ways to easily tweak and change power options on a computer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Power

1. Click on the Windows Start menu and go to Control Panel.

2. Click the "Power Options" choice located inside Windows Control Panel. The choices are listed in alphabetical order. A photo example of this button is located within this article.

3. Power Options Properties Dialog Box in Microsoft Windows

   Click on the first drop down box, which displays "portable" or "desktop" types of power scheme choices. Select the one that best suits your computer use even if it is not a desktop or laptop. Doing this will not adversely affect your computer.

4. Turn off monitor time options example menu

   Click on the "Turn Off Monitor" options and select your desired time limit from the drop down box. You can feel free to select "never" for this choice and any of the others. One column displays "Running on Batteries" while the other displays "plugged in options." Your selections can be different for each. Make your choices according to your use and preferences of your own computer. A photo example is shown within this article.

5. Turn off Hard disks example

   Click the "Turn off Hard Disks" choice if you would like to change the timing of that.

6. System Standby choices

   Click on "System Standby" and make any changes to the time limits as needed. This is optional. It may be best to select "never" or at least a few hours for this choice.

7. System Hibernate

   Click "System Hibernates" if you wish to have your computer hibernate (or "sleep") after a certain length of time. This again is entirely optional and not required. When you are finished, click "OK" to save all of your choices. This is very important.

Tips & Warnings

• Feel free to tweak your options until you find settings that work best for your own computer.

• Each computer settings may be different.

• Exit as many programs as possible on the toolbar in the lower right corner when using battery operated power.