how to get computer out of power save mode

2025

3 min read

·

31-03-2025

15

0

Share

Power saving mode, while helpful for extending battery life on laptops and conserving energy on desktops, can sometimes hinder performance. If you find your computer running too slowly or experiencing frustrating lags, it might be stuck in power save mode. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to disable power save mode on Windows and macOS, along with troubleshooting tips for persistent issues.

Understanding Power Saving Modes

Before diving into the solutions, let's clarify what power saving modes actually do. These modes work by limiting processor speed, screen brightness, and other power-hungry features. This results in longer battery life for laptops and reduced energy consumption for desktops. However, this comes at the cost of performance. Games may run slower, applications might lag, and overall system responsiveness can decrease.

Windows Power Saving Modes

Windows offers several power plans: Power saver, Balanced, and High performance. Power saver is the most restrictive, while High performance prioritizes speed over energy efficiency.

macOS Power Saving Modes

macOS also has power-saving features integrated into its system settings. While not explicitly called "Power Save Mode," options like reduced display brightness and lower performance settings achieve a similar effect.

How to Disable Power Save Mode on Windows

Method 1: Changing the Power Plan

This is the most common and straightforward method.

1. Open Control Panel: Search for "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Choose Power Options: Click on "Power Options."
3. Select High Performance: Choose the "High performance" power plan. If you don't see it, click "Show additional plans."
4. Verify Changes: Test your computer's performance.

Method 2: Using the Settings App (Windows 10 and 11)

Windows 10 and 11 offer a more streamlined approach.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select the gear icon (Settings).
2. System > Power & sleep: Navigate to System > Power & sleep.
3. Related Settings: Click "Additional power settings". This opens the classic Power Options window, allowing you to follow steps 3 and 4 from Method 1.

Method 3: Adjusting Individual Power Settings

For finer control, you can adjust individual power settings within a chosen plan.

1. Change plan settings: In the Power Options window (from Method 1 or 2), click "Change plan settings" for your chosen power plan (e.g., High performance).
2. Change advanced power settings: Click "Change advanced power settings."
3. Customize: Here you can adjust settings for the processor, display, sleep, and more. Experiment to find the balance between performance and power consumption that best suits your needs.

How to Disable Power Saving Features on macOS

macOS doesn't have a single "Power Save Mode" toggle. Instead, you'll need to adjust individual settings.

1. System Preferences: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
2. Battery: Select the "Battery" icon.
3. Power Adapter: Switch to the "Power Adapter" tab.
4. Adjust Settings: Here you can adjust screen brightness, and other settings affecting performance. Choosing "Best Performance" will usually optimize for speed.

Troubleshooting Persistent Issues

If your computer remains sluggish even after changing power settings, consider these possibilities:

• Outdated Drivers: Outdated graphics or other drivers can impact performance. Update them through Device Manager (Windows) or System Preferences (macOS).
• Background Processes: Numerous applications running in the background can consume resources. Close unnecessary programs.
• Malware: Malware can significantly slow down your system. Run a scan with your antivirus software.
• Low Disk Space: A full hard drive can severely hamper performance. Delete unnecessary files or consider upgrading your storage.
• Hardware Issues: In rare cases, hardware problems could be the culprit. Consult a computer technician for diagnosis.

Conclusion

Getting your computer out of power save mode is usually a simple process. By following the steps outlined above for Windows and macOS, you should be able to improve your system's performance. Remember to address other potential issues if performance problems persist after adjusting power settings. Finding the right balance between performance and power consumption will ultimately depend on your individual needs and usage patterns.