How to change the power mode on Windows 11

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

The power mode decides how Windows trades speed against energy use. It is the first setting to look at when a laptop battery empties too quickly, or when a PC feels slower than it should while it is plugged in.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Open Settings, System, Power & battery

   Press Windows + I, click System and then Power & battery.

   Done

2. Find Power mode

   On a laptop there are two lists, one for Plugged in and one for On battery.

   Done

3. Choose the mode

   Best power efficiency saves battery by holding back performance. Balanced is the middle setting and suits most people. Best performance gives full speed and uses more energy, with more fan noise and heat.

   Done

4. Use the quick way

   Click the battery icon on the taskbar. On PCs that offer it, the power mode can be changed there as well.

   Done

5. If the setting cannot be changed

   A custom power plan may be active. Open Control Panel, System and Security, Power Options and select Balanced. Then return to Settings.

   Done

Good to know

A sensible combination for a laptop is Best power efficiency on battery and Balanced or Best performance when plugged in.

For even longer battery life, Energy saver on the same page dims the screen and limits background activity: how to make a Windows 11 laptop battery last longer.

Some makers add their own performance modes in a separate app, which can override the Windows setting.

If the PC is slow whatever the mode: slow laptop: 7 free fixes that actually work.

In short: Settings, System, Power & battery, Power mode: Best power efficiency, Balanced or Best performance, separately for battery and plugged in.