How to Set the Windows Power Plan to Save Battery
Balanced for everyday, Best power efficiency for long stretches without a charger, Best performance when plugged in — plus the automatic brightness cut, one of the most effective battery-stretchers there is.
Windows ships with predefined power plans balancing performance and battery life — picking the right one makes a real difference on a laptop.
- Settings → System → "Power & battery".
- "Power mode" → choose between "Best power efficiency", "Balanced" or "Best performance".
"Balanced" is the sensible everyday option. "Best power efficiency" makes sense when you need to stretch the battery to the maximum (a long trip with no charger nearby); "Best performance" when the machine is plugged in and you prioritise speed over battery life.
Cutting brightness automatically on battery
The same screen lets you reduce brightness automatically when switching to battery power — one of the most effective ways to extend battery life, since the display is one of the components that consumes the most.
Tip: if you notice the battery draining fast even in power-saving mode, our guide on why the battery drains fast covers more specific causes.
Frequently asked questions
Which power plan is best for daily use?
'Balanced' is a good default for most people — it offers a reasonable trade-off between performance and battery life without needing any thought.
Does the power plan affect gaming performance?
Yes — 'Best power efficiency' can limit performance noticeably. To game normally, use 'Balanced' or 'Best performance', especially with the machine plugged in.