What are the recommended power settings for a Windows Desktop/Laptop computer?

Windows 7 makes it easy to optimize the power consumption settings on your desktop computer. UH IT recommends that you use the manufacturer's "Balanced Settings" to ensure good performance with the best overall power conservation.

To verify and or change your computer's power settings to comply with UH IT recommendations, please do the following:

  • Put the monitor to sleep after no more than 20 minutes of inactivity.
  • Do not use a screensaver instead of sleep (you can still use a screensaver for those 20 minutes). If the screensaver is running there are no power savings.
  • Put the hard drive(s) to sleep after no more than 30 minutes of inactivity.
  • Put the system in standby or hibernation mode after no more than 90 minutes of inactivity.
  • Sleep your computer at the end of the day on nights when your computer is not being backed up or being updated, or if you leave your workstation for longer than two hours.
  • For Windows customers, put your computer in hibernate mode when not in use. The Hibernate mode results in greater energy savings than on standby mode.
  • Use a laptop instead of a desktop. Laptops use less than 20% (and sometimes even more than that) of the power consumed by a desktop.
  • If you're still using a CRT monitor, purchase a LCD monitor as a replacement. LCD's require considerably less power and provide better images.


**NOTE: There are similar settings in Windows Vista and Windows XP that you can also find in the Control Panel. For more information about Windows Power Plans, please visit their website, located at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Whats-new-in-managing-power-settings or the FAQ at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Power-plans-frequently-asked-questions

Created: Oct 23, 2009 - 4:20pm Updated: May 10, 2016 - 5:0am Author: Web Technologies Article: 2223
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