Power saving mode is a valuable feature designed to extend battery life on our devices, whether it’s a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. However, sometimes you need full performance and want to exit this mode. This article provides a detailed guide on how to disable power saving mode on various devices and operating systems. Understanding when and how to do this can optimize your device usage for different situations.
Understanding Power Saving Mode
Power saving mode, at its core, is a collection of settings designed to reduce the energy consumption of your device. It achieves this by limiting background processes, dimming the screen, reducing processor speed, and restricting network activity. While incredibly useful for extending battery life when you’re away from a power source, it can also impact performance. Knowing how power saving mode works is crucial for deciding when to disable it.
The specific actions taken by power saving mode can vary depending on the device and operating system. Generally, you can expect reduced screen brightness, limited CPU performance, disabled background app refresh, and restricted network connectivity, such as disabling Wi-Fi when the device is idle. Some power saving modes might even limit the maximum volume output or disable certain features altogether.
The primary goal of power saving mode is to prioritize battery longevity over optimal performance. This trade-off is often a worthwhile one when you’re running low on battery and need to keep your device running for as long as possible. However, when you need the full power of your device, disabling power saving mode becomes essential.
Exiting Power Saving Mode on Windows
Windows operating systems offer several ways to manage power saving mode, often called Battery Saver. Disabling it is a straightforward process, but the exact steps might vary slightly depending on your Windows version.
Using the System Tray
The easiest way to disable Battery Saver in Windows is through the system tray, located in the bottom right corner of your screen.
Click on the battery icon in the system tray. A pop-up will appear showing your battery percentage and a Battery Saver toggle. Simply click the toggle to turn Battery Saver off. The toggle will typically switch from a filled-in state (indicating Battery Saver is on) to an outlined state (indicating it’s off).
Through the Settings App
Another method to disable Battery Saver involves navigating through the Windows Settings app. This approach offers more control over power settings.
Open the Settings app. You can do this by clicking the Start button and then the gear icon, or by pressing the Windows key + I.
In the Settings app, click on “System”.
In the System settings, select “Power & Battery” from the left-hand menu.
On the Power & Battery screen, you’ll find a section for “Battery Saver”. Here you can toggle the “Turn battery saver on automatically if my battery falls below” option. To completely disable Battery Saver, ensure this option is turned off. You can also manually turn off Battery Saver if it’s currently enabled.
Using Command Prompt
For advanced users, the Command Prompt provides a way to manage power settings. This method requires administrative privileges.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results, and select “Run as administrator”.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: powercfg /x /batterywarn 0 This command disables the battery warning, effectively preventing Battery Saver from automatically activating.
Exiting Power Saving Mode on macOS
macOS also features a power saving mode, often referred to as Low Power Mode. Disabling it is generally straightforward.
Through System Preferences (Ventura and earlier)
In older versions of macOS, disabling Low Power Mode is done through System Preferences.
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences”.
In System Preferences, click on “Battery”.
In the Battery settings, select “Battery” in the left-hand menu.
Uncheck the box labeled “Low Power Mode”.
Through System Settings (Monterey and later)
In newer versions of macOS, like Monterey and later, the settings are located in System Settings.
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Settings”.
In System Settings, click on “Battery”.
You’ll see options for “Low Power Mode” for both “On battery” and “On power adapter”. You can individually toggle these options. To disable Low Power Mode completely, turn it off for both “On battery” and “On power adapter”.
Exiting Power Saving Mode on Android
Android devices offer various power saving modes, often customized by the manufacturer. However, the core process for disabling them remains similar across most devices.
Through Quick Settings
The quickest way to disable Power Saving Mode on Android is usually through the Quick Settings panel.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel. You may need to swipe down twice to reveal all the options.
Look for a tile labeled “Power Saving”, “Battery Saver”, or something similar. Tap the tile to toggle Power Saving Mode off. The tile’s appearance will change to indicate whether Power Saving Mode is enabled or disabled.
Through the Settings App
Android’s Settings app provides more detailed control over power saving features.
Open the Settings app. You can usually find the Settings app icon on your home screen or in the app drawer.
Scroll down and tap on “Battery” or “Battery and device care” (the exact wording may vary depending on your device).
Within the Battery settings, look for options like “Power Saving Mode”, “Battery Saver”, or similar.
Tap on the relevant option to access the Power Saving Mode settings.
Toggle the Power Saving Mode switch to the “off” position. You may also find options to customize when Power Saving Mode is automatically enabled.
Adaptive Battery
Android also has a feature called Adaptive Battery, which learns how you use your apps and optimizes battery usage accordingly. While not directly a power saving mode, it can impact performance.
In the Battery settings, look for “Adaptive Battery”.
If it’s enabled, consider disabling it to prevent Android from automatically limiting background app activity. However, keep in mind that this may reduce your battery life.
Exiting Power Saving Mode on iOS (iPhone and iPad)
iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads, have a Low Power Mode that can be easily disabled.
Through Control Center
The easiest way to disable Low Power Mode on iOS is through the Control Center.
Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (on iPhones with Face ID) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on iPhones with a Home button) to open the Control Center.
Look for the battery icon. If Low Power Mode is enabled, the battery icon will be yellow. Tap the battery icon to toggle Low Power Mode off. The battery icon will return to its normal color (white or black).
Through the Settings App
You can also disable Low Power Mode through the Settings app.
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap on “Battery”.
In the Battery settings, toggle the “Low Power Mode” switch to the “off” position. When Low Power Mode is disabled, the switch will be white or gray.
Troubleshooting Issues When Exiting Power Saving Mode
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to disable power saving mode. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:
- The toggle switch is greyed out or unresponsive: This can happen if your device is currently charging or if another setting is interfering with the power saving mode. Try disconnecting the charger and restarting your device.
- Power saving mode keeps turning back on: This is often due to an automatic activation setting. Check your power settings to ensure that power saving mode is not set to automatically enable when your battery reaches a certain percentage.
- Performance is still slow after disabling power saving mode: Other factors could be affecting performance, such as too many apps running in the background, low storage space, or outdated software. Close unnecessary apps, free up storage space, and ensure your device’s operating system is up to date.
- The battery drains too quickly after disabling power saving mode: This is expected since you’re no longer limiting power consumption. Consider adjusting your usage habits, such as reducing screen brightness and limiting background app activity, to extend battery life without enabling power saving mode.
When to Exit and When to Use Power Saving Mode
Deciding when to exit power saving mode depends on your priorities and usage scenario. Here’s a general guideline:
Exit power saving mode when:
- You need maximum performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running complex applications.
- You’re connected to a power source and don’t need to conserve battery life.
- You’re experiencing noticeable performance slowdowns due to power saving mode restrictions.
- You need features that are disabled in power saving mode, such as background app refresh or high-resolution streaming.
Use power saving mode when:
- You’re running low on battery and need to extend usage time.
- You’re away from a power source and can’t charge your device.
- You’re performing basic tasks that don’t require high performance, such as reading emails or browsing the web.
- You want to minimize battery drain during periods of inactivity.
Ultimately, the decision to use or exit power saving mode is a matter of personal preference and depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Experiment with different settings and usage patterns to find the optimal balance between performance and battery life for your device.
Conclusion
Disabling power saving mode is a simple process that can significantly improve your device’s performance when you need it most. By understanding the different methods for exiting power saving mode on various operating systems and troubleshooting common issues, you can effectively manage your device’s power settings and optimize its performance for any situation. Remember to weigh the trade-offs between performance and battery life to make informed decisions about when to use and when to disable power saving mode.
Why is my computer stuck in power saving mode?
Your computer might be stuck in power saving mode due to several reasons. Often, it’s a simple case of insufficient power to wake the system. This could be because the battery is completely drained (in laptops) or there’s an issue with the power supply unit (in desktops). Driver conflicts, particularly with display or power management drivers, can also prevent the computer from properly exiting the low-power state.
Another potential culprit is incorrect power plan settings or a corrupted power profile. This can sometimes lead to the computer misinterpreting its state and failing to return to a normal operating mode. Hardware problems, such as a faulty RAM module or a failing hard drive, might also trigger unexpected power saving behavior and make it difficult to resume normal operations.
How do I force my computer to exit power saving mode?
If your computer isn’t responding to typical wake-up methods like moving the mouse or pressing keys, try pressing the power button briefly. A quick press usually signals the system to resume from sleep mode. If that doesn’t work, hold down the power button for 5-10 seconds to force a hard shutdown. This will power off the computer completely.
After the hard shutdown, wait a few seconds and then press the power button again to restart the computer. While this method isn’t ideal and can potentially lead to data loss if you have unsaved work, it’s often the only way to regain control of a frozen system stuck in power saving mode. Be sure to troubleshoot the root cause afterward to prevent recurrence.
What are common keyboard shortcuts to wake a computer from sleep?
Several keyboard shortcuts can be used to wake a computer from sleep mode. The most common and universally recognized is pressing any key on the keyboard. However, some systems might require pressing specific keys, such as the spacebar or the Windows key, to initiate the wake-up process.
Another frequently used shortcut is pressing the “Ctrl,” “Alt,” and “Delete” keys simultaneously (Ctrl+Alt+Delete). This action often forces the system to display the login screen, effectively waking it up from the sleep state. Experiment with these different key combinations to determine which works best for your particular computer and operating system.
How can I disable power saving mode altogether?
Disabling power saving mode entirely can be done through your operating system’s power settings. In Windows, navigate to “Control Panel,” then “Power Options.” Here, you can choose a power plan like “High Performance” which minimizes power saving features. You can also customize any existing plan to prevent the computer from automatically going to sleep or turning off the display.
In macOS, go to “System Preferences,” then “Energy Saver.” From there, you can adjust the slider for “Computer sleep” to “Never” to completely disable automatic sleep. Similar settings allow you to prevent the display from turning off automatically. Keep in mind that disabling power saving features will likely result in increased energy consumption and potentially reduced battery life for laptops.
How do I update my power management drivers?
Updating your power management drivers is essential for maintaining proper power-saving functionality. In Windows, open the “Device Manager” (search for it in the Start menu). Expand the “Batteries” or “System devices” category, right-click on the relevant power management device (like “Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery”), and select “Update driver.”
Choose the option to “Search automatically for drivers,” and Windows will attempt to find and install the latest compatible driver. If this doesn’t work, you can visit the website of your computer manufacturer or the motherboard manufacturer (if it’s a desktop) and download the latest drivers specifically for your model. Be sure to install the downloaded drivers manually after downloading them.
Can malware cause issues with power saving mode?
Yes, malware can definitely interfere with power saving mode functionality. Certain types of malware can consume excessive system resources, preventing the computer from entering sleep mode or causing it to wake up unexpectedly. They might also corrupt system files related to power management, leading to erratic behavior.
Moreover, some malicious programs are designed to keep the computer active to perform background tasks or steal sensitive information. Regularly scanning your system with a reputable antivirus program and keeping your software up to date are crucial steps in preventing malware infections and ensuring the proper functioning of power saving features.
What if none of these solutions work?
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it might indicate a more serious hardware problem. Consider running diagnostic tests on your RAM and hard drive to check for errors. Faulty hardware components can often cause unpredictable behavior, including problems with power saving mode.
If you’re comfortable doing so, you could also try reseating the RAM modules or checking the connections to your hard drive. If the problem persists after checking hardware, it might be beneficial to consult a qualified computer technician for further diagnosis and repair. They have specialized tools and knowledge to identify and fix complex hardware issues.