Windows 7: Power Options

In the Windows 7 Power Options area, you can select a power plan for your computer to maximize performance, conserve energy or find some setting somewhere in the middle..

In the power options section, the user is able to maximize their computer’s performance, conserve energy or balance both preferences.

This is done through a power plan. A power plan is a collection of hardware and software settings that are used to manage the manner in which your computer uses power.

A plan may be made active by selecting it. It is also possible to customize a power plan. There are three standard plans available:

• Balanced: Offers full performance when needed and saves power when the computer is inactive.

• Power saver: This saves power through the reduction of system performance and display brightness. Laptop users in particular are able to use this setting to get the most from a single battery charge.

• High Performance: This mode maximizes screen brightness and may also increase the computer’s performance under some circumstances. It uses a lot more energy, and will diminish the amount of time a laptop battery lasts between charges.

A user can create their own power plan, using one of these standard plans as a starting point.