Windows 8 System Tips for Conserving Battery Power

Have you noticed that the battery is dead during an important meeting or during a long flight? Even with new technology, a single-charge laptop or tablet can only last that long. This tip is to take full advantage of the power supply.

Here are some ways to help you extend your computer's battery life:

Choose an energy-efficient power plan. Windows 8 has two such default plans: "balance" and "energy saving." To learn more about power plans and how to change your power plan, go to Power Plan: Frequently Asked Questions.

Note

This method is not available for Windows RT or a computer connected to standby, because the only default plan for this computer is “Balance”, but you can save more by customizing it. .

Your computer manufacturer may offer other programs.

Reduce the brightness of the display. Among all the parts of the computer, the monitor uses the most power.

To change the brightness of your monitor

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and click "Settings". (If you are using a mouse, point to the top right corner of the screen, then move the pointer down and click Settings.)

Tap or click Brightness to make the desired changes.

Some computers have buttons or buttons that are specifically designed to change the brightness of the display. To find out if your computer has this feature, check the information that came with your computer or visit the manufacturer's website.

Shorten the time before Windows dims and turns off the display. When you're not using a laptop or tablet (even for a short time), you can save power by having Windows dim and turn off the display after a period of inactivity.

To select Windows to dim and turn off the display time

Open the Power Options by swiping from the right edge of the screen to the middle and clicking Search (if using a mouse, Then point to the top right corner of the screen, then move the pointer down, click Search, enter the Control Panel in the search box, and then click or click Apply and Control Panel. In the search box in Control Panel, type power and press Enter.

On the left side of the Select or Customize Power Plan page, tap or click Select when to turn off the display.

On the Change Plan Settings page, select the display settings to use when the laptop or tablet is running and powered on with the battery for this power plan.

Click or click "Save Changes."

Note

Adjust settings only for the power plan currently in use. To change settings for other power plans, on the Select or Customize Power Plan page, click or click Change Plan Settings next to the plan you want to change.

Turn off or delete devices that are not in use. Many USB devices consume power whenever they are connected, so it is recommended that you unplug them when you are not using them. If you're using a USB mouse, you can save power by replacing the mouse with a touchpad or stylus.

Turn off the computer card and integrated wireless device. These devices also consume power, so turn them off when not in use.