Configuring Recommended Windows Power Settings

This article explains necessary steps to configure power settings in Windows to support optimal performance and machine usage.

Problem

Depending on the needs of your center, you might want to modify or otherwise configure Windows power settings to promote optimal performance, keep displays turned on, or otherwise keep your center running efficiently.

Solution

1. Click the Start Menu.
   
   

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2. From the Start Menu, type "power settings" and then click the "Power & sleep settings" menu item.
   
   

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3. From the "Power & sleep" settings menu, configure the "When plugged in, turn off after" setting per your needs.
   
   

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4. From the "Power & sleep" settings menu, click the "Additional power settings" link.
   
   

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5. From the "Power Options" window, choose a power plan (in the case of this example, we utilize the "High performance" plan to ensure the best customer experience.
   
   

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6. From the "Power Options" window, click the "Change plan settings" link next to the power plan of your choice to modify settings further.
   
   

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7. From the "Edit Plan Settings" window, configure the "Turn off the display:" setting per your needs.

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8. From the "Edit Plan Settings" window, click the "Change advanced power settings" link to further modify settings.

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9. From the "Power Options" dialog, configure settings as desired.

    
   Recommended settings to modify are:

    

   Hard disk

   Turn off the hard disk after

   Setting (Minutes): Never

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   USB Settings

   USB selective suspend setting

   Setting: Disabled

    

   PCI Express

   Link State Power Management

   Setting: Off

    

   Processor power management

   System cooling policy

   Setting: Active

    

   Display

   Turn off the display after
   
   

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   Setting: Your Preference

   Multimedia settings

   When sharing media

   Prevent idling to sleep

    

   Video playback quality bias

   Video playback performance bias

   When playing video

   Optimize video quality
   
   

10. From the "Power Options" dialog, click the "OK" button.
    
    

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11. From the "Edit Plan Settings" window, click the "Save changes" button.
    
    

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12. Close the "Power Options" window.
    
    

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13. Close the "Settings" window.

     

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14. Shut Down the Machine. In this case, we utilize the "Shut down" Power command within the ggLeap Web Admin, however, you may utilize the power button or the ggRock "Turn Off" command as well.
    
    

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15. Apply Writebacks.
    (See Applying Writebacks for more information).
    
    

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16. Enter a comment when prompted (typically initials of the administrator, the date, and the contents (e.g. games, applications updated).
     
    Example:
    ABC - 07-14-2021 - Updated Fortnite, COD:MW (launched to install shaders), and Google Chrome

Additional Information

Depending on the needs of your center, it may be desirable to have displays turn off after some time. This can prevent screen burn-in, as well as reduce the number of hours your displays are powered on to prolong their life.

Ensuring power settings are configured with a bias towards performance will result in the best customer experience. Depending on your needs, however, you may want to prioritize power consumption over video quality if your center's power demands are too high.