Set the Default Power Plan

Applies To: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2

Use these instructions to set a default power plan when deploying Windows 8 or Windows Server® 2012 PCs. A power plan is also known as a power scheme.

To set the default power plan

1. On your technician computer, open an elevated command prompt.

2. If you want to use a power plan from another computer, import the power plan.

   For example, to import a power plan that is named OutdoorPlan, type the following at a command prompt:

   powercfg -IMPORT C:\OutdoorPlan.pow
   

3. Type the following to find the GUID for all the power plans on the computer:

   powercfg -LIST
   

   The computer returns the list of available power plans. The following examples refer to these plans as guidPlan1 and guidPlan2.

   Existing Power Schemes (* Active)
   -----------------------------------
   Power Scheme GUID: {guidPlan1}  (Balanced) *
   Power Scheme GUID: {guidPlan2}  (Power saver)
   

4. Note the GUIDs that are listed next to the power plans that you want to change.

5. Set the power plan that you want to set as the default as the active power plan. For example, you can use the following command:

   powercfg -SETACTIVE {guidPlan2}
   

   where guidPlan2 is the name of the power plan.

   This command can be run by using a custom command in an answer file, or by opening an elevated command prompt in audit mode.

To confirm that the default power plan

1. Click Start, and then select Control Panel.

2. Click Hardware and Sound, and then select Power Options.

   The Power Options Control Panel opens, and the power plans appear.

3. Review each power plan.

4. Verify that the correct plan is set as the active power plan. The computer shows an asterisk (*) next to the active power plan.

See Also

Tasks

Add a Custom Command to an Answer File
Boot Windows to Audit Mode or OOBE
Create a Custom Power Plan

Other Resources

Power Policy Configuration and Deployment in Windows