POWERCFG Windows Command Guide

The Windows powercfg command is a powerful tool that allows users to manage power settings efficiently. By using powercfg, you can analyze power usage, optimize power plans, and troubleshoot power-related issues on your computer. This command is especially useful for laptop users who want to increase battery life or for system administrators looking to improve energy efficiency across multiple devices. With powercfg, you can generate power usage reports, modify power plans, and even set power policies. Mastering the powercfg command can help you maximize energy savings and ensure your computer runs more efficiently.

POWERCFG Syntax:

powercfg [options] [parameters]

Options:

Option	Description
/list	Lists all power schemes.
/query	Queries power settings.
/setacvalueindex	Sets a power setting value for the active power scheme.
/change	Changes the settings of the specified power scheme.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
[Scheme_GUID]	Specifies the power scheme GUID.
[Sub_GUID]	Specifies the subgroup GUID.
[Setting_GUID]	Specifies the setting GUID.
[Index_Value]	Specifies the index value for the setting.

Caution

Exercise caution when using the powercfg command as it can make changes to critical power settings on your system. Incorrect usage of the command can lead to unexpected behavior or system instability.

POWERCFG Command Samples:

Check the current power plan settings

powercfg /getactivescheme

This command displays the current active power plan settings on the system.

List all available power plans

powercfg /list

Shows a list of all available power plans on the system.

Set the power plan to High Performance

powercfg /setactive 8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c

Changes the active power plan to the High Performance plan using its GUID.

Export power plan settings to a file

powercfg /export "C:\path\power-plan.pow" 8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c

Saves the power plan settings to a file named power-plan.pow located in the specified path.

Delete a specific power plan

powercfg /delete 381b4222-f694-41f0-9685-ff5bb260df2e

Removes the power plan with the specified GUID from the system.

Restore power settings to their default configuration

powercfg /restoredefaultschemes

Resets all power settings to their default configurations.

Show detailed information about the system’s power capabilities

powercfg /energy

Generates a report with detailed information about the system’s power capabilities and usage.

Tip

When using the powercfg command in Windows, make sure to run it with administrative privileges to avoid any issues with changing power settings.

POWERCFG FAQ:

How do I use powercfg in Windows?

To use the powercfg command in Windows, execute the following command:

powercfg --option <value>

How can I check the current power plan in Windows using powercfg?

To check the current power plan in Windows using powercfg, use the following command:

powercfg /getactivescheme

How do I list all available power plans using powercfg in Windows?

To list all available power plans in Windows using powercfg, run the command:

powercfg /list

How can I set the power scheme in Windows with powercfg?

To set a specific power scheme in Windows using powercfg, use the command:

powercfg /setactive <GUID>

How do I export power settings to a file with powercfg in Windows?

To export power settings to a file in Windows using powercfg, run the command:

powercfg /export "C:\path\to\exported\file.pow"

How can I restore power settings from a file using powercfg in Windows?

To restore power settings from a file in Windows using powercfg, use the command:

powercfg /import "C:\path\to\exported\file.pow"

Applications of the POWERCFG Command

• Check the current power plan settings
• Change the current power plan
• Create a new power plan
• Delete a power plan
• Set the power options for a power plan
• Export power configuration settings
• Import power configuration settings
• Restore the default power settings