Alex Ruben
How to Restore Missing Power Plans in Windows When Only the Balanced Power Plan is Available
Are you frustrated because only the Balanced power plan is available on your Windows device? This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps to restore missing power plans like High Performance and Power Saver on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC or laptop. By following this tutorial, you’ll regain access to all your power options, optimizing your device’s performance based on your needs.
Before you start, ensure you have administrative access to your computer, as some commands require elevated privileges. This process is applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems, and no additional downloads are required.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
The first step is to launch the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this, click on the Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Type CMD in the search bar. Once Command Prompt appears in the search results, right-click on it and select Run as administrator. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to proceed.
Step 2: Run the Power Troubleshooter
In the Command Prompt window, you’ll need to enter a specific command to initiate the power troubleshooter. Type the following command and press Enter:
msdt.exe /id PowerDiagnostic
This command will open the Power Troubleshooter. Click on Next to allow Windows to diagnose and fix any power-related issues. Wait for the troubleshooting process to complete. If the troubleshooter suggests any changes or updates, follow the prompts to implement them.
Step 3: Restore Default Power Schemes
After running the troubleshooter, the next step is to restore the default power schemes. In the same Command Prompt window, enter the following command:
powercfg -restoredefaultschemes
Press Enter to execute this command. This action will reset your power plans to their default settings, which includes restoring the High Performance and Power Saver plans if they were previously removed.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
To complete the restoration process, restart your computer. This step is essential as it ensures that all changes take effect properly. After rebooting, check your power options by going to the Settings menu, navigating to System, and then selecting Power & Sleep. You should now see the previously missing power plans listed.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you continue to experience issues with missing power plans, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure that your Windows operating system is fully updated. Sometimes, missing features are due to outdated software.
- If the commands do not work, double-check for any typos before executing them.
- Check your system for any third-party software that might interfere with power management settings.
Conclusion
By following these clear steps, you should now have restored all your missing power plans in Windows. This not only enhances your device’s performance but also provides flexibility in managing energy consumption. If you encounter further issues or need more advanced solutions, consider checking online resources or seeking assistance from tech support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my power plans missing?
Power plans can become missing due to various reasons, including system updates, corrupted settings, or third-party software interference. Running the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide typically resolves these issues.
Will restoring power schemes affect my current settings?
Restoring default power schemes will revert any custom settings you may have configured. However, it will bring back essential plans like High Performance and Power Saver, which can be beneficial for optimizing performance and energy usage.
What if the commands do not work?
If you find that the commands do not produce the desired outcome, ensure that you are running the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can also check for Windows updates and ensure your system is functioning correctly.