Power Saving Tips
It is easy being green! We've compiled a few tips to save power (and therefore money!) on your computer:
Avoid Windows' High Performance power plan
CPUs are designed to throttle down when not in use, for instance in the gap between typing and moving your hand to the mouse. The High Performance power plan forces Windows to run at its maximum CPU speed, 24 hours per day. Other plans let the CPU idle as low as 5% of its maximum.
To fix:
Open Windows' Settings. In the upper left, search for "power plan" and pick "choose a power plan" from the list of results. Ensure you're using Balanced or at least something that isn't High Performance.
Turn Off Your Monitor When Working Remotely
If you're working remotely, be aware that remote control software such as Remote Desktop will wake up the monitor...for the entire time you're connected. While the screen remains locked/covered, the monitor is using power.
Do note that other remote control programs will also wake up the screen but typically do not lock the screen by default like Remote Desktop does.
To fix:
Simply turn off your monitor before leaving the office.
Let Your Screen Rest
Screen savers with moving images are rather pointless on flat screen monitors. However if you enable a screen saver then Windows will put your monitor to sleep when you lock your screen (via the "start" button, or Windows-key + L).
To fix:
Open Windows' Settings. In the upper left, search for "screen saver" and pick "turn screen saver on or off" from the list. Set your screen saver to Blank (not "none"), and set a time. Check the "on resume, display logon screen" option so no one can use your PC while you're away.
Next, in the Settings applet click System, then Power. Under Screen and Sleep set "when plugged in, turn off my screen after ___" to any number except Never. Now when your screen locks the monitor will immediately be put in sleep mode, regardless of this setting.
Uninstall Apps
Over time more and more apps run in the background, and even load at startup. If you remove or disable them they don't take that time loading, use memory, or take space and time for backups.
To fix:
Open Windows' Settings. On the left click Apps, then Installed Apps. Click the three-dot menu next to an app you don't want, and uninstall it. Or use Advanced Options to block it from running while in the background.
Upgrade Old PCs
Older PCs are usually less efficient so use more power. Spinning drives use more power and generate more heat than solid state drives.
To fix:
Replace with a new PC. Sorry, no shortcuts for this one.
September 2024
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