power plans Archives

Winsage

February 17, 2025

7 alternatives to built-in Windows tools that will blow you away

- Process Lasso is a powerful alternative to Task Manager, offering features like dynamic CPU adjustments and SmartTrim memory management. - Notepad++ is a text editor that supports multiple programming languages, syntax highlighting, and includes macros and plugins. - 7-Zip is a file compression tool that handles various formats and allows users to split, merge, and encrypt files. - Everything is a search tool that quickly finds files and folders, scanning both names and document contents. - Audacity is a multitrack digital audio workstation for recording audio, supporting various formats and real-time effects. - Flow Launcher allows users to launch files, folders, applications, and websites without using the Start menu. - VLC Media Player plays a wide range of audio and video file formats and offers features like file conversion and live stream recording.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

9 ways to decrease power consumption on your Windows server

Excessive power consumption in Windows Server management can result from misconfigurations and inefficient component management. Strategies to enhance energy efficiency include: 1. Adjusting power settings through the Power Options menu, which offers Balanced, High Performance, and Power Saver plans, and fine-tuning Processor Power Management settings. 2. Disabling unnecessary services and roles via Server Manager to lower CPU load. 3. Investing in energy-efficient hardware, such as processors with low thermal design points, energy-efficient RAM, and solid-state drives instead of hard disk drives. 4. Scheduling resource-intensive tasks during off-peak hours to balance power load. 5. Utilizing virtualization with Hyper-V to consolidate workloads and reduce the number of active devices. 6. Optimizing the cooling system with variable-speed fans and maintaining proper airflow. 7. Using remote management tools like Windows Admin Center and PowerShell to manage servers without physical access, reducing the need for peripherals. 8. Regularly updating firmware and drivers to ensure hardware operates efficiently. 9. Reducing display power consumption by turning off inactive monitors and setting them to sleep mode after inactivity.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

Your Windows 11 PC just got the easiest way to control power settings

Winpower is an application designed to simplify access to power settings in Windows 11, allowing users to customize sleep and shutdown preferences. It must be downloaded from GitHub, as it is not available in the Microsoft Store. The app enables users to disable automatic sleep, create and execute scripts, schedule automatic reboots, and lock the PC for security. However, some features, such as generating battery reports and controlling screen brightness, are currently non-functional. Winpower does not offer the same level of performance optimization as custom power plans available through the Control Panel, and Windows 11 currently lacks the Ultimate Performance plan. While it enhances accessibility to power settings, it does not replace the comprehensive control provided by traditional methods.

Winsage

September 3, 2024

8 Windows features that used to require a premium edition

- The Task Scheduler, originally known as System Agent, was first introduced in Windows 95 as part of the Microsoft Plus! add-on pack and is now integrated into Windows 11 Home. - BitLocker, introduced in Windows Vista for Enterprise and Ultimate editions, became available in Pro editions with Windows 8 and is utilized in Windows 11 Home for default encryption. - Windows Fax and Scan was initially exclusive to Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions in Windows Vista but became standard in all versions starting with Windows 7 and is still present in Windows 11. - The Windows Mobility Center was introduced in Windows Vista for the Home Premium edition and remains in Windows 11, though its significance has diminished. - Internet Explorer 1.0 was bundled with the Microsoft Plus! add-on pack in the 90s and became a standard feature in Windows, but was discontinued in 2023. - The Snipping Tool was initially exclusive to the Tablet PC Edition of Windows XP and later required the Home Premium edition in Windows Vista, becoming standard in all editions starting with Windows 7. - Tablet support features were limited in earlier Windows versions but became more widely available, culminating in seamless touch support in Windows 11. - Windows 7 imposed RAM limitations based on edition, with Home Basic supporting a maximum of 8GB, while Windows 11 Home and Pro now support up to 128GB and Enterprise editions up to 2TB.

Winsage

September 3, 2024

Here is everything new in Windows 11 version 24H2

Windows 11 version 24H2 is set for public release in September or October 2024, with build number 26100. The update will include hardware changes and is expected to be available for both Copilot+ PCs and traditional systems with Intel and AMD processors. Key features include a simplified taskbar, a transformed Quick Settings menu, integration of Phone Link in the Start menu, improved context menus, and enhanced File Explorer functionality for Android device users. New settings allow customization of laptop lid and power button actions, distinct power plans, and color management options. Exclusive features for Copilot+ PCs include Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, Paint Cocreator, AI-generated images in the Photos app, and AutoSR for gaming graphics. Other changes involve optimized Voice Clarity for traditional PCs, performance improvements for Dev Drives, the introduction of hotpatching, HDR wallpapers, removal of certain stock applications, and updated hardware requirements that now necessitate ARM v8.1 support for older devices. Windows 11 version 24H2 officially supports Wi-Fi 7, and no significant performance differences were noted compared to the previous version.

Winsage

August 30, 2024

Did you know Windows 11 has a God Mode? Here’s what it can do

God Mode in Windows 11 is a special folder that consolidates shortcuts to over 200 settings and options within the Control Panel, making navigation easier. To enable God Mode, users create a new folder on the desktop, rename it to "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}", and the folder icon changes to indicate activation. Users can manage BitLocker drive encryption, adjust network settings, customize energy settings, add Bluetooth devices, back up files, correct date and time settings, and adjust accessibility features through this mode. To disable God Mode, users can delete the folder.

Winsage

August 18, 2024

Microsoft finally brings more detailed Power Modes in Windows 11 Settings menu — offers different settings for charging or battery modes | Tom’s Hardware

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686 introduces a feature that allows users to select different power modes based on the laptop's charging state directly from the Settings menu, simplifying the previous process that required navigating through the Control Panel. This capability, while not entirely new, enhances user experience by making power management more accessible. The new options can be accessed by navigating to System > Power & battery within the Settings menu, but they are currently exclusive to the Canary Channel. Additionally, the FAT32 partition size has been increased to 2TB in this build.

Winsage

August 6, 2024

3 features Microsoft is adding to Windows 11 that should have been there from the start

Microsoft has recently rolled out several enhancements for Windows 11 users, including: 1. A new toggle in the Settings app that allows users to change the mouse scroll direction, which previously required a Registry edit. 2. An update that enables users to modify power plans without needing to switch between being plugged in or running on battery. 3. Improved integration allowing users to access their Android phone's file system directly through File Explorer for easier file transfers.