How it works
- Choose the mode; the step reports the mode that was active before, so a later step can switch back.
- Windows only applies the power mode while the Balanced power plan is active; with another plan the step still sets it and says so.
- This step is marked Experimental, because Windows doesn't officially document the setting underneath; on Windows builds it hasn't been checked on, KeyRoutines runs a safe read-only test first and keeps the step off if that test fails.
Routines that use it
Best performance for games
When Game started fires, Set power mode goes to best performance; when Game stopped fires, back to balanced.
Efficiency on battery
When Plugged in or unplugged reports unplugged, Set power mode switches to best power efficiency.
Night mode
An At a time routine at 23:00 sets best power efficiency and turns Dark or light mode to dark.
Settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mode | The Windows power mode (Settings ▸ Power). Windows applies it while the Balanced plan is active. |
Good to know
- It has an effect only while the Balanced power plan is active.
- It's Experimental and may be unavailable on some Windows builds.
Questions
- What's the difference between power mode and power plan in Windows 11?
- Power plans are the classic Control Panel plans like Balanced or High performance. The power mode is the newer slider in Settings, and Windows only uses it while the Balanced plan is on.
- Can I switch to best performance automatically when gaming?
- Yes. Use the Game started or App launched trigger with Set power mode, and switch back when the game stops.