Windows – How to disable power saving for all devices in Device Manager

device managerlaptoppower-managementwindows

If Windows (I am running Win 8.1) is installed on a laptop, the Device Manager will include Power Management properties, including an option to allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. By default, this option is enabled for all devices. I wish to turn off this option for all my devices, including new devices that may appear in the system.

How can I change this option for all devices?

Backstory: this option has given me a big headache several times by turning off my laptop Wi-Fi adapter on its own whim. After the adapter was turned off, I wasn't able to manage this device (showed up as 'Unknown device') until another whim of this option turned it on. I don't want to live in constant fear of parts of my computer switching off.

Best Answer

The power options are not in the device manager. To access them, go to your control panel, Hardware & Sound, Power Options, click on the left panel option to Create Power Plan and select High Performance.

When you get back to the Power Options screen, click Change Plan Settings next to your new plan. You'll probably want to select the Hard disk section to never turn it off and also the Sleep option to disable hibernation.

Related Question