Here are some steps you can follow to resolve common power-related issues in Windows installations:
1. Check the power settings and update the power plan
- Open Device Manager (Press Win + X > Devices and Sounds, then select Device Manager).
- Click on “Power” under “System” section.
- Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark or warning symbol next to their name. These are likely causing issues that can be resolved by updating the power plan.
- Select the problematic device and right-click it > Properties.
- Go to the “Power Plan” tab and update the plan to a lower priority setting (e.g., “High Performance”).
- Click “OK” to save changes.
2. Disable and then re-enable the Power Management service
- Press Win + R, type “services.msc” in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R), and press Enter.
- In the Services window, look for the “Power Plan Service” or “Power Policy Service.”
- Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
- Click on the “Startup Type” dropdown menu > Select “Disabled.” Wait a few seconds and then click “OK” to save changes.
3. Check if your power plan is set to Automatic
- Open Power Options (Press Win + X > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options).
- Click on Change Plan settings > Set as default.
- Make sure the current power plan is not set to “Automatic.”
4. Update your Windows 10/8/7 installation
Sometimes, a faulty or corrupted system file can cause power-related issues. Try installing Windows updates to see if it resolves the issue.
5. Run the built-in System File Checker (SFC) scan
- Press Win + R, type “sfc /scannow” in the Run dialog box.
- Wait for the scan to complete. If no errors are found, your system is likely fine.
- If an error is detected, follow the prompts to run the repair option.
6. Reinstall or reinstall Windows
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to:
- Reinstall Windows from a Windows Media Creation Kit (available for download on Microsoft’s website).
- Reinstall Windows using the “Recovery Environment” (Windows + R > Command Prompt as administrator).
- If all else fails, consider seeking professional help.
Prevention is key
To minimize power-related issues in your Windows installation:
- Regularly update your operating system and drivers to ensure you have the latest software.
- Disable any unnecessary devices or features that might interfere with the power management.
- Use a reliable power adapter or power strip to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Be careful when handling cords and cables, as they can cause electrical issues.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve common power-related issues in your Windows installation.