Power Policy Configuration and Deployment in Windows

Updated: October 21, 2010

File name: PMPolicy_Windows.docx
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Windows Vista and later versions of Windows feature a new power policy storage mechanism and infrastructure called the power policy store that enables third-party extensibility and configuration using Windows Group Policy.

Third-party device and application vendors can install additional power settings by customizing an existing Windows power plan. These custom power settings can be configured using the same tools and user interface elements as Windows-installed power settings. All power policy settings in Windows can be enforced to specific values using Group Policy, which enables enterprises to easily enforce display and sleep idle timeout power settings that can help reduce PC energy consumption and associated expenses.

Users do not need administrative privileges to change most power policy preferences. However, system administrators can apply a consistent power management policy in the enterprise by restricting access to power settings on a per-user or per-group basis.

This paper describes the Windows power policy store, demonstrates common power policy configuration tasks, and provides reference information about native power settings in Windows.

This information applies for the following operating systems:
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows 7
Windows Server 2008
Windows Vista

What's New
Corrected the description for the processor idle state settings.
Updated processor power management settings to match those in Processor Power Management in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Included in this white paper:

• Power Policy User Experience

• Windows Power Policy Store

• Group Policy Control of Power Settings

• Power Policy Security

• Using PowerCfg to Configure Power Policy

• Customizing Power Policy for a Windows Installation

• Power Setting Reference