Windows offers an array of settings within the Power Options menu to help users customize how their computers use and conserve power. One of the features under this menu is the “Video playback quality bias”, which can influence how videos are played on a device depending on the power settings.
This option can be helpful to advanced users, but not everyone will need this level of control. To help simplify the Power Options interface, users can remove the section altogether or add it back as needed. This article will teach you how to do either one using the Command Prompt.
What is “Video playback quality bias?”
“Video playback quality bias” appears in Power Options, specifically under Multimedia options, and you can use it to change advanced power options. It allows users to choose whether the computer should prioritize video quality or power-saving when watching videos. This tool is helpful for users on portable devices that rely on battery power, like laptops and tablets, so they have some control over their devices’ power consumption while viewing videos on the go.
“Video playback quality bias” has two options:
- Video playback power-saving bias: This option makes the computer prioritize lower CPU usage and battery power conservation at the cost of lower video quality.
- Video playback performance bias: This option makes the computer prioritize playing videos at the best possible quality, which can lead to higher CPU usage and faster battery drain
How to remove “Video playback quality bias” from Power Options using the Command Prompt
Note: This method requires accessing the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- To access the Command Prompt with Administrator privileges, press Start, then type cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt from the results and choose Run as administrator.
Run the correct command
You need to enter a command that hides the setting by modifying its attribute in the system’s power configuration.
Copy this command on the Command Prompt, then hit Enter:
powercfg -attributes 9596FB26-9850-41fd-AC3E-F7C3C00AFD4B 10778347-1370-4ee0-8bbd-33bdacaade49 +ATTRIB_HIDE
Check the result
After making the change, check if you achieved your goal.
Follow this path:
Control Panel\Power Options\Change plan settings\Change advanced power settings
You should no longer see the “Video playback quality bias” option.
How to restore the “Video playback quality bias” option
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- To access the Command Prompt as an administrator, press Start, then type cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt from the results and choose Run as administrator.
Run the correct command
Copy the following command, then hit Enter:
REG ADD HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\9596FB26-9850-41fd-AC3E-F7C3C00AFD4B\10778347-1370-4ee0-8bbd-33bdacaade49 /v Attributes /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
Recheck Power Options
Check if the option is accessible once again.
Go to: Control Panel\Power Options\Change plan settings\Change advanced power settings
You should find that the “Video playback quality bias” category is back under Multimedia settings.
Why should I remove it?
While advanced users and portable device owners would want to adjust this setting for better performance, some users won’t use it. For one, people who own desktop PCs will have no problem prioritizing the highest video quality over battery power. In the same way, users who want to declutter the Power Options section may wish to hide the more advanced power settings from view.
When it comes to access management, system administrators may opt to remove the “Video playback quality bias” option to prevent other users from accidentally changing video playback performance. Doing this will also enforce a more consistent experience with a cleaner Power Options UI throughout the system.
Troubleshooting common issues
Issue: The command is not recognized
If you get an error saying “unrecognized” or “invalid,” double-check that you are running the Command Prompt with Administrator privileges. The system will not allow you to change power configuration attributes without elevated permissions. You will also get the error message if your command has a typo. It’s best to copy and paste the command directly instead of typing it yourself.
Issue: The setting is still visible after running the command
If the option still appears after trying to remove it, try restarting your device. Some system settings will only reflect changes after a reboot. Additionally, you want to ensure you’re modifying the correct power plan, especially when using a custom configuration.
For example, if you’re using the “Power saver” or an entirely customized power plan, your modifications might only apply to the default “Balanced.” To see if this is the case, consider changing your power settings. Open Power Options in Settings, choose a different power plan like “Balanced,” and see if “Video playback quality bias” is still visible within the advanced power settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing this setting affect video playback?
No. Removing the option will only hide the “Video playback quality bias” section from the Power Options interface. The last configured preference, whether “Video playback power-saving bias” or “Video playback performance bias,” will remain active until changed through other means.
Is this change permanent?
No, you can restore “Video playback quality bias” in Windows 10 Power Options in Multimedia settings anytime after removing it. You must use the correct restoration command on the elevated Command Prompt.
Will this affect all user accounts?
After removing or re-adding the option from Power Options, the change would typically apply to the entire system and modify the UI for all users. However, availability may vary depending on set group policies or power plan configurations.
When to add or remove the “Video playback quality bias” option
Removing the “Video playback quality bias” setting will help simplify the Power Options UI, create a default video playback, and prevent other users from changing your configurations. On the other hand, adding the option back will allow changes when deemed necessary.
Depending on your goals, you can add or remove the setting whenever you want using the correct command. This change is reversible and non-destructive, so it suits personal and shared systems.
