Key Takeaways
- Automated Power Management: The script automates power and sleep settings adjustments on Windows devices, enhancing efficiency in IT environments.
- Versatile Configuration Options: Offers parameters for screen, hibernate, sleep timeouts, power plans, and USB suspend settings, adaptable to various needs.
- Remote Deployment Capability: Ideal for MSPs and IT departments, enabling remote configuration across multiple devices.
- Compatibility and Limitations: Supports Windows 7 and later, but device-specific limitations may apply to certain settings.
- Granular Control Over Settings: Provides more flexibility and precision compared to traditional manual adjustments or group policies.
- Verification of Settings Application: Includes functions to confirm the successful application of new settings.
- Testing is Crucial: Advisable to test the script in a controlled environment to prevent unintended disruptions.
- Integration with IT Management Tools: Can be effectively combined with platforms like NinjaOne for comprehensive IT asset management.
Managing power settings in Windows devices is a crucial aspect of IT management, ensuring both energy efficiency and optimal performance. The provided PowerShell script offers a comprehensive solution for IT professionals to adjust power and sleep settings on Windows-based systems. This capability is essential for maintaining system health, prolonging battery life, and ensuring that devices run efficiently in various environments.
Background
In the realm of IT, especially for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT departments, the ability to remotely and programmatically adjust power settings on multiple devices is invaluable. Traditionally, this required manual intervention or group policy changes, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming. The script we’re discussing streamlines this process, allowing for precise and varied power configuration across a fleet of devices. Its versatility in handling different settings like screen, hibernate, and sleep timeouts, as well as power plans and USB suspend settings, makes it a powerful tool for IT professionals.
The Script:
<#
.SYNOPSIS
Set Power and Sleep Settings. It can adjust just the plugged in or battery settings if requested.
Please Note not all devices support all options.
.DESCRIPTION
Please Note not all devices support all options.
Options: ScreenTimeout, HibernateTimeout, SleepTimeout, Disk Timeout, PowerPlan, Lid Action, Wake Timers, USB Suspend, Critical Action
Low Action, Power Button Action, Critical Level, Low Level, Reserve Level, Critical Notification, and Low Notification.
.EXAMPLE
(No Parameters)
By default The Script doesn't do anything without some parameters.
.LINK
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/power/power-policy-settings
PARAMETER: -ScreenTimeout "60"
Replace 60 with any time in seconds to set the screen timeout. (0 for disabled)
PARAMETER: -HibernateTimeout "28800"
Replace 28800 with any time in seconds. (0 for disabled)
PARAMETER: -SleepTimeout "14400"
Replace 14400 with any time in seconds. (0 for disabled)
PARAMETER: -DiskTimeout "0"
Replace 0 with your desired time in seconds. (0 for disabled)
PARAMETER: -PowerPlan "High Performance"
Replace "High Performance" with your desired power plan. Keep in mind that most newer computers no longer have seperate power plans.
PARAMETER: -LidAction "Nothing"
Replace Nothing with one of these three available options. Sleep, Shutdown, Nothing.
Will be skipped for non-laptops and this script cannot verify if the action was successfully set.
PARAMETER: -AllowWakeTimers
Allows the ability for software to wake the computer from sleep at a later date.
PARAMETER: -DisableWakeTimers
Disables the ability for software to wake the computer from sleep at a later date.
PARAMETER: -EnableUSBSuspend
Allows the OS to suspend USB devices to conserve power.
PARAMETER: -DisableUSBSuspend
Disable's the OS's ability to suspend USB devices to conserve power.
PARAMETER: -CriticalAction "Hibernate"
Replace Hibernate with your desired action for when the machine is at a "Critical" batter level.
Valid Options: Hibernate, Sleep, Shutdown, Nothing
PARAMETER: -LowAction "Hibernate"
Replace Hibernate with your desired action for when the machine is at a "Low" battery level.
Valid Options: Hibernate, Sleep, Shutdown, Nothing.
PARAMETER: -CriticalLevel "7"
Replace 7 with your desired battery percent level to be considered critical (without the % symbol).
PARAMETER: -LowLevel "10"
Replace 10 with your desired battery percent level to be considered low (without the % symbol).
PARAMETER: -LowNotify
Allows the notification that comes in when the battery hits "low" levels.
PARAMETER: -AC
Only applies your chosen battery settings to the "Plugged In" section of a power plan.
PARAMETER: -DC
Only applies your chosen battery settings to the "Battery" section of a power plan.
.OUTPUTS
None
.NOTES
Minimum OS Architecture Supported: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008
General notes
Version: Initial Release
By using this script, you indicate your acceptance of the following legal terms as well as our Terms of Use at https://www.ninjaone.com/terms-of-use.
Ownership Rights: NinjaOne owns and will continue to own all right, title, and interest in and to the script (including the copyright). NinjaOne is giving you a limited license to use the script in accordance with these legal terms.
Use Limitation: You may only use the script for your legitimate personal or internal business purposes, and you may not share the script with another party.
Republication Prohibition: Under no circumstances are you permitted to re-publish the script in any script library or website belonging to or under the control of any other software provider.
Warranty Disclaimer: The script is provided “as is” and “as available”, without warranty of any kind. NinjaOne makes no promise or guarantee that the script will be free from defects or that it will meet your specific needs or expectations.
Assumption of Risk: Your use of the script is at your own risk. You acknowledge that there are certain inherent risks in using the script, and you understand and assume each of those risks.
Waiver and Release: You will not hold NinjaOne responsible for any adverse or unintended consequences resulting from your use of the script, and you waive any legal or equitable rights or remedies you may have against NinjaOne relating to your use of the script.
EULA: If you are a NinjaOne customer, your use of the script is subject to the End User License Agreement applicable to you (EULA).
#>
[CmdletBinding()]
param (
[Parameter()]
[String]$ScreenTimeout,
[Parameter()]
[String]$HibernateTimeout,
[Parameter()]
[String]$SleepTimeout,
[Parameter()]
[String]$DiskTimeout,
[Parameter()]
[String]$PowerPlan,
[Parameter()]
[String]$LidAction,
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$AllowWakeTimers,
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$DisableWakeTimers,
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$EnableUSBSuspend,
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$DisableUSBSuspend,
[Parameter()]
[String]$CriticalAction,
[Parameter()]
[String]$LowAction,
[Parameter()]
[String]$CriticalLevel,
[Parameter()]
[String]$LowLevel,
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$LowNotify,
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$LowNoNotify,
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$AC,
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$DC
)
begin {
# Grab Script Variables if present
if ($env:policy -and $env:policy -notlike "null") {
switch ($env:policy) {
"Plugged In" { $AC = $True }
"On Battery" { $DC = $True }
}
}
if ($env:screenTimeoutInMinutes -and $env:screenTimeoutInMinutes -notlike "null") { $ScreenTimeout = $env:screenTimeoutInMinutes }
if ($env:hibernateTimeoutInMinutes -and $env:hibernateTimeoutInMinutes -notlike "null") { $HibernateTimeout = $env:hibernateTimeoutInMinutes }
if ($env:sleepTimeoutInMinutes -and $env:sleepTimeoutInMinutes -notlike "null") { $SleepTimeout = $env:sleepTimeoutInMinutes }
if ($env:diskTimeoutInMinutes -and $env:diskTimeoutInMinutes -notlike "null") { $DiskTimeout = $env:diskTimeoutInMinutes }
if ($env:powerPlan -and $env:powerPlan -notlike "null") { $PowerPlan = $env:powerPlan }
if ($env:lidAction -and $env:lidAction -notlike "null") { $LidAction = $env:lidAction }
if ($env:wakeTimers -and $env:wakeTimers -notlike "null") {
switch ($env:wakeTimers) {
"Enable" { $AllowWakeTimers = $True }
"Disable" { $DisableWakeTimers = $True }
}
}
if ($env:usbSuspend -and $env:usbSuspend -notlike "null") {
switch ($env:usbSuspend) {
"Enable" { $EnableUSBSuspend = $True }
"Disable" { $DisableUSBSuspend = $True }
}
}
if ($env:criticalBatteryAction -and $env:criticalBatteryAction -notlike "null") { $CriticalAction = $env:criticalBatteryAction }
if ($env:lowBatteryAction -and $env:lowBatteryAction -notlike "null") { $LowAction = $env:lowBatteryAction }
if ($env:criticalBatteryLevel -and $env:criticalBatteryLevel -notlike "null") { $CriticalLevel = $env:criticalBatteryLevel }
if ($env:lowBatteryLevel -and $env:lowBatteryLevel -notlike "null") { $LowLevel = $env:lowBatteryLevel }
if ($env:lowNotification -and $env:lowNotification -notlike "null") {
switch ($env:lowNotification) {
"Enable" { $LowNotify = $True }
"Disable" { $LowNoNotify = $True }
}
}
if ($ScreenTimeout) { [int]$ScreenTimeoutValue = [int]$ScreenTimeout * 60 }
if ($HibernateTimeout) { [int]$HibernateTimeoutValue = [int]$HibernateTimeout * 60 }
if ($SleepTimeout) { [int]$SleepTimeoutValue = [int]$SleepTimeout * 60 }
if ($DiskTimeout) { [int]$DiskTimeoutValue = [int]$DiskTimeout * 60 }
if ($CriticalLevel){ [int]$CriticalLevelValue = [int]$CriticalLevel }
if ($LowLevel){ [int]$LowLevelValue = [int]$LowLevel }
# Elevation Test
function Test-IsElevated {
$id = [System.Security.Principal.WindowsIdentity]::GetCurrent()
$p = New-Object System.Security.Principal.WindowsPrincipal($id)
$p.IsInRole([System.Security.Principal.WindowsBuiltInRole]::Administrator)
}
if (
-not $ScreenTimeout -and -not $HibernateTimeout -and -not $SleepTimeout -and -not $DiskTimeout -and -not $PowerPlan -and
-not $LidAction -and -not $AllowWakeTimers -and -not $DisableWakeTimers -and -not $EnableUSBSuspend -and
-not $DisableUSBSuspend -and -not $CriticalAction -and -not $LowAction -and -not $CriticalLevel -and
-not $LowLevel -and -not $LowNotify -and -not $LowNoNotify
) {
Write-Error -Message '[Error] No action given!'
exit 1
}
# Check for battery and whether or not the device is a laptop
if ($PSVersionTable.PSVersion.Major -lt 5) {
$BatteryCheck = @(Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Battery).Count -gt 0
$LaptopCheck = Get-WmiObject -Class win32_systemenclosure | Where-Object { $_.chassistypes -eq 9 -or $_.chassistypes -eq 10 -or $_.chassistypes -eq 14 }
}
else {
$BatteryCheck = @(Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_Battery).Count -gt 0
$LaptopCheck = Get-CimInstance -Class win32_systemenclosure | Where-Object { $_.chassistypes -eq 9 -or $_.chassistypes -eq 10 -or $_.chassistypes -eq 14 }
}
# Function to test if policy was set correctly
function Test-PowerValue {
[CmdletBinding()]
param(
[Parameter()]
[String]$GUID,
[Parameter()]
[String]$Index,
[Parameter()]
[int]$Value,
[Parameter()]
[String]$Setting
)
# LidAction shows no information so we'll issue a warning and then exit the test function.
if ($GUID -eq "SUB_BUTTONS" -and $Index -eq "5ca83367-6e45-459f-a27b-476b1d01c936") {
Write-Warning "Unable to verify LidAction via script."
break
}
# Values are stored in hex so we'll need to convert it.
$Hex = "0x" + '{0:X8}' -f $Value
$PowerQuery = powercfg.exe /QUERY SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID | Out-String
$RelevantSetting = $PowerQuery -split "Power Setting GUID:" | Where-Object { $_ -like "*$Index*" }
if (-not ($RelevantSetting)) {
Write-Warning "Unable to verify setting for $GUID $Index. This option may not exist for this machine."
break
}
# Depending on how the script was ran we'll need to verify in different ways (ex. its on a laptop or only AC was specified)
if ($AC -or -not $BatteryCheck) {
$ACQuery = $RelevantSetting -split 's{2}' | Where-Object { $_ -eq "Current AC Power Setting Index: $Hex" }
# Actual check code is really similar though (only difference is AC vs DC).
if (-not $ACQuery) {
Write-Warning "AC Value of $Hex Not Found for $GUID $Index. You may want to verify the results."
break
}
}
elseif ($DC) {
$BatteryQuery = $RelevantSetting -split 's{2}' | Where-Object { $_ -eq "Current DC Power Setting Index: $Hex" }
if (-not $BatteryQuery) {
Write-Warning "DC Value of $Hex Not Found for $GUID $Index. You may want to verify the results."
break
}
}
else {
$BatteryQuery = $RelevantSetting -split 's{2}' | Where-Object { $_ -eq "Current DC Power Setting Index: $Hex" }
if (-not $BatteryQuery) {
Write-Warning "DC Value of $Hex Not Found for $GUID $Index. You may want to verify the results."
break
}
$ACQuery = $RelevantSetting -split 's{2}' | Where-Object { $_ -eq "Current AC Power Setting Index: $Hex" }
if (-not $ACQuery) {
Write-Warning "AC Value of $Hex Not Found for $GUID $Index. You may want to verify the results."
break
}
}
Write-Host "Successfully set power setting for $Setting!"
}
function Set-PowerAction {
[CmdletBinding()]
param(
[Parameter()]
[ValidateSet("Nothing", "Sleep", "Hibernate", "ShutDown")]
[String]$Action,
[Parameter()]
[String]$GUID,
[Parameter()]
[String]$Index,
[Parameter()]
[String]$Setting
)
try {
switch ($Action) {
"Nothing" {
if ($AC -or -not $BatteryCheck) {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 0
}
elseif ($DC) {
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 0
}
else {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 0
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 0
}
Test-PowerValue $GUID $Index 0 -Setting $Setting
}
"Sleep" {
if ($AC -or -not $BatteryCheck) {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 1
}
elseif ($DC) {
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 1
}
else {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 1
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 1
}
Test-PowerValue $GUID $Index 1 -Setting $Setting
}
"Hibernate" {
if ($AC -or -not $BatteryCheck) {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 2
}
elseif ($DC) {
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 2
}
else {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 2
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 2
}
Test-PowerValue $GUID $Index 2 -Setting $Setting
}
"Shutdown" {
if ($AC -or -not $BatteryCheck) {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 3
}
elseif ($DC) {
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 3
}
else {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 3
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index 3
}
Test-PowerValue $GUID $Index 3 -Setting $Setting
}
default {
throw "$Action is not a valid action for $Setting, valid actions are Shutdown, Hibernate, Sleep and Nothing."
}
}
}
catch {
Write-Warning $_.Exception.Message
Write-Warning "Failed to set power setting for $Setting"
}
}
# The actual code required to set these values is very similar.
function Set-PowerValue {
[CmdletBinding()]
param(
[Parameter()]
[String]$Value,
[Parameter()]
[String]$GUID,
[Parameter()]
[String]$Index,
[Parameter()]
[String]$Setting
)
try {
if ($AC -or -not $BatteryCheck) {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index $Value
}
elseif ($DC) {
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index $Value
}
else {
powercfg.exe /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index $Value
powercfg.exe /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT $GUID $Index $Value
}
Test-PowerValue $GUID $Index $Value -Setting $Setting
}
catch {
Write-Warning $_.Exception.Message
Write-Warning "Failed to set power setting for $Setting"
}
}
# Before changing the power plan we should check if it exists and whether or not it is in use.
function Get-PowerPlan {
[CmdletBinding()]
param(
[Parameter()]
[Switch]$Active,
[Parameter()]
[String]$Name
)
if ($Active) {
$PowerPlan = powercfg.exe /getactivescheme
$PowerPlan = ($PowerPlan -replace "Power Scheme GUID:" -split "(?=S{8}-S{4}-S{4}-S{17})" -split '(' -replace ')') | Where-Object { $_ -ne " " }
$PowerPlan = @(
[PSCustomObject]@{
Name = $($PowerPlan | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch "S{8}-S{4}-S{4}-S{17}" })
GUID = $($PowerPlan | Where-Object { $_ -match "S{8}-S{4}-S{4}-S{17}" })
}
)
}
else {
$PowerPlan = powercfg.exe /L
$PowerPlan = $PowerPlan -replace 's{2,}', ',' -replace ' *', ',True' -replace "Existing Power Schemes (* Active)", "GUID,Name,Active" -replace "-{2,}" -replace "Power Scheme GUID: " -replace '(' -replace ')' | Where-Object { $_ } | ConvertFrom-Csv
}
if ($Name) {
$PowerPlan | Where-Object { $_.Name -like $Name }
}
else {
$PowerPlan
}
}
}
process {
# If not elevated, exit the script.
if (-not (Test-IsElevated)) {
Write-Error -Message "Access Denied. Please run with Administrator privileges."
exit 1
}
# If a power plan was specified, let the user know that this might not actually be a changeable option (depending on computer age).
if ($PowerPlan) {
Write-Warning "Devices with modern standby might only have `"Balanced`" as an option."
Write-Warning "Link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/power/power-policy-settings"
$TargetPlan = Get-PowerPlan -Name $PowerPlan
# If totally not available we're going to exit as all these settings are tied to the active power plan.
# If we're not able to set it we'll want to give an opportunity to correct the error.
if ($null -eq $TargetPlan) {
Write-Error "Your targeted Power Plan is not available."
exit 1
}
if ($TargetPlan.Active -ne $True) {
powercfg.exe /setactive $TargetPlan.GUID
}
$CurrentPlan = Get-PowerPlan -Active
if ($CurrentPlan.GUID -notlike "*$($TargetPlan.GUID)*") {
Write-Error "Failed to change power plan!"
exit 1
}
else {
Write-Host "Successfully set Power Plan!"
}
}
# We're going to run through all the various options and if requested we'll adjust them.
if ($ScreenTimeout) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_VIDEO" -Index "3c0bc021-c8a8-4e07-a973-6b14cbcb2b7e" -Value $ScreenTimeoutValue -Setting "Screen Timeout" }
if ($HibernateTimeout) {
Write-Warning "Hibernate timeout is not supported by all devices and may be ignored by the System."
Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_SLEEP" -Index "9d7815a6-7ee4-497e-8888-515a05f02364" -Value $HibernateTimeoutValue -Setting "Hibernate Timeout"
}
if ($SleepTimeout) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_SLEEP" -Index "29f6c1db-86da-48c5-9fdb-f2b67b1f44da" -Value $SleepTimeoutValue -Setting "Sleep Timeout" }
if ($DiskTimeout) {
Write-Warning "An HDD is required for this setting to display (has no effect on SSDs)."
Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_DISK" -Index "6738e2c4-e8a5-4a42-b16a-e040e769756e" -Value $DiskTimeoutValue -Setting "Disk Timeout"
}
if ($DisableUSBSuspend) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "2a737441-1930-4402-8d77-b2bebba308a3" -Index "48e6b7a6-50f5-4782-a5d4-53bb8f07e226" -Value 0 -Setting "Disable USB Auto-Suspend" }
if ($EnableUSBSuspend) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "2a737441-1930-4402-8d77-b2bebba308a3" -Index "48e6b7a6-50f5-4782-a5d4-53bb8f07e226" -Value 1 -Setting "Enable USB Auto-Suspend" }
if ($AllowWakeTimers) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_SLEEP" -Index "bd3b718a-0680-4d9d-8ab2-e1d2b4ac806d" -Value 1 -Setting "Allow Wake Timers" }
if ($DisableWakeTimers) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_SLEEP" -Index "bd3b718a-0680-4d9d-8ab2-e1d2b4ac806d" -Value 0 -Setting "Disable Wake Timers" }
# Lid Action has slightly different options than Set-PowerAction.
if ($LidAction -and $LaptopCheck) {
switch ($LidAction) {
"Nothing" { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_BUTTONS" -Index "5ca83367-6e45-459f-a27b-476b1d01c936" -Value 0 -Setting "Lid Action" }
"Sleep" { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_BUTTONS" -Index "5ca83367-6e45-459f-a27b-476b1d01c936" -Value 1 -Setting "Lid Action" }
"Shutdown" { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_BUTTONS" -Index "5ca83367-6e45-459f-a27b-476b1d01c936" -Value 3 -Setting "Lid Action" }
default {
Write-Error "Invalid PowerButton Option. Only Sleep, Nothing and Shutdown are allowed!"
exit 1
}
}
}
if ($CriticalAction) {
Set-PowerAction -GUID "SUB_BATTERY" -Index "637ea02f-bbcb-4015-8e2c-a1c7b9c0b546" -Action $CriticalAction -Setting "Critical Battery Action"
}
if ($LowAction) {
Set-PowerAction -GUID "SUB_BATTERY" -Index "d8742dcb-3e6a-4b3c-b3fe-374623cdcf06" -Action $LowAction -Setting "Low Battery Action"
}
if ($CriticalLevel) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_BATTERY" -Index "9a66d8d7-4ff7-4ef9-b5a2-5a326ca2a469" -Value $CriticalLevelValue -Setting "Critical Battery Level" }
if ($LowLevel) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_BATTERY" -Index "8183ba9a-e910-48da-8769-14ae6dc1170a" -Value $LowLevelValue -Setting "Low Battery Level" }
if ($LowNoNotify) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_BATTERY" -Index "bcded951-187b-4d05-bccc-f7e51960c258" -Value 0 -Setting "Disable Low Battery Notification" }
if ($LowNotify) { Set-PowerValue -GUID "SUB_BATTERY" -Index "bcded951-187b-4d05-bccc-f7e51960c258" -Value 1 -Setting "Enable Low Battery Notification" }
}
end {
}
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Detailed Breakdown
The script functions as a multi-purpose tool to adjust various power settings. It begins with parameter definitions, allowing users to specify values for screen timeout, hibernation, sleep timeout, disk timeout, and more. Environmental variables can be set for each parameter, providing flexibility and ease of use. The script includes a series of functions to check system capabilities, verify if a setting change was successful, and apply the changes.
For example, if an IT admin wants to change the screen timeout setting, they can pass the ScreenTimeout parameter with the desired timeout value in seconds. The script then converts this value into the appropriate format and applies it to the system using the powercfg.exe command.
This approach is replicated across various settings, such as hibernation, sleep timeout, and disk timeout. The script also allows for the configuration of power plans and USB suspend options, which are crucial for managing energy consumption and device performance.
Potential Use Cases
Imagine an MSP managing a fleet of laptops for a corporate client. They need to ensure that all devices switch to a power-saving mode after a specific period of inactivity, without manual intervention. By deploying this script, the MSP can remotely configure the sleep timeout, hibernate timeout, and even the lid action settings across all devices, ensuring uniformity and adherence to the company’s energy-saving policies.
Comparisons
Traditional methods of managing power settings often involve manual adjustments on each device or deploying group policies through Active Directory. While effective, these methods lack the granularity and ease of customization offered by the script. With this PowerShell approach, IT professionals can tailor settings to specific needs and apply them more dynamically across different groups of devices.
FAQs
- Is this script compatible with all Windows devices?
- The script supports Windows 7 and later versions. However, some settings might not be applicable to all devices due to hardware limitations.
- Can this script manage power settings on devices not connected to a network?
- The script requires network connectivity to remotely execute on a device. It’s ideal for devices within a corporate network or connected via a VPN.
- How does this script ensure changes are successfully applied?
- It includes functions to verify if the applied settings are correctly set, providing feedback on the success or failure of the operation.
Implications
While this script greatly facilitates power management, improper use can lead to unintended consequences like premature system sleep or hibernation, potentially disrupting important processes. It’s essential to test the script in a controlled environment before widespread deployment.
Recommendations
- Always backup current power settings before applying new configurations.
- Test the script on a small set of devices before a full rollout.
- Regularly update the script to accommodate new Windows updates and features.
Final Thoughts
In an era where remote management and automation are key, tools like NinjaOne have become invaluable. NinjaOne offers robust remote monitoring and management capabilities, complementing scripts like this by providing a platform for deployment, monitoring, and management of IT assets. Integrating such scripts into a broader IT management framework like NinjaOne can enhance efficiency, reduce manual workload, and contribute to a more proactive IT management strategy.
