Changing Power Options on Windows Machines

Overview

When working on a machine, it will sometimes timeout / lock the screen after a certain amount of time. This is due to the Power Plan settings to help manage the machines battery life. This Power Plan setting can be changed to allow you more time before the machine locks itself. This article will walk you through changing the Power Plan. 

NOTE:  This will not override the 15 minute lockout implemented on RPI managed computers for complying with data privacy regulations.  But if your computer is locking before 15 minutes this should resolve that issue.

Procedures

1. Go to the search bar at the bottom of your screen -> Type Control Panel - The below icon should appear.

[Control Panel Icon]

2. Open the Control Panel -> Select System and Security -> Select Change when the computer sleeps under Power Options

[System and Security Icon in Control Panel Menu]

[Power Options Menu in System and Security Menu]

3. There you will be able to change the power plan. You can now select how long you want the machine to stay on before shutting off the display or putting the computer to sleep.   Again note for RPI managed machines these should be set to no more than 15 minutes.

[Edit Power Plan menu]

4.  Reboot your machine.

References

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Last Reviewed:   14-Feb-2025