There are several reasons why your Windows laptop may be slower when unplugged:
- Power management settings: Windows laptops are typically configured to reduce performance when running on battery power to conserve energy. This is a normal and intentional feature .
- CPU throttling: When unplugged, the CPU may be throttled to lower clock speeds to save battery life .
- GPU performance reduction: Dedicated graphics cards often reduce performance on battery power to conserve energy .
- Background processes: Some power-hungry background processes may be automatically limited when on battery power .
- Display brightness: The screen may automatically dim to save power, which can make the system feel less responsive .
To improve performance when unplugged:
- Adjust power settings: Go to Windows Settings > System > Power & battery and select a higher performance power mode .
- Check NVIDIA Control Panel: If you have an NVIDIA GPU, adjust settings to prefer maximum performance .
- Update drivers and BIOS: Ensure all drivers and BIOS are up to date .
- Run power troubleshooter: Use Windows’ built-in power troubleshooter to identify and fix issues .
- Check for overheating: Ensure your laptop isn’t throttling due to heat issues .
- Consider battery health: If the issue is recent, your battery may be degrading and unable to supply sufficient power .
Keep in mind that some performance reduction on battery power is normal and helps extend battery life. For best performance, it’s recommended to keep your laptop plugged in when possible, especially for demanding tasks like gaming