Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling Modern Standby (S0) on Windows

Key Notes

  • You can disable Modern Standby through Command Prompt or Registry Editor.
  • Modern Standby is designed for energy efficiency, but some users may prefer the legacy mode.
  • Re-enabling Modern Standby requires a different command or registry action.

Essential Guide to Disabling Modern Standby on Windows 10 and 11

Modern Standby is a convenient power-saving feature for Windows devices that enhances battery performance and responsiveness. However, some users may encounter issues with this mode, prompting them to disable it. This comprehensive guide will outline the necessary steps to deactivate Modern Standby on both Windows 10 and 11, allowing for greater control over your system’s performance and energy usage.

Deactivate Modern Standby on Windows 11 or 10 via Command Prompt

To disable Modern Standby (S0) using the Command Prompt on Windows 11 or 10, follow these steps:

  1. Click on Start.

  2. Type Command Prompt into the search field, right-click on the top result, and select Run as administrator.

  3. (Optional) To verify your current sleep states, execute the following command by pressing Enter :

    powercfg /a

  4. Look for a message labeled “Standby (S0 Lower Power Idle) Network Connected/Disconnected” to confirm that Modern Standby is currently active.

  5. To disable Modern Standby, enter the following command and press Enter :

    reg add HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power /v PlatformAoAcOverride /t REG_DWORD /d 0

  6. Restart your device for the changes to take effect.

Upon completing these steps, the Modern Standby feature (S0) will be turned off.

If you wish to reactivate Modern Standby, you can perform the same steps, but instead of the command above, use this one: reg delete "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power" /v PlatformAoAcOverride /f and restart your computer.

Deactivate Modern Standby on Windows 11 or 10 through Registry Editor

Follow these steps to disable Modern Standby (S0) via the Registry:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for regedit, then click on the top result to launch the Registry Editor.

  3. Navigate to this path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power

  4. Right-click on the Power key, select New, and choose “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.

  5. Set the name of the new DWORD to PlatformAoAcOverride and press Enter.

  6. Right-click on the created DWORD and select Modify.

  7. Change its value to 0, then click OK.

  8. Restart your device to apply the changes.

Following these actions will prevent the system from utilizing Modern Standby.

To revert this change, you can follow the same process and on step 4, simply right-click the “PlatformAoAcOverride” DWORD and select “Delete”.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure to back up your registry before making changes to avoid system issues.
  • If you’re unsure about using the Command Prompt or Registry Editor, consider seeking assistance from a tech-savvy friend or a professional.
  • After making changes, keep an eye on your device’s performance to ensure it meets your expectations post-modification.

Summary

This guide highlighted the methods to disable Modern Standby on Windows 10 and 11 through both Command Prompt and Registry Editor. By following the outlined steps, users can effectively manage their device’s power settings according to their preferences.

Conclusion

Disabling Modern Standby can be a beneficial step for users experiencing issues related to battery life or performance. Whether using Command Prompt or the Registry Editor, the outlined processes are simple and effective. Remember that you can always re-enable this feature should your needs change in the future.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Modern Standby and why would I want to disable it?

Modern Standby is an energy-saving feature that allows for quick wake-ups while maintaining connectivity. Users might want to disable it due to compatibility issues or performance problems.

Will disabling Modern Standby affect my laptop’s battery life?

Yes, disabling Modern Standby may lead to reduced battery life as the device might revert to less efficient power management.