15 Ways to Restore Missing Default Power Plans on Windows 11 24H2

“Power plans” is designed to let you manage system performance and take control of the battery life by tweaking the hardware and software settings on Windows 11. Both in terms of implementation and efficiency, it’s a notable addition to Windows. However, at times, the default power plans such as the Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance tend to disappear due to a number of factors (more on this later), leaving you scratching your head wondering what has gone so wrong – all of a sudden. But there is no need to lose sleep over it as I have gone into the details to dig out the 15 most effective ways to restore missing default power plans on Windows 11. Keep reading to…

How to Restore Missing Default Power Plans on Windows 11 Like a Pro

So, what causes the default power plans to disappear on Windows? Bear in mind that this issue crops up due to a number of culprits including –

  • System update issues
  • Corrupted power settings
  • Registry misconfiguration
  • Group Policy restrictions
  • BIOS/UEFI settings change
  • Faulty power service
  • Outdated system drivers
  • Third-party software conflicts
  • Disabled power options
  • System file corruption
15 Ways to Restore Missing Default Power Plans on Windows 11 24H2

Whether you are unable to find the default power plans or they appear to be in complete chaos, viable solutions through the built-in Windows tools, command-line fixes, and advanced troubleshooting methods, you can restore everything back to the default state. If you are concerned about losing any pivotal data, let go of this fear as these tips are thoroughly tested and do not harm any of your media and data. With that in mind, let’s get on with the troubleshooting guide!

1. Ensure Power Service is Running

It’s important to reiterate that the “Power service” allows you to manage power settings on your Windows device. Hence, if it’s inactive, power plans may not show up in the system. Restarting the service will let you restore its full functionality.

  • To get going, you need to launch the Run (Win + R) dialog > type services.msc, and press Enter.
  • After that, head over to Power in the list and double-click it.
  • Then, you have to set the Startup type to Automatic, click Start, and then click OK.
  • Finally, make sure to restart your PC to force the power service to get into action and start running right away.

2. Check Group Policy Settings

It’s worth pointing out upfront that on enterprise or managed devices, administrators have the flexibility to enforce restrictions that entirely deactivate the power plans. Therefore, I would recommend you check and adjust the Group Policy settings.

  • To begin with, fire up the Local Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in Run (Win + R).
  • After that, head over to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management.
  • Now, make sure that no policies are set to block access to power plans.

3. Modify Registry Settings

Be warned that the ill-configured registry settings may cause power plans to disappear. But fret not, tweaking a specific key in the Windows Registry can let you bring them back to life.

  • Open Registry Editor via Win + R, then type regedit and press Enter.
  • Head over to:mathematicaCopyEditHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power
  • Double-click CsEnabled, set its value to 0, and restart your PC.

4. Check Power Plan Settings in BIOS

On Windows 11, BIOS settings enable you to fine-tune a number of power management features. Since the botched-up configurations can disable certain power plans, I would suggest you adjust BIOS settings to restore missing options.

  • To get going, restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc).
  • Look for Power Management Settings and make sure all power-related features are enabled.
  • In the end, be sure to save your changes and exit.

5. Enable High-Performance Plan via Command Prompt

Note that certain power plans may be concealed or out of sight by default. This is where a pretty neat Command Prompt command comes in handy in restoring and activating them.

  • Fire up the Command Prompt as Administrator on your PC.
  • Run the below-mention command to enable the High-Performance plan:
powercfg -duplicatescheme 8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c
  • Now, find out if the plan is now available in Power Options.

6. Update Windows

As we all know that Windows updates often fix system issues, updating the software will likely resolve the issue and ensure all necessary configurations are restored.

  • Open Settings app via Win + I on your PC > go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
  • After that, go ahead to install any available updates and reboot your PC.
update software on Windows computer

7. Reset the Power Configuration

Keep a close eye on the unwarranted modifications in power settings or the out-of-the-blue conflicts with software as they lead to missing plans. In this situation, resetting the power configuration becomes the need of the hour for restoring the Windows’ default power schemes.

  • On your Windows 11 device, oen Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Now, run the below mentioned command:
powercfg -restoredefaultschemes
  • Do not forget to restart the PC to apply the changes.

8. Run the Power Troubleshooter

The built-in Power Troubleshooter is blessed with the amazing ability to detect and fix power-related issues on Windows 11. So, if power plans are missing due to system misconfigurations, it can let you restore them to the default state by scanning for errors and applying the needed fixes like a pro.

  • Just launch the Settings app on your PC.
  • Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Find the Power option and hit the Run button right next to it > Go through the instructions to apply any recommended fixes.

9. Restore Power Plans via Command Prompt

In some rare cases, the power plans might get corrupted or even be completely wiped out owing to faulty system updates or conflicting third-party software. You can restore your missing power plans via this exceptionally efficient command prompt on your Winows PC.

  • Dive into your Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Input the following command and press Enter:
powercfg -restoredefaultschemes
  • Restart your PC and figure out if the default power plans are back.

10. Use System Restore

Did you know that the system changes such as the Windows updates or software installations, can affect power plans on your PC? So, try restoring the system to an earlier state in order to bring back missing settings without harming any of your personal files.

  • Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
  • Now, choose the desired restore point before the issue came into being and follow the prompts.
  • Restart your PC once the process has been completed successfully.
System restore on Windows 11

11. Manually Create a New Power Plan

For times a when default power plans have disappeared or gone into hiding suddenly, creating a new custom plan can act as an alternative, thereby bringing to life the fully personalized settings.

  • Launch the Control Panel > System and Security > Navigate to Power Options.
System and security in Control Panel
  • Click Create a power plan.
  • Next up, slect High performance, Balanced, or Power saver, name the plan, and click Next.
  • Now, go ahead to fully customize your settings and click Create.

12. Reset Windows Power Options

Windows 11 offers a straightforward way to reset all power settings ensuring any accidental modifications or corrupt configurations are reverted to default – without any hassle at all.

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator on your Windows device.
  • Type the following command > press enter and then reboot your PC.
powercfg -reset

13. Perform a Repair Install of Windows 11

Should the issue still persist, it would be a good idea to perform a repair install in order to reinstall Windows while keeping files and applications intact. Hopefully, it will restore any missing system components, including power plans.

  • To do so, you have to first download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s website.
  • Run the Setup.exe file and select Keep personal files and apps.
  • Then, follow the official instructions to complete the repair installation.

14. Run an SFC and DISM Scan

Beware that the system file corruption can also cause the power plans to go out of sight. Running the SFC and DISM scans can let you detect and repair any corrupted files.

  • On your PC, trigger the Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run the command:
sfc /scannow
  • If the problem continues to haunt your device, run the following command and reboot your PC once the scan completes –
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

15. Reinstall Power Management Drivers

Never overlook the faulty or outdated power management drivers as they could prevent power plans from showing up. Reinstalling the drivers resolves such conflicts.

  • Open Device Manager via Win + X keyboard shortcut > Expand Batteries and choose System devices.
  • Right-click Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery, then click Uninstall device.
  • Then, restart your Windows 11 device to let it reinstall the drivers automatically.

Wrapping up…

And that’s about it! I hope your missing power plans have returned to life and all the lingering confusion, as well as chaos, has faded away – for good. Now, feel free to share your invaluable feedback and the tips that have helped you restore your personalized Windows 11 power plans.

Posted by
Rajesh Mishra

Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Mishra is a Shakespearean poet at heart who turned a tech nerd while having a secret rendezvous with iPhone 4. When that rendezvous turned obsession, he let go of his hard-core political journalism in favour of the lifelong love-affair with technology. In a career spanning one and a half decades, Mr. Mishra has crafted over 8K articles and produced more than 3K videos for YouTube. When he is not at his desk, you may find him either engrossed in a Deathmatch or chasing Wordsworth!

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