Using the battery meter

The battery meter is located in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The battery meter allows you to quickly access power settings, view remaining battery charge, and select a different power plan.

●To display the percentage of remaining battery charge and the current power plan, move the pointer over the battery meter icon.

●To access Power Options or to change the power plan, click the battery meter icon and select an item from the list.

Different battery meter icons indicate whether the computer is running on battery or external power. The icon also displays a message if the battery has reached a low battery level, critical battery level, or reserve battery level.

To hide or display the battery meter icon:

1.Right-click the Show hidden icons icon (the arrow at the left side of the notification area).

2.Click Customize notification icons.

3.Under Behaviors, select Show icons and notifications for the Power icon.

4.Click OK.

Using power plans

A power plan is a collection of system settings that manages how the computer uses power. Power plans can help you conserve power or maximize performance.

You can change power plan settings or create your own power plan.

Viewing the current power plan

▲Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

– or –

Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.

Selecting a different power plan

▲Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, and then select a power plan from the list.

– or –

Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options, and then select a power plan from the list.

Customizing power plans

1.Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options.

– or –

Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.

2.Select a power plan, and then click Change plan settings.

48 Chapter 5 Power management