Modern Standby (S0 Low Power Idle) is a power-saving feature available in Windows 10 and Windows 11. While it allows your device to remain connected to networks and perform background tasks in a low-power state, some users may experience issues such as unwanted battery drain or delayed wake-up times. Disabling Modern Standby can help mitigate these issues, especially for those who prefer the traditional S3 sleep mode. (See our overview of all Windows power states below)
Unlike the older S3 Sleep mode, Modern Standby is an always-on, low-power mode designed to handle background activity without fully waking the system. However, many users have reported that they prefer disabling it due to performance issues or compatibility problems with certain hardware. If you're looking to disable Modern Standby on your Windows device, there are several methods available depending on your needs.
In this tutorial, we'll walk you through three ways to disable or enable Modern Standby in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you prefer using the Command Line, Registry Editor, or a REG file, we have you covered. This guide will help you take control of your system's power settings, ensuring it operates the way you want.
Before proceeding, please ensure you have administrative privileges on your device. Also, be cautious when making changes to the system registry or using command-line tools, as these can affect system behavior.
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in Windows 11 as it is in Windows 10. However, bear in mind that we'll be using screenshots from Windows 11, so your UI may look a little different.
How to Enable or Disable Modern Standby using a Command
In this method, we'll use the Windows PowerShell to modify the system registry directly by adding or deleting the appropriate values related to Modern Standby (S0 Low Power Idle). This approach is quicker than manually editing the registry and is ideal for users comfortable with command-line interfaces.
- Open Windows Terminal
Open the Windows Terminal as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Windows Terminal (Admin)“. You may also search for it in the Start menu.
- Check Power Sleep States
Before proceeding, you may want to confirm whether Modern Standby (S0 Low Power Idle) is enabled. Type the following command and press Enter:
powercfg /a
This will display a list of supported sleep states on your device. Look for “S0 Low Power Idle“.
- Delete the PlatformAoAcOverride Registry Key to enable Modern Standby
You need to delete the PlatformAoAcOverride registry key to enable Modern Standby feature. Use the following command:
reg delete "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power" /v PlatformAoAcOverride /f
- Add the PlatformAoAcOverride Key to Disable Modern Standby
If the key doesn't exist or was removed but you need to explicitly ensure Modern Standby is disabled, use this command to add the necessary registry value:
reg add HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power /v PlatformAoAcOverride /t REG_DWORD /d 0
This creates a new DWORD (32-bit) value named PlatformAoAcOverride and sets its value to “0“, which disables Modern Standby.
How to Enable or Disable Modern Standby via Regedit
This method involves editing the Windows registry to modify how the system handles Modern Standby. Be careful when making changes in the registry, as incorrect edits can impact system functionality.
- Open Registry Editor
Search for “regedit” and press Enter. This opens the Windows Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the Power Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power
- Create a New DWORD (32-bit) Value
Right-click on the right-side pane, select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value“.
- Name it “PlatformAoAcOverride”
- Modify PlatformAoAcOverride Value
Double-click the newly created “PlatformAoAcOverride” DWORD and set its value to “0” to disable Modern Standby and to “1” to enable the feature.
How to Enable or Disable Modern Standby Using a REG File
If you prefer an automated approach, using a REG file is a fast way to enable or disable Modern Standby. This method involves downloading or creating a .reg file that will apply the necessary registry changes.
- Download the REG File
Download our zipped REG Files from here and unzip them. - Double-click the REG file
This opens the corresponding REG file to enable or disable modern standby.
- Confirm the Security Warning
- Accept the Registry Changes
A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you want to merge the changes into the registry. Click “Yes” to apply the settings.
- Restart Your Computer
Restart your PC to finalize the changes and disable Modern Standby after you see this message.
Overview of All Windows ACPI Power States
In Windows 11, ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) power states are fundamental for managing the balance between power consumption and system performance. These power states control how the entire system, as well as individual components like the CPU and network adapters, enter various levels of power-saving modes when idle or during user inactivity. By understanding these states, users can optimize their system's energy efficiency, particularly when using laptops or other mobile devices.
Windows 11 supports several ACPI global power states, which include the well-known sleep states like S0 (Active), S3 (Sleep), and the newer S0 Low Power Idle state (also called Modern Standby). Let's dive deeper into how these power states function specifically in Windows 11.
Gx States in Windows 11
The Gx states are global power states that define the overall energy consumption and operational mode of the system:
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G0 (S0 – Active State): When the system is in G0/S0, all components are fully powered, and the device is fully operational. In this state, your Windows 11 system is running normally, performing tasks, and providing maximum performance.
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G1 (Sleeping States): Windows 11 supports several G1 sub-states that allow the system to enter various sleep modes:
- S0 Low Power Idle (Modern Standby): This state is unique to Windows 10 and Windows 11, offering a more advanced and connected sleep mode. When in S0 Low Power Idle, the system remains in a low-power state while staying connected to the network for tasks like downloading emails, syncing notifications, and updating apps. Devices can wake up almost instantly from this state, providing a fast “resume from sleep” experience.
- S3 (Suspend to RAM or Sleep): In this traditional sleep state, most components are powered down except for the RAM, which stores the system's current state. Windows 11 systems that do not support Modern Standby will typically use S3 for sleep. Waking from S3 is fast but takes slightly longer than S0 Low Power Idle.
- S4 (Hibernate): Hibernate (S4) involves writing the contents of RAM to the hard disk (hiberfile.sys) and fully powering down the system. When you restart the computer, the previous session is restored from the hibernation file, but this process takes longer than waking from S0 or S3.
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G2 (Soft Off): This state occurs when the system is turned off, but certain components, such as the network card, remain powered for wake-on-LAN or other wake-up signals. Windows 11 supports G2 as a soft shutdown state, where the system is ready to power on quickly if triggered by an external event.
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G3 (Mechanical Off): In G3, the system is completely powered down, with no components receiving power. This state is the equivalent of physically disconnecting the power source, and the device must be manually restarted from this state.
Modern Standby (S0 Low Power Idle) in Windows 11
S0 Low Power Idle, or Modern Standby, is a new power state introduced in Windows 10 and fully integrated into Windows 11. It is an evolution of the traditional S3 Sleep state, allowing devices to remain connected to the network and continue performing background tasks like syncing notifications or downloading updates while consuming minimal power.
In S0 Low Power Idle:
- Connected Standby: The system stays connected to the internet, allowing apps like email clients, social media platforms, or messaging services to receive updates while the device is idle.
- Disconnected Standby: The system enters a deeper power-saving mode by cutting off network access, but it can still resume quickly.
This state provides a smartphone-like experience for laptops and tablets, enabling quick wake times while maintaining network activity. However, users may choose to disable Modern Standby if they experience unwanted battery drain or other performance issues, preferring the more traditional S3 Sleep instead.
Cx and Dx States in Windows 11
In addition to global power states, Windows 11 uses Cx and Dx states to manage power consumption for specific components:
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Cx (CPU Power States): These states determine the power level of the CPU while it's idle. The CPU can enter:
- C0 (Operational): The CPU is fully active, executing tasks as needed.
- C1 (Halt): The CPU is idle but can immediately resume activity. This is the shallowest idle state.
- C2/C3 (Sleep): In C3, the CPU shuts down most internal components, further reducing power consumption but taking longer to return to an active state.
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Dx (Device Power States): These states manage the power of individual hardware devices such as the GPU, network adapters, and storage drives. Devices in D0 are fully operational, while those in D3 are powered down and inactive.
Related: How to Enable or Disable Hibernate in Windows 11
Hibernate mode in Windows 11 allows users to save their current session and power down their PC without losing any open files or applications. This feature can be useful if you are stepping away for a long period and don't want to use battery power, especially on laptops. However, by default, the Hibernate option may not appear in the power menu. In our other guide, we show you how to enable or disable Hibernate in Windows 11 and explain why hibernate is disabled in windows 11 by default.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Modern Standby
What is Modern Standby in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Modern Standby, referred to as S0 Low Power Idle, is an enhanced sleep state allowing devices like laptops and tablets to stay connected and responsive to network requests while conserving energy. It provides a seamless user experience by maintaining email synchronization and allowing wake notifications, similar to the sleep mode on smartphones.
What should I do if Modern Standby is causing excessive battery drain?
If Modern Standby is leading to significant battery drainage, consider disabling it using PowerShell or Registry Editor as explained in the tutorial. Afterwards, monitor your device's battery life over several days to assess any improvements. Adjusting other power settings, like screen brightness or auto-off timers, can also help optimize battery usage.
What are the differences between Modern Standby and the traditional S3 sleep mode?
Modern Standby (S0 Low Power Idle) keeps your system in a light sleep mode, maintaining network connectivity and background activity, which results in faster wake-up times but potentially higher power use compared to S3. In contrast, S3, or Suspend to RAM, powers down more components and conserves more power, but has slower wake times since it cuts off most activities except those needed to maintain RAM state.
Are there any tools that can help manage power states more effectively?
Windows includes the Powercfg command-line tool that provides extensive power management capabilities, including the ability to enable or disable specific sleep states, analyze energy use, and create energy reports. Users can access this tool via the Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator, providing a robust environment for diagnosing and optimizing power settings.
Can adjusting Modern Standby settings impact system performance?
Changes to Modern Standby settings can have impacts on how quickly your device wakes from sleep and how it manages tasks while in sleep mode. Reducing the device's readiness by disabling Modern Standby may save battery life but could result in slower response times when resuming from sleep or receiving notifications.
What are Windows ACPI Power States?
ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) defines several power states that control how the operating system and hardware interact to manage power. These range from G0 (the fully on state) to G3 (mechanically off). Each state is designed to balance system performance and power usage, with detailed levels managing everything from CPU function to peripheral device power.
What precautions should I take before editing the Windows Registry?
Before making any changes to the registry, it's crucial to back up the current state either through the System Restore function or by exporting the keys that will be modified. This precaution allows you to restore the original settings if an error occurs. Additionally, ensure that you follow instructions precisely and understand each step's purpose to avoid unintended system alterations.
Will changes to Modern Standby settings affect all user profiles on my device?
Yes, changes to Modern Standby settings are applied system-wide, impacting all user accounts. It's important for administrators or multi-user device owners to consider the needs and preferences of all users before modifying such settings.
How do I ensure Modern Standby is properly enabled after being disabled?
To re-enable Modern Standby, delete the PlatformAoAcOverride registry key using the recommended PowerShell commands from the tutorial. Afterward, verify further by using powercfg /a to ensure the “S0 Low Power Idle” state is listed among the available sleep states. This can confirm that the device is properly configured to enter Modern Standby.
How can disabling Modern Standby improve my device's battery life?
Disabling Modern Standby reduces background activities that occur during sleep, such as checking for new emails or maintaining network connectivity, which can extend battery life during periods of inactivity. It is particularly effective for users who do not require immediate updates from apps or services while their device is asleep.
Can I enable Modern Standby temporarily while traveling?
Yes, Modern Standby can be temporarily enabled or disabled depending on your needs. For short periods like travel, enabling Modern Standby may be advantageous for staying connected. You can adjust the settings as needed through the methods described previously, with the ability to revert once the situation changes.
What happens if I incorrectly modify the registry while changing Modern Standby settings?
Incorrect modifications to the registry can lead to system instability, boot failures, or worse. It is imperative to follow detailed instructions precisely and double-check each value entered. If an error occurs, revert to the backed-up registry settings to restore functionality.
How often should I adjust Modern Standby settings?
Adjusting Modern Standby should typically be done based on changes in device usage patterns or if problems occur with power management. It's not necessary to modify these settings frequently; instead, assess them periodically or when you notice changes in device behavior regarding battery life and responsiveness.
Is there a way to configure Modern Standby settings on multiple machines efficiently?
For enterprise environments or multiple devices, using Group Policy, centralized power management solutions, or scripting through PowerShell can be effective. These methods allow administrators to deploy consistent settings across numerous machines, ensuring all users have optimal configurations without needing to adjust each machine individually.
What immediate actions should I take if disabling Modern Standby does not resolve my issues?
If problems persist after disabling Modern Standby, check for other issues that might be affecting power management, such as outdated drivers, system errors, or misconfigured settings. Utilizing the built-in Windows Troubleshooter for power systems or consulting technical support can provide further diagnostics and solutions tailored to your specific hardware and software configuration.
Related: How to Disable Windows Fast Startup (Hiberboot, Hybrid Boot, Hybrid Shutdown)
Windows's fast startup sounds very attractive on paper. Though SSD's are practically mainstream, faster boot times are always better, right? Unfortunately, it's not quite as simple as that. Though Windows fast startup has many benefits, it can also lead to dual-boot annoyances, Wake-On-LAN issues, and problems updating Windows or accessing BIOS. This can ultimately lead to users wondering how to turn it off. In our other guide, we show you how to disable Windows Fast Startup.
Related: How to Check for Laptop Battery Life Issues with the Powercfg Energy Report
Windows generally does a great job managing various applications and services to provide stable battery life. At times, though you may experience sudden battery drains, at which point a powercfg energy report is your best friend. In our other guide, we show you how to check battery life issues with a powercfg energy report, as well as how to review its output.
Related: How to Check Battery Health with the Powercfg Battery Report
Battery life has become an important factor for Windows users who want their laptops to be more portable than ever. Getting the most your battery is important, so you may need to check your battery life in Windows 10 or Windows 11. In our other guide, we show you how to check battery life using the Powercfg battery report.
