How to optimize battery life for video quality on Windows 10

When you want the absolute best video experience running on battery, then use these steps on Windows 10.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
By (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 21 years of experience.
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Optimize battery for video quality on Windows 10
Optimize battery for video quality on Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can customize the battery settings on your laptop or tablet to optimize battery or quality during video playback.

If you don’t change the settings, Windows 10 will automatically optimize your device for battery life by playing HDR (High Dynamic Range) videos in SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) when your laptop or tablet is not plugged in. However, if your device isn’t plugged in, and you still want the best video quality possible, the Settings app includes an option to customize the experience.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to allow Windows 10 to use the best video quality when playing HDR content on your computer.

How to change battery settings for video quality using Settings

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click on Battery.

  4. Under “Move saving options,” use the drop-down menu and select Optimize for video quality.

    Optimize for video quality settings
    Optimize for video quality settings

If you have an HDR display, the next time you play a movie or video running on battery, Windows 10 will optimize the experience for the best viewing experience, instead of conserving battery life.

Starting with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, this option has been moved to the new Video playback page under Settings > Apps > Video playback, where you’ll also find additional settings to lower video resolution to save battery life.

Video playback settings Windows 10 version 1709
Video playback settings Windows 10 version 1709

How to change battery settings for video quality using Control Panel

In the case you’re running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update or an earlier version, you can customize this option in Control panel.

  1. Open Control Panel.

  2. Click on System and Security.

  3. Click on Power Options.

  4. Click the Change plan settings for the active power plan link.

  5. Click the Change advanced power settings link.

  6. Double-click Multimedia settings.

  7. Double-click Video playback quality bias.

  8. Under “On battery,” select the Video playback performance bias. option.

    Power Options Control Panel
    Power Options Control Panel

  9. Click Apply.

  10. Click OK.

Once you’ve completed the steps, Windows 10 will play HDR videos and movies at the best performance possible.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].