Changing Overlay power Mode with script

Question

Hi,

I want to change the overlay power mode based on time of the day without having to go to settings -> system -> power and battery -> power mode each time.

I am not able to find which command in powercfg will change the OVERLAY power mode, all the commands seem to be applicable only to the control panel power scheme settings.

I am looking for a command that I can run from cmd or powershell to set the power mode: Balanced, Best Performance, or Best Power Efficiency

Can anyone help with this?

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi Aaron,

thanks for your suggestion.

When I run the command I get an error. it doesnt seem like the keyword OVERLAY is a valid parameter for the powercfg command and also the command powercfg /setactiveoverlay does not exist: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/powercfg-command-line-options#:~:text=Writing%20to%20PPM%20profile

have you tried these commands on an actual system? Is it possible that there is another/newer version of powercfg.exe which includes these keywords/setting?

Answer 2

Hello, MAS-1111

Welcome to the Microsoft community.

Thank you for your feedback. You can use the powercfg command combined with the GUID of the power policy override mode to switch modes via PowerShell or command prompt. Here is how to do it:

1. Confirm the GUID of Overlay mode

Windows 11 Overlay mode corresponds to the following GUIDs:

Balanced: 00000000-0000-0000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

Best Power Efficiency: 961cc777-2547-4f9d-8174-7d86181b8a7a

Best Performance: ded574b5-45a0-4f42-8737-46345c09c238

2. Modifying the Overlay Mode with Commands

Use the following command template (requires administrator privileges):

Switch to Optimal Performance:

powercfg /setacvalueindex scheme_current overlay 3b04c4cb-1a9a-493a-8143-ff9c4a94225c ded574b5-45a0-4f42-8737-46345c09c238

powercfg /setdcvalueindex scheme_current overlay 3e00f420-8d3c-4c8d-b004-7ad15a670fc7 ded574b5-45a0-4f42-8737-46345c09c238

powercfg /setactiveoverlay SCHEME_CURRENT

Toggles to optimal energy efficiency:

powercfg /setacvalueindex scheme_current overlay 3b04c4cb-1a9a-493a-8143-ff9c4a94225c 961cc777-2547-4f9d-8174-7d86181b8a7a

powercfg /setdcvalueindex scheme_current overlay 3e00f420-8d3c-4c8d-b004-7ad15a670fc7 961cc777-2547-4f9d-8174-7d86181b8a7a

powercfg /setactiveoverlay SCHEME_CURRENT

Switches to balanced mode:

powercfg /setacvalueindex scheme_current overlay 3b04c4cb-1a9a-493a-8143-ff9c4a94225c 00000000-0000-0000-0000-0000-0000000000

powercfg /setdcvalueindex scheme_current overlay 3e00f420-8d3c-4c8d-b004-7ad15a670fc7 00000000-0000-0000-0000-0000-0000000000

powercfg /setactiveoverlay SCHEME_CURRENT

2. Timed execution via task scheduler

Press Win + R and type taskschd.msc to open the Task Scheduler.

Create a new task:

Check “Run with highest privileges”.

Trigger: Set a specific time of day (e.g. 8:00 and 18:00).

Action: Select your PowerShell script path.

Verify the current power mode

powercfg /getactivescheme # View the base power scheme

powercfg /getactiveoverlay # View current Overlay mode

This method modifies the Overlay power mode directly through the registry, avoiding the need for a graphical interface. If there are permission issues, always run the script as administrator.

For scripted or deeper questions, which go beyond the support feedback from the Microsoft community, you can ask questions at Microsoft Learn, where more specialized people are available to answer your questions.

Here is a link to the forum where you can raise specific scenarios and share your idea to help solve the problem.  

Sincerely hope that your question will be dealt with appropriately after contact the correct department. Thank you for your understanding! 

I look forward to your feedback.

Best Regards,

Aaron| Microsoft Community Support Specialist