PowerCfg – Windows IoT Management

Overview

powercfg is a command‑line utility available on Windows IoT devices that allows developers and administrators to manage power settings, query system sleep states, and configure energy‑saving policies.

Syntax

powercfg [-list | -devicequery querytype] 
       [-query | -setacvalueindex scheme_sub_GUID setting_GUID value] 
       [-setdcvalueindex scheme_sub_GUID setting_GUID value] 
       [-change -monitor-timeout-ac xx] 
       [-change -monitor-timeout-dc xx] 
       ... (other options)

Examples

1. List all power schemes

powercfg -list

2. Show the current scheme

powercfg -getactivescheme

3. Set monitor timeout to 5 minutes when on AC power

powercfg -change -monitor-timeout-ac 5

4. Query device power capabilities

powercfg -devicequery wake_armed

Notes & Best Practices

Run powercfg with elevated privileges to modify system settings.
Changes made via powercfg are persisted across reboots.
Use -export and -import to backup and restore power schemes.
On IoT devices with limited battery, consider aggressive -monitor-timeout-dc values.