Fix: ‘System Cooling Policy Missing in Power Options’ issue

Many people want to know how to Fix ‘System Cooling Policy Missing in Power Options’ issue. Windows has a setting called System Cooling Policy that gives the user control over how the system manages cooling when it is working hard. System Cooling Policy can be used to lower computer noise levels or to prolong the life of components by reducing stress on cooling systems. Others use it to conserve energy. Due to a number of factors, including a setting change made by another program or a Windows update, the System Cooling Policy setting may not be present in Windows’ Power Options. It may also not be enabled by default.

Typically, the Power Options menu is where you can locate and modify the system cooling policy. But if you discover that it’s gone, you can fix it with PowerShell or a straightforward registry change. By modifying the registry or using a command prompt, users can add the System Cooling Policy setting in Windows. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that incorrect registry editing can be dangerous, so it is advised to create a backup of the registry before making any changes. Here we mentioned below are the ways how to Fix ‘System Cooling Policy Missing in Power Options’ issue.

What is System Cooling Policy?

Windows’ System Cooling Policy offers the chance to either improve battery life by lowering system power consumption or improve overall hardware performance by maintaining the device in an ideal thermal zone. As a result, the fan speed is modified by the System Cooling Policy to control the CPU temperature. It’s advised to strike a balance between power and performance whether you’re using a desktop PC or laptop.

System Cooling Policy, which offers two useful configuration modes: Active and Passive, makes it simple to accomplish this. Let’s use the computer’s CPU as an example, which is the part that gets hot the most. There are minimum, ideal, and maximum operating temperature requirements for each CPU. Your CPU could be harmed if you exceed these limits.

Therefore, for your system to operate at its best, processor power management is crucial. The maximum operating temperature range for contemporary Intel CPUs is close to 100°C. The ideal temperature range is below 80°C. Windows will automatically activate its system cooling policy if your processor temperature rises above 80°C.

Why is the System Cooling Policy missing?

1. Unsupported Hardware: On some outdated or low-end hardware configurations, the System Cooling Policy feature might not be accessible. It depends on the motherboard, BIOS/UEFI, and cooling system of your computer.
2. Power Plan: Depending on the power plan you have chosen, different power options, such as the System Cooling Policy, may or may not be available. Verify that the power plan you are using supports this feature.
3. Problems with drivers or firmware: Occasionally, out-of-date or incompatible device drivers or firmware can cause power options to be absent or hidden. Make sure the drivers and firmware for the various parts of your computer are up to date.
4. BIOS/UEFI Settings: The BIOS/UEFI of the computer may be used to change some system settings, including those that have to do with power. Check the BIOS/UEFI to see if there are any relevant settings that could enable or disable the System Cooling Policy feature.
5. System administrators or particular software: may occasionally modify or impose access restrictions on power options using Group Policy or registry settings. Check to see if any such policies are in place if you are using a managed system.
6. Windows Version: The power options that are offered may differ between different Windows versions. Verify that the Windows version you’re using has the System Cooling Policy feature available.

Fix: ‘System Cooling Policy Missing in Power Options’ issue

Run Power Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters for various issues. Running the Power Troubleshooter might identify and automatically fix the problem. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Go to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot” from the left sidebar.
3. Scroll down and click on “Power” under “Find and fix other problems.”
4. Click on “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Modify Registry Settings

If the issue persists, you can try modifying the Windows Registry. This step should only be attempted by experienced users, as incorrect changes to the registry can cause serious problems. Here’s how:

1. Press “Windows + R” to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings
4. In the right pane, double-click on the “Attributes” DWORD value.
5. Change the value data from “1” to “2” and click “OK.”
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Reset Power Plans to Default

In some cases, custom power plans or settings may cause conflicts. You can reset the power plans to their default settings:

1. Open the Power Options window by right-clicking on the battery icon in the taskbar and selecting “Power Options.”
2. Click on “Change plan settings” next to the active power plan.
3. Click on “Restore default settings” for this plan.
4. Repeat this process for all power plans you have.

Perform a System File Check

Corrupted system files can also lead to issues with Power Options. You can run a System File Check to repair any corrupted files:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   • bash
   • sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the process to complete, and restart your computer.

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