Power Saver

4 min read Updated Sep 23, 2026

Introduction

GuacamoleID's Power Saver feature helps optimize battery life on laptops while maintaining security. The application can reduce its resource usage during periods of inactivity, extending your battery life without compromising protection.

Power Saver Modes

GuacamoleID offers several power saving modes to match your usage patterns:

Disabled

Power saving features are turned off. GuacamoleID runs at full capacity at all times. - Best for: Desktop computers, always-plugged-in laptops

Balanced Mode

A moderate approach that reduces resource usage during inactivity while maintaining quick response times. - Best for: General laptop use, mixed work environments

Eco Mode

Aggressive power saving that significantly reduces CPU and camera usage. - Best for: Maximum battery life, travel, working on battery

Lock Mode

Automatically locks the computer during extended inactivity periods. - Best for: Security-focused users, shared workspaces

Custom Mode

Create your own power saving configuration with specific settings. - Best for: Users with specific requirements

Configuring Power Saver

  1. Go to Settings > Power Saver
  2. Select your preferred Power Saver Mode
  3. Configure additional options as needed
  4. Changes take effect immediately

Inactivity Settings

AC Power (Plugged In)

Configure behavior when connected to power:

Timeout Description
2 minutes Quick power saving activation
5 minutes Short delay before saving
10 minutes Moderate delay
15-30 minutes Standard office settings
45-60 minutes Extended use without intervention

DC Power (Battery)

Configure behavior when running on battery:

Generally, shorter timeouts are recommended when on battery to maximize battery life.

Power Saving Actions

When the inactivity timeout is reached, GuacamoleID can perform these actions:

Dim Screen

Reduces screen brightness to save power while keeping the system accessible. - Immediate recovery when activity detected - No authentication required to resume - Saves moderate power

Turn Off Screen

Completely turns off the display for maximum power savings. - Requires any input to wake - Face recognition activates upon wake - Saves significant power

Turn Off AI and Cameras

The most aggressive power saving option - temporarily disables the AI engine and camera. - Significant battery savings - Requires brief restart of recognition upon wake - Best for extended idle periods

Power Saver Behavior

When Power Saver Activates

  1. GuacamoleID detects no user activity
  2. The configured timeout period elapses
  3. The selected action is performed (dim, off, etc.)
  4. System enters low-power state

When Activity Resumes

  1. User provides input (keyboard, mouse, or presence)
  2. GuacamoleID reactivates full functionality
  3. Face recognition verifies user identity
  4. Normal operation resumes

Battery Optimization Tips

For Maximum Battery Life

  1. Use Eco Mode when on battery
  2. Set short inactivity timeouts (2-5 minutes)
  3. Enable Turn Off AI and Cameras
  4. Reduce camera resolution in settings

For Balanced Usage

  1. Use Balanced Mode
  2. Set moderate timeouts (10-15 minutes)
  3. Enable Dim Screen action
  4. Keep standard camera settings

For Maximum Security

  1. Use Lock Mode
  2. Set short timeouts (2-5 minutes)
  3. Keep AI always active
  4. Enable anti-spoofing features

Automatic Power Detection

GuacamoleID automatically detects when your laptop switches between AC and battery power:

  • Plugged In: Uses your AC power settings
  • On Battery: Automatically switches to DC power settings

This ensures optimal power management without manual intervention.

Custom Mode Configuration

Create a personalized power saving configuration:

  1. Select Custom Mode from the Power Saver dropdown
  2. Configure individual settings:
  3. Inactivity timeout for AC and DC
  4. Action on inactivity
  5. AI and camera behavior
  6. Save your custom configuration

Example Custom Configurations

Mobile Worker - AC: 15 minutes, Dim Screen - DC: 5 minutes, Turn Off Screen, Turn Off AI

Security Professional - AC: 5 minutes, Dim Screen - DC: 2 minutes, Lock Mode

Home User - AC: 30 minutes, Dim Screen - DC: 10 minutes, Dim Screen

Intel WiFi Sensing Integration

If your device supports Intel WiFi Sensing, GuacamoleID can use it for presence detection:

  • Detects user presence without camera
  • Saves power by not using camera for presence checks
  • Camera activates only for face recognition

To enable: 1. Go to Settings > Intel Settings 2. Enable WiFi Sensing 3. Configure sensitivity as needed

Troubleshooting

Power Saver Not Activating

  • Verify Power Saver mode is enabled
  • Check the inactivity timeout settings
  • Ensure you're actually idle (no mouse/keyboard activity)

Battery Draining Quickly

  • Enable more aggressive power saving (Eco Mode)
  • Reduce camera resolution
  • Enable "Turn Off AI and Cameras" option
  • Check for other applications using high CPU

System Won't Wake Properly

  • Try pressing a key or moving the mouse
  • Check that GuacamoleID is running
  • Verify camera is functioning after wake
  • Restart GuacamoleID if necessary

Power Settings Not Switching with AC/DC

  • Check Windows power settings
  • Ensure GuacamoleID has permission to detect power state
  • Try restarting the application after changing power source