Power Plan options not available/customizable

[Rohitasva]

My HP Omen 16 (BIOS F.29, purchased July 2025) used to automatically switch to 165Hz when plugged in. After a recent update, it stopped doing that. I fixed it by switching to discrete graphics, but now I can’t activate the Ultimate Performance power plan—even though it shows up in powercfg. I suspect Modern Standby is blocking legacy power plans. Can you confirm if S3 sleep is permanently disabled in firmware, and whether there’s a BIOS version that restores full power plan control?

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @Rohitasva,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand that after a recent update on your Omen 16 (BIOS F.29), the laptop no longer auto-switches to 165Hz when plugged in. You managed to restore refresh rate switching by enabling discrete graphics, but now the Ultimate Performance plan can’t be activated even though it appears in powercfg. You’re also asking whether Modern Standby is blocking S3 sleep and if there’s a BIOS version that restores legacy power plans.

Modern Standby vs. Legacy (S3) Sleep:

Newer HP Omen laptops, including the 2025 models, ship with Modern Standby (S0ix) enabled in firmware.

On these systems, S3 sleep is permanently disabled in BIOS and cannot be re-enabled. That’s why legacy power plans (like Ultimate Performance) may not function as expected.

Why Ultimate Performance is grayed out:

Modern Standby systems dynamically manage performance and idle states, so Windows limits direct access to some older power plan controls.

The plan may show in powercfg but can’t be fully applied.

BIOS versions:

Currently, HP does not provide a BIOS version that restores S3 sleep or legacy power plans on this model. Firmware is aligned with Microsoft’s Modern Standby requirements.

Workarounds you can try:

In Omen Gaming Hub, switch to Performance Mode or Turbo Mode (this overrides CPU/GPU behavior more effectively than power plans).

Use powercfg /setactive <GUID> in Command Prompt to force-enable Ultimate Performance—though results may vary under Modern Standby.

Update to the latest BIOS and Omen Gaming Hub from HP Support to ensure refresh rate switching and performance features work smoothly.

Alternative tuning:

GPU-specific tools (NVIDIA Control Panel / AMD Adrenalin) give more control over refresh rates and performance profiles.

You can still customize CPU/GPU scaling in Windows Advanced Power Settings (some sub-options remain accessible even under Modern Standby).

I hope this helps.

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