How to Edit ACPI BIOS

By C.D. Crowder

Updated February 10, 2017

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) was first created in 1999 as an industry standard specification for power management and configuration interfaces. Some operating systems and computers require you to edit the ACPI settings in order to manage power settings correctly. Edit ACPI in the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) to set how the motherboard and BIOS handle power settings during the startup process. If your system cannot handle ACPI for any reason, disable ACPI in the BIOS.

Restart your computer.

Press the BIOS entry key when the first screen appears during the boot process. The key varies greatly based on your computer manufacturer (See Resources). Common keys include “F2,” “Del,” “Esc” and “F10.”

Use your left or right arrow key to navigate to your BIOS power settings. Depending on your BIOS, the section may be called “Power Settings,” “Advanced,” “Other” or something similar.

Select “Advanced Power Management,” “APM” or “Power Savings” using your up and down arrow keys. Different systems call ACPI different names in the BIOS.

Press “Enter” to select the power setting.

Use your arrow keys to edit ACPI settings.

Press “Enter” to save your settings.

Save all your settings and exit the BIOS. The key used for this is displayed on the BIOS screen, either on the right side or bottom of the screen.

Tips

If you are uncertain about the purpose of a power setting, select it with your arrow keys and read the description that appears on the BIOS screen.

Warnings

Some systems do not have a section in the BIOS to edit ACPI. If this is the case, you will need to edit ACPI from your operating system. These settings can be found in your computer's “Control Panel,” under “Power Options.”

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