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Linux · System Tools

power-profiles-daemon

A lightweight system daemon that manages CPU power profiles like performance, balanced, and power saver.

Open sourceFree
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License
GPL-2.0
Latest version
0.30
Install

What is power-profiles-daemon?

power-profiles-daemon is a background service designed to standardize power profile management across Linux desktops. It provides a D-Bus interface for desktop environments and tools to switch between performance, balanced, and power-saver modes, influencing CPU scaling and system behavior. It's mature, minimal, and developed by the systemd team, integrated into modern GNOME and KDE environments.

It's for Linux users who want simple, reliable control over system performance and battery life without vendor-specific bloat. Unlike Windows tools that bundle fan control, RGB lighting, and gaming features, this focuses only on power profiles. It suits those who prefer modular, composable tools over all-in-one utilities.

Compared to ASUS Armoury Crate or MSI Dragon Center, it feels sparse—no flashy UI, no real-time monitoring, no overclocking. But it's stable and predictable. If you're used to toggling 'Silent' or 'Performance' modes, this offers the same core function through clean abstractions, not vendor lock-in.

Best for: Users who want reliable, no-frills power profile switching without proprietary software.

Key features of power-profiles-daemon

  • Supports performance, balanced, and power-saver profiles
  • D-Bus API for integration with desktop environments
  • Automatic switching on AC/battery change
  • Minimal resource usage
  • Configurable via INI-style files
  • Works with systemd and logind
  • Respects system policy and user preferences

Pros

  • Lightweight and low-level integration
  • No GUI overhead or background bloat
  • Standardized across distributions
  • Developed alongside systemd, widely supported
  • Silent, automatic operation once configured

Cons

  • No GUI—requires terminal or third-party tools for interaction
  • Limited to CPU power profiles; no fan or RGB control
  • Fewer visual indicators or notifications

Windows programs power-profiles-daemon replaces

MSI Dragon Center

How to install power-profiles-daemon on Linux

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install power-profiles-daemon
Debiansudo apt install power-profiles-daemon
Fedorasudo dnf install power-profiles-daemon
Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S power-profiles-daemon
openSUSEsudo zypper install power-profiles-daemon

Tips for Windows users

If you're used to switching modes in Armoury Crate, know that power-profiles-daemon does this automatically via D-Bus. Use powerprofilesctl list and set to switch profiles. Desktop apps like GNOME Settings or KDE's power management expose these modes. No import/export of profiles—configuration is system-wide via /etc/power-profiles-daemon/.

power-profiles-daemon: frequently asked questions

How do I change power profiles in the terminal?

Run powerprofilesctl set <profile> where <profile> is performance, balanced, or power-saver. Use powerprofilesctl list to see available options.

Is there a GUI for power-profiles-daemon?

Not built-in, but GNOME Settings includes profile switching. Third-party tools like power-profiles-gui add a system tray applet.

Why doesn't my laptop switch profiles automatically on battery?

Ensure the daemon is running and enabled. Some hardware or drivers may not trigger AC/battery events properly. Check with upower -i /org/freedesktop/UPower/devices/line_power_AC.

Can I add custom power profiles?

Not directly. The daemon only supports the three standard profiles. Custom tuning requires editing CPU scaling governors manually or using scripts.

Updated