I shut down my PC after using it, but the keyboard still lights up. Is it okay to switch off the power supply each night to cut standby power, or should I leave it on?
Do I need to switch off my PC's power supply every night?
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Nico
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Either is fine. You don't need to switch off the power supply after a normal shutdown, but doing so generally shouldn't hurt the PC.
Just let the operating system finish shutting down first. Flipping the supply switch while the computer is running is an abrupt power loss and can leave unsaved work lost or files damaged.
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The glowing keyboard is probably getting standby power through USB. If the light is the main annoyance, check your motherboard's firmware settings for USB power while shut down. You could also try another port or use a USB switch for the keyboard.
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Leaving the supply connected can reduce reliance on the motherboard's coin cell for keeping the clock and firmware settings when the PC is off. Cutting power regularly may shorten that battery's life, though how much it matters depends on the hardware and battery.
That isn't a reason to panic if you prefer switching it off. Just something to consider if the clock starts resetting or firmware settings stop being retained.
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Sleep is another option if you want to pick up where you left off without reopening everything. It uses power while sleeping, though, and switching off the power supply would interrupt it. A restart is useful occasionally if software starts acting sluggish.
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r.682+portgate:
Port behavior varies by motherboard, so a different port may not necessarily turn off after shutdown.