---
name: "dpms"
section: "4"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/dpms"
---

# dpms(4)

VESA BIOS DPMS driver

## NAME

**dpms** – VESA BIOS DPMS driver

## SYNOPSIS

**device dpms**

## DESCRIPTION

The **dpms** driver uses the VESA BIOS to manage an external display during suspend and resume. When the machine suspends, the **dpms** driver turns the external display off. When the machine resumes, it restores the display to its state when the driver was first loaded.

## SEE ALSO

[acpi\_video(4)](/acpi_video/4.md)

## BUGS

The VESA BIOS DPMS calls do not provide any way to identify a particular display or adapter to manipulate. As a result, this driver may have unexpected results on systems with multiple displays and/or adapters.