Energy recommendations Archives

Winsage

April 8, 2025

How to check apps draining the most battery on Windows 11

Users experiencing rapid battery drain on Windows 11 laptops may find that certain applications are consuming excessive energy. To identify and mitigate the impact of these power-hungry apps, users can take several steps: 1. Change Power Mode: - Open Settings > System > Power & battery. - Click on Power Mode and select "Best Power Efficiency." 2. Enable Energy Saver: - Open Settings > System > Power & battery. - Click on Energy Saver and either turn on the "Always use energy saver" toggle or set a battery level to activate it automatically. 3. Energy Recommendations: - Open Settings > System > Power & battery. - Click on Energy Recommendations and apply individual or all suggested changes. 4. Restrict Background Permissions: - Open Settings > System > Power & battery. - Click on Battery usage, analyze app usage, select the app, and manage background activity by choosing "Never" under background app permissions. 5. Uninstall App: - Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps. - Select the app to uninstall and follow the instructions. These actions can help optimize battery life on Windows 11 laptops.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

This month’s Patch Tuesday finally adds a reverse mouse scrolling option

On the second Tuesday of October, Patch Tuesday updates are released for all supported versions of Windows, including significant updates for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 24H2. The update (KB5044284) for Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces the ability to change the scrolling direction for mice, a feature previously available only for laptop touchpads. Other enhancements include a revamped user interface for media controls on the lock screen, a more accessible Sign out button in the Start menu, and the capability to share local files directly from Windows Search results. New features in the updates include an energy recommendation feature for HDR devices, a notification prompting users to plug in devices at 20% battery, a redesigned Start menu for easier account switching, and improved media controls on the lock screen. Windows 11 version 23H2 also receives similar updates, including the ability to adjust mouse scrolling direction and enhancements to media controls and file-sharing capabilities. Older versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 version 22H2 and 21H2, receive updates focusing on fixes and improvements, including changes to the Start menu and potential issues with media playback in Microsoft Edge's IE mode. All updates are mandatory for supported devices.

Winsage

August 7, 2024

More of this please, Microsoft – we want to see more quality-of-life improvements for Windows 11 like better Voice Access and power-saving features

Windows 11 has released a new preview build in the Dev channel, designated as build 26120. This build includes enhancements for Voice Access, featuring an upgraded spelling and corrections experience that allows users to dictate corrections letter by letter and use commands to select or delete text. It also introduces Energy Saver mode, which replaces Battery Saver and alerts users when battery charge drops to 20%. Users are advised to disable HDR on compatible displays to reduce power consumption. Additional adjustments include the option to disable enhanced mouse pointer precision and modify mouse wheel scrolling direction.

Winsage

August 5, 2024

Windows 11 Insider Dev Channel build 26120.1340 (KB5040557) adds PC energy saving features

Microsoft has released a new build of Windows 11 for the Windows Insider Program in the Dev Channel, designated as build number 26120.1340 under KB5040557. New features include: - An updated Settings menu with an option under Bluetooth & Device > Mouse to turn off enhanced mouse pointer precision and a feature to change mouse scrolling direction. - Enhancements to voice access, allowing faster dictation and greater editing flexibility. - A notification for laptop users to plug in their device when the battery level drops to 20% if the Energy Saver setting is “Always On.” - A new energy recommendation feature suggesting the deactivation of HDR to conserve energy on HDR-equipped PCs, located under Settings > Power & battery > Energy recommendations. Fixes include: - A fix for a flickering issue in the “Let desktop apps access your location” section under Privacy & Security > Location. Known issues include: - A label of “(repair version)” next to the latest Dev Channel build for users on version 24H2 Build 26100.xxxx, indicating an in-place upgrade. - Errors when adding additional languages or optional features, specifically error 0x800f081f. - Failure to launch Windows Sandbox with error 0x80370106. - Task Manager crashing when navigating between pages and issues with Performance page graphs in dark mode. - Ongoing problems with text suggestions for the hardware keyboard, leading to unexpected concatenation.

Winsage

August 1, 2024

Best settings on a Windows PC for improved battery life

Windows PCs have improved battery efficiency, but users with older laptops may still face battery anxiety. To extend battery life on a Windows 11 PC, users can follow these steps: 1. Generate a battery report using Command Prompt with the command powercfg /batteryreport, which provides insights into battery usage. 2. Check the battery's current capacity in the battery report, noting the design and full-charge capacities, and take measures to extend battery life. 3. Analyze battery usage over time using the battery report to identify activities that drain the battery. 4. Estimate average battery life by comparing values in the Battery Life Estimates section of the report. 5. Identify power-hungry apps by going to Settings > System > Power & Battery and checking Battery Usage Per App. 6. Use the built-in Energy Recommendations checklist in Windows 11 to find energy-saving settings. 7. Adjust sleep and display settings under Settings > System > Power & Battery to save battery power. 8. Utilize quick shutdown commands in Command Prompt for efficient power state transitions. 9. Enable the Battery Saver option in Settings > System > Power & Battery to limit background activities when battery capacity is low.

Winsage

July 22, 2024

6 ways to improve the battery life on your Windows laptop

Windows 11 has built-in battery life management tools that are not enabled by default. It is recommended to use the battery saver feature, adjust power modes, take advantage of Hibernation mode, avoid extreme temperatures, limit battery discharge cycles, check battery health, close power-hungry apps, and let your laptop suggest other tips to increase battery life.

Winsage

July 19, 2024

9 ways to maximize the battery life of your Windows 11 PC

- The battery report generated by the Power Settings tool provides information on battery usage over time, including recent usage, usage history, battery capacity, and battery life estimates.

Winsage

July 11, 2024

Windows 11 Build 26252 will give you greater control over performance for power profiles

- In Windows 11, it is now possible to easily pin apps from the Start Menu to the Taskbar or the Desktop.