power state Archives

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Windows 11’s November Patch Tuesday update brings new Start, battery icon improvements, and important Task Manager fix

Microsoft has rolled out the November Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, designated as KB5068861 and build 26200.7121, which is now available through Windows Update. Key features include: - A revamped Start menu interface allowing users to pin more app icons, hide the recommended feed, modify the all apps list display, toggle the visibility of the Phone Link companion, and enjoy a larger Start menu that adjusts to screen size. - An updated Taskbar battery icon that is larger, changes color based on battery and power state, and includes a battery percentage indicator. The update also addresses several critical fixes: - Voice Access issue resolved where it would fail during initial setup without a connected microphone. - Fixed a problem where selecting the desktop could open Task View inadvertently. - Corrected an issue in the HTTP.sys request parser for compliance with RFC 9112 standard. Users can download KB5068861 via Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update catalog.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Latest Windows Updates Trigger BitLocker Recovery

Microsoft has warned that its October 2025 security update may cause a BitLocker recovery prompt on certain systems, particularly affecting devices running Windows 10 version 22H2 and Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. BitLocker, a security feature in Windows, encrypts drive contents to protect against unauthorized access. The issue arises when some devices inadvertently enter BitLocker recovery mode during startup. This is especially common with Intel-based devices that support Connected Standby. Affected users may need to enter a recovery key once, after which the device should boot normally. Microsoft has provided a fix that administrators must manually deploy, and users without their recovery key risk losing data. They are advised to try retrieving the key through their Microsoft account.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 October Update Triggers BitLocker Recovery

Microsoft is addressing an issue affecting users of Intel-based PCs running Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as well as some Windows 10 users, who are unexpectedly entering BitLocker recovery mode without changes to their system configurations. This problem is linked to a newly identified bug that prompts the recovery key request. The issue has been associated with Windows Updates released on or after October 14, 2025, specifically update KB5066835 for Windows 11 and KB5066791 for Windows 10 version 22H2. The Connected Standby feature may be related to the problem, which primarily affects Intel systems. Microsoft is rolling out a fix for this issue, and users are advised to back up their recovery keys and apply the latest updates to mitigate risks.

Winsage

November 5, 2025

Microsoft Warns October 2025 Updates May Trigger BitLocker Recovery on Some Windows Systems

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows 10 version 22H2, where users of specific Intel-based devices encounter unexpected BitLocker recovery screens after installing updates released on or after October 14, 2025. This problem is linked to devices with Connected Standby technology, which affects the startup process but does not indicate a continuous encryption issue. Entering the recovery key resolves the prompt, and subsequent boots do not trigger additional prompts. Microsoft has activated a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to address the issue without requiring users to uninstall previous patches. Server editions of Windows are unaffected, and users are advised to monitor the Windows Release Health dashboard for updates.

Winsage

November 5, 2025

Microsoft: October Windows updates trigger BitLocker recovery

Microsoft has warned that after installing the October 2025 Windows security updates, users may experience their systems booting into BitLocker recovery mode, particularly affecting Intel devices with Connected Standby support. This issue arises typically after hardware changes or TPM updates, requiring users to enter their recovery key to regain access to encrypted drives. The affected platforms include Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows 10 version 22H2. IT administrators can use a group policy through Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to mitigate the problem, and users are advised to contact Microsoft Support for assistance. Similar issues have occurred in the past, prompting emergency updates from Microsoft to address BitLocker recovery prompts after previous security updates.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Why Windows 95 left HLT on the cutting-room floor

Raymond Chen discussed the HLT instruction, which was designed to reduce power consumption by putting the CPU into a low-power state, particularly benefiting laptops. Although implemented in Windows 95, Microsoft removed it due to some devices becoming irretrievably locked when the instruction was executed. The company chose not to create exceptions for affected devices because of uncertainty regarding the number of vulnerable systems in circulation. By the time Windows 95 was ready for release, not all problematic systems had been identified, leading to the decision to exclude the HLT instruction to avoid widespread issues. This decision resulted in the emergence of a niche market for software that executed the HLT instruction, accompanied by criticism of Microsoft. Chen highlighted the risks of bricking laptops due to the instruction, noting that users faced difficulties uninstalling problematic programs if their systems froze.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

Next major Windows 11 update could boost battery life on your laptop with a single click

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called Adaptive Energy Saver for Windows 11, which will automatically toggle Energy Saver mode based on user activity to maximize battery efficiency. Currently, users must manually activate Energy Saver mode, which reduces display brightness and curtails background activities. The Adaptive Energy Saver feature, currently being tested by Windows Insiders, will maintain screen brightness while managing power-intensive components like the CPU and GPU during lighter tasks. This feature is exclusive to devices with built-in batteries and is expected to be rolled out to the wider public later this year. Users can access it through Settings > System > Power & Battery once available.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft has a plan to give Windows 11 laptops better battery life – and I think it sounds like a winner

Microsoft is testing a new feature called the adaptive energy saver for Windows 11 laptops, currently in the Canary channel. This feature activates when the battery is low, but users can set the activation threshold. It operates intelligently at any time, optimizing CPU and GPU performance based on power state and system load, without changing screen brightness. The adaptive energy saver is designed for laptops only and will be opt-in for users who prefer to keep their current settings. There is no guarantee it will be included in the final release of Windows 11.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows 11 to periodically enable battery saver mode while you work — even when your battery isn’t low

Microsoft is piloting an "adaptive energy saver" feature for Windows 11 that activates battery saver mode based on user activities, regardless of battery level. This opt-in feature automatically enables and disables energy saver without changing screen brightness, depending on the device's power state and system load. It aims to extend battery life during less demanding tasks by monitoring CPU and GPU usage. The adaptive energy saver is currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel and is exclusive to battery-powered devices. Users must activate it in Settings, as it is not enabled by default. The feature is part of Windows 11 build 27898, which is rolling out in preview.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft has a new trick to improve laptop battery life on Windows

Microsoft is testing a new adaptive energy saver mode for Windows 11 that aims to enhance laptop battery efficiency by managing energy consumption based on the device's workload. This mode will automatically toggle energy saver settings without changing screen brightness and will be available exclusively for devices with a battery. It is currently being trialed in the Canary Channel and is expected to roll out later this year. Desktop PCs will not support this adaptive mode, but the main energy saver functionality is available for all PCs.