standby mode Archives

Winsage

May 19, 2026

Microsoft admits faulty drivers were killing Windows 11 battery life for years

Microsoft has acknowledged that faulty third-party drivers have caused significant battery drain and performance issues in Windows 11 and earlier versions. This issue, referred to as a "blind spot," has affected users through high latency, audio glitches, graphics errors, and micro-stuttering. To address this, Microsoft is implementing a more rigorous driver evaluation process that assesses the impact of drivers on power consumption and performance. Changes include improved battery management during standby mode, enhanced scrutiny of driver performance, early collaboration with developers, a stricter approval process for third-party drivers, and an automatic rollback feature via Windows Update to revert to older, compliant drivers.

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

March 13, 2025

Make Your Windows PC Last 30 Percent Longer by Adjusting These Settings

The text discusses ways to optimize battery life on Windows laptops, which can extend usage by approximately 30 percent and potentially add up to 90 minutes of additional battery life. Key strategies include: 1. Using Standby Mode: Pressing Alt + F4 to activate standby mode can conserve energy when the laptop is idle. 2. Lowering Display Refresh Rate: Adjusting the refresh rate to 60 Hz can save between 10 to 30 percent of battery life. 3. Creating Custom Power Plans: Users can create tailored power plans for different tasks, optimizing settings for various times of the day. 4. Adjusting Additional Settings: Enabling dark mode and using Efficiency mode for specific applications can further enhance battery performance. These adjustments can significantly improve battery longevity and productivity without the need for a charger.