Microsoft is currently piloting an innovative feature for Windows 11, known as the “adaptive energy saver.” This feature aims to intelligently activate battery saver mode based on the user’s current activities, regardless of the battery level. According to Microsoft, “Adaptive energy saver is an opt-in feature that automatically enables and disables energy saver, without changing screen brightness, based on the power state of the device and the current system load.”
Enhancing Battery Longevity
Recognizing the frequent criticism regarding battery performance, this adaptive feature could significantly extend the lifespan of laptops during less demanding tasks. By monitoring CPU and GPU usage, the system can determine whether additional power is necessary for the task at hand. For instance, if a user is engaged in light activities like emailing or web browsing, the adaptive energy saver will likely activate to conserve battery life. Conversely, during resource-intensive tasks such as video rendering or gaming, the feature will disable itself to ensure optimal performance.
One of the standout aspects of the adaptive energy saver is its subtlety; it does not alter screen brightness when switching modes. This design choice aims to provide a seamless user experience, avoiding the potential annoyance of fluctuating screen brightness. Users will still see an icon on the Taskbar indicating when energy saver mode is active.
Importantly, the adaptive energy saver is an optional feature. It is not enabled by default, requiring users to navigate to Settings to activate it if they wish to take advantage of this adaptive functionality. Otherwise, the system will continue to operate under the traditional energy saver settings.
Currently, Windows 11’s standard energy saver mode activates automatically when the battery reaches a certain threshold, typically around 20% or 30%. When engaged, this mode reduces screen brightness and limits system load, effectively capping the power supplied to the CPU and GPU to maximize battery life.
At present, the adaptive energy saver is being tested with Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The future of this feature will depend heavily on user feedback, as Microsoft has a history of trialing features that may not make it to the final release. In recent years, the company has also redefined how energy saver mode functions, extending its availability to desktop PCs, which can now benefit from energy-saving measures even without a battery.
However, it is worth noting that the adaptive energy saver is exclusive to battery-powered devices. Desktops will not have access to this automatic mode but can still manually activate energy saver whenever desired, with the option to keep it perpetually enabled, similar to laptops.
This new feature is currently rolling out in preview as part of the Windows 11 build 27898, released last week to the Canary Channel. Microsoft employs an A/B rollout strategy, meaning that some users may not immediately see the feature after upgrading to the latest preview build.
