November 29, 2023 at 02:25PM
Microsoft is testing a new Energy Saver feature in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26002 to prolong battery life on portable devices. Accessible via the Quick Settings, it reduces energy usage and system performance. It’s also available for desktops to save electricity. Windows 11 Insiders can test it; others can use the current battery-saver mode. Windows 10 support continues until 2025 despite Copilot AI rollout.
**Takeaways from the Meeting:**
1. **Introduction of Windows 11 Energy Saver Feature:**
– Microsoft has launched a new Energy Saver feature for Windows 11 designed to prolong battery life on portable devices.
– The feature is currently being tested with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26002 by Insiders in the Canary Channel.
2. **Functionality and Access:**
– The Energy Saver feature offers advanced battery-saving techniques by compromising some system performance to decrease energy consumption.
– Users can access the feature through the Quick Settings menu or configure it to activate automatically at a certain battery level.
– The mode can be set to activate even when the device is plugged into a power source, aiding both portable and desktop users in reducing energy costs.
3. **Comments from Microsoft Personnel:**
– Amanda Langowski and Brandon LeBlanc emphasized the feature’s ability to balance battery life extension with a decrease in system performance.
4. **Current Alternatives for Non-Insiders:**
– Non-Windows 11 Insider users have access to an existing built-in battery saver mode to conserve battery.
– The battery saver mode deactivates power-hungry processes and can be configured via Settings to engage at a specified battery level.
5. **Additional Energy Saving Tips:**
– Microsoft recommends adjusting display settings, managing app background activities, choosing efficient power modes, or using airplane mode to further conserve energy.
6. **Copilot AI Assistant Rollout for Windows 10 Insiders:**
– The new Copilot AI assistant is being rolled out to Windows 10 Insiders with certain system requirements met.
7. **Important Note on Windows 10 Support:**
– Microsoft clarifies that the support end date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, which remains unchanged despite new feature rollouts.
**Action Items (If Applicable):**
– If you’re in the Canary Channel as an Insider, consider installing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26002 to test the new Energy Saver.
– If using Windows 10, check eligibility and consider trying out the Copilot AI assistant.
– Communicate the energy-saving tips to teams for implementation across devices to save battery life and energy.
– Keep in mind the end-of-support date for Windows 10 for future planning and migration strategies.