Managing your Windows laptop’s power just got a little easier. Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686, recently released to the Canary Channel, introduces a convenient way to automatically change your laptop’s power mode. Without needing third-party software, you can now set your device to switch to the highest performance mode when plugged in and to a power-saving mode when on battery for optimal battery life.
New Power Mode Settings in Windows 11
Previously, the Power & Battery menu in Windows 11 allowed users to select only one power plan, regardless of whether the laptop was running on battery or plugged in. With this new build, a setting in the Canary Channel now enables users to choose different power plans based on the laptop’s charge state. This feature isn’t entirely new, as similar options are available in both Windows 10 and 11, but they require navigating through the Control Panel’s Power Options app.
To customize these settings in the older versions, users would need to open the Control Panel, find the Power Options app, select a power plan, and then adjust how the PC reacts depending on its power state. More advanced options could also be accessed by clicking “Change advanced power settings” for detailed control. While this process is manageable for experienced Windows users, it might be too complex for the average person, especially since it involves navigating through multiple windows, notes NIX Solutions.
Easier Power Management for Everyday Users
If you’re a Canary Channel member and have installed this preview build, you’ll find the new options under the Settings menu. Navigate to System > Power & battery, and you can easily adjust the settings under “Power mode.” This update simplifies the process, making it more accessible to everyday users who may not want to dig into the Control Panel for granular settings. However, it’s important to note that this feature is still in the Canary Channel, and there’s no guarantee it will make it into the final Windows 11 release.
For those with gaming or high-performance laptops, this option ensures optimal performance when plugged in. At the same time, when you’re on the move, your laptop will automatically switch to a more conservative power mode, extending battery life without requiring manual adjustments. We’ll keep you updated on whether this feature becomes available in the final release.