Microsoft is focusing on making Windows 11 more battery-friendly, allowing users to get more out of a single charge. The latest prebuild introduces new settings aimed at optimizing power consumption.
New Battery-Saving Features in Build 27686
The company has released build 27686 in the Canary channel, which features internal optimizations to enhance battery life. Microsoft encourages users to report any changes they observe in system autonomy, whether positive or negative, so that improvements can continue. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments.
Power Modes and Additional Improvements
In addition to these internal enhancements, Microsoft has made several user-visible changes in build 27686, which should further improve system autonomy, notes NIXsolutions. Users can now set different power modes depending on whether their device is plugged in or running on battery power. For instance, a laptop can be configured to operate in “Best Performance” mode when connected to the mains and switch to “Best Energy Efficiency” mode when on battery:
“We’re starting to roll out improvements to Settings > System > Power & Battery, including the ability to set the power mode for both when your PC is connected to the network and when it’s running on battery, as well as several other UI improvements on the page.”
Additional updates in build 27686 include enhancements to HDR, FAT32, Windows Sandbox, and other areas.