Smarter battery life for Windows 11 laptops
When was the last time your laptop battery comfortably made it through a full workday?
Feels like a distant memory, doesn’t it?
Microsoft understands the struggle, which is why it’s trialling a new Windows 11 feature that could make your laptop last noticeably longer between charges.
The feature, called adaptive energy saver, takes a smarter approach to conserving battery power.
Traditionally, Windows only activates energy-saving mode when your battery is running low — and you can decide what “low” means in your settings. But adaptive energy saver is designed to work proactively, not reactively.
Rather than waiting for the battery to deplete, it learns from how you’re using your laptop. When you’re carrying out lighter tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, or working in Word, Windows automatically enables energy saver in the background.
According to Microsoft, this shouldn’t dim your screen or interfere with your work. Instead, it gently slows down hardware components like your processor and graphics chip when they aren’t under heavy load — two of the biggest battery drainers. The result? More hours of productivity before you need to plug in again.
It’s worth noting that adaptive energy saver won’t be enabled by default — you’ll need to switch it on manually in your settings. And as with any test feature, there’s no guarantee it will make it to the final Windows 11 release. But this one seems like a clear win.
For businesses, the benefits are easy to see. Staff can work longer on the go — in meetings, at client sites, or from a local café — without constantly searching for power outlets. Fewer interruptions mean smoother workflows and improved focus.
Over time, this could even extend the lifespan of your laptops by reducing the number of charge cycles they go through.
The feature is currently being tested in Microsoft’s Canary channel, where new ideas are trialled before wider rollout.
At GZD, we’re always watching for small innovations that make a big impact on business productivity. If Microsoft launches this feature, Windows 11 laptops could soon feel like they’ve had a performance upgrade — no new hardware required.
If your business is considering a laptop refresh or you’d like expert advice on optimising your IT setup, contact us at GZD. We’ll help you make the most of your technology investments and keep your systems running efficiently.