Windows 11 introduced a new power-saving feature called Energy Saver that helps extend battery life on laptops and other portable devices. This upgraded version of the previous Battery Saver mode offers more flexibility and control over power management. Let’s explore how to use Energy Saver effectively to get the most out of your Windows 11 device’s battery.
What is Energy Saver and How Does it Work?
Energy Saver is an enhanced power management feature in Windows 11 that replaces the older Battery Saver mode. It helps conserve battery power by:
- Reducing screen brightness
- Limiting background app activity
- Disabling some visual effects
- Adjusting system performance
Unlike Battery Saver, Energy Saver can be enabled even when your device is plugged in, allowing you to save power on desktop PCs as well.
Enabling Energy Saver in Windows 11
There are multiple ways to turn on Energy Saver in Windows 11:
Quick Settings Method
Step 1: Click the battery icon in the system tray or press Win + A to open Quick Settings.
Step 2: Click the Energy Saver tile to toggle it on or off.
Settings App Method
Step 1: Open the Settings app (Win + I).
Step 2: Navigate to System > Power & battery.
Step 3: Click on Energy Saver to expand the options.
Step 4: Toggle the “Turn on now” switch to enable Energy Saver.
Command Prompt Method
For more advanced users, Energy Saver can be configured via Command Prompt:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2: Enter the following command, replacing with your desired battery threshold:
powercfg /setdcvalueindex SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_ENERGYSAVER ESBATTTHRESHOLD <percentage>
This sets the battery percentage at which Energy Saver automatically activates.
Customizing Energy Saver Settings
To fine-tune Energy Saver for your needs:
Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Energy Saver.
Step 2: Adjust the “Turn energy saver on automatically at” dropdown to set when it activates.
Step 3: Toggle “Lower screen brightness while using energy saver” on or off as desired.
Tips for Maximizing Battery Life
While Energy Saver is powerful, combine it with these practices for even better battery performance:
- Reduce screen brightness manually when possible
- Close unused apps and browser tabs
- Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not needed
- Use airplane mode in areas with poor cellular signal
- Keep your device cool to prevent battery drain
- Consider using a darker theme to save power on OLED displays
Troubleshooting Energy Saver Issues
If Energy Saver isn’t working as expected:
- Ensure you’re running the latest Windows 11 updates
- Check for conflicting third-party power management software
- Try creating a new power plan in Control Panel
- Use the Windows Power Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters)
Energy Saver in Windows 11 offers a flexible way to extend your device’s battery life without sacrificing too much performance. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance for your usage patterns and enjoy longer unplugged sessions.