Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, is testing a new feature that aims to reduce energy consumption and extend battery life for both laptops and desktop PCs. The feature, called Energy Saver Mode, is currently available for some users in the Windows Insider Program. In this article, we will explore the benefits, the mechanism, and the impact of this feature on the future of energy consumption.
Windows 11’s Energy Saver Mode for Laptops and Desktop PCs
Energy Saver Mode is a power option that automatically adjusts the display brightness and the power settings of the device to conserve energy and prolong battery life. It is similar to the existing Battery Saver Mode in Windows 10, but it is also applicable to desktop PCs that are plugged in. According to Microsoft, Energy Saver Mode can help users save up to 11% of energy consumption on average.
The feature is currently in the testing phase and is only available for some users who are enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, which allows them to try out the latest updates and features before they are released to the public. Users who want to join the program can sign up on the Windows Insider website.
Benefits of Energy Saver Mode
The main benefit of Energy Saver Mode is that it can help users reduce their environmental impact by lowering their energy consumption and carbon footprint. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, the global electricity demand for information and communication technologies (ICT) was about 1,100 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2019, which accounted for about 3.6% of the total electricity demand. Moreover, the ICT sector emitted about 730 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) in 2019, which represented about 1.8% of the global CO2 emissions. By using Energy Saver Mode, users can contribute to the global efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Another benefit of Energy Saver Mode is that it can help users save money on their electricity bills. According to a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the average annual electricity cost for a laptop in the United States was about $17 in 2015, while the average annual electricity cost for a desktop PC was about $32. By using Energy Saver Mode, users can potentially reduce their electricity costs by up to 11%, which can amount to significant savings over time.
How the Energy Saver Mode Works?
The Energy Saver Mode works by automatically adjusting the display brightness and the power settings of the device to optimize energy efficiency. The display brightness is one of the major factors that affect the energy consumption of a device, as it can account for up to 43% of the total power consumption of a laptop. By reducing the display brightness, the Energy Saver Mode can help users save energy and battery life.
The power settings of the device are also important for energy consumption, as they determine how the device manages the processor, the memory, the disk, the network, and the peripherals. By changing the power settings, the Energy Saver Mode can help users balance the performance and the energy efficiency of the device. For example, the Energy Saver Mode can lower the processor speed, turn off the wireless adapter, or put the device to sleep when it is not in use.
The Energy Saver Mode can be customized by users according to their preferences and needs. Users can choose when to turn on the Energy Saver Mode, either manually or automatically based on the battery level or the power source. Users can also adjust the display brightness and the power settings of the device while using the Energy Saver Mode. Users can access the Energy Saver Mode settings by going to the Settings app, then clicking on System, then clicking on Power & battery.
Impact on the Future of Energy Consumption
The Energy Saver Mode is a promising feature that can have a positive impact on the future of energy consumption. If the feature is widely adopted by the users of Windows 11, it can potentially decrease the overall energy usage and the carbon emissions of the ICT sector, which can benefit the environment and society. Moreover, the feature can encourage more sustainable technology development, as it can inspire other software and hardware developers to create more energy-efficient products and services.
The Energy Saver Mode is one of the many innovations that Windows 11 offers to its users. Windows 11 is expected to be released in late 2023, and it will bring a new user interface, a new Microsoft Store, a new Android app support, and many other features that will enhance the user experience and productivity. Users who want to learn more about Windows 11 can visit the official website.
