Microsoft is working on making the battery indicator in Windows more useful.
The big Windows 24H2 update has been rolling out for some time. In addition, Microsoft regularly releases development versions that often provide insights into new features.
In the latest Windows 11 update for the developer channel, Microsoft is testing a revised battery indicator.
In detail:
- The battery indicator is getting more space on the taskbar.
- Instead of black and white, Microsoft is using color to display different information.
Windows 11’s battery icon (in the system tray, quick settings and Settings app) is getting some visual changes: notably, it will turn orange when energy saver is enabled, and green when charging. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/BMYGYBgW5g
— phantomofearth ⛄ (@phantomofearth) December 6, 2024
The additional battery indicator pixels on the taskbar allow Windows to display the battery level more accurately. Additional information is indicated by color.
- White: Displays the battery level as before.
- Green: The PC is charging.
- Orange: Power-saving mode is activated.
Good to know: So far, Windows has used icons to show whether the battery is charging or power-saving mode is activated.
The lightning icon when charging remains in the new version. However, the power-saving mode leaf icon is not displayed so far. So it is possible that it will no longer be displayed in the final version.
This is how the community reacts
Since the release of Windows 11 in 2021, the battery display on the taskbar has been regularly criticized In particular, the lack of information and the superimposition of the battery indicator with other icons has been repeatedly criticized.
Christ, I hate the new battery indicator in windows 11, the battery saver leaf covers half of the indicator. I installed a battery percentage indicator but I would like a functional bar, not just a number.
byu/18galbraithj inwindows
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The first reactions from the community are largely positive. For example,
The removal of the large icons to indicate power-saving mode and loading is also positively emphasized.
However, some users feel that the changes do not go far enough. For example, it is criticized that Windows only reveals detailed information when the mouse pointer is moved over the icon.
Now it’s your turn. What do you think of the battery indicator in Windows? Does the update improve the function or would you like something completely different? Please feel free to write us a comment.
