How to Improve Battery Life on Windows 11

These changes can help a Windows 11 laptop run longer between charges by reducing screen, background-app, and power use. You’ll need access to the laptop and its Windows settings; some options vary by device, and a few work only when you’re unplugged.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 laptop with its battery installed and charged.
Permission to change settings, if the laptop is managed by work or school.
Optional: the charger, if you plan to update Windows or check manufacturer-provided drivers.

Step-by-Step

Check what is using power. Open Settings > System > Power & battery. Expand Battery usage to review recent consumption by app and time period. The list helps identify unusually active apps, but a high figure may be expected for software you use heavily. Close or adjust apps you don’t need rather than uninstalling anything based only on this list.
Turn on Energy saver. In Settings > System > Power & battery, expand Energy saver and turn it on. Depending on your Windows version and device, you can set it to switch on automatically at a chosen battery level. Energy saver reduces some background activity and notifications; it may also lower screen brightness. If you need full performance or timely background updates, adjust the threshold or turn it off temporarily.
Choose a more efficient power mode. In the same Power & battery page, find Power mode and select Best power efficiency when available. This prioritizes energy savings over performance. Choose a balanced option when you need more speed for demanding work. Some PCs manage power mode through the manufacturer’s utility or do not show this setting.
Dim the display and reduce its timeout. Open Settings > System > Display and lower brightness to a comfortable level. If your device supports it, turn on automatic brightness or content-adaptive brightness. Then go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep and shorten the time before the screen turns off when on battery. The display is often a major power user, so these changes can make a noticeable difference.
Reduce unnecessary wireless and peripheral use. Turn off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi from Quick Settings when you are not using them; avoid switching off Wi-Fi if you need a network connection. Disconnect external drives, USB accessories, and other devices when they are not needed, since they can draw power. Airplane mode is an option when you do not need any wireless connection.
Limit apps that run in the background. For apps you rarely need to update when closed, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the app, select its three-dot menu, then Advanced options. If Background app permissions is available, set it to Never. This option is not offered for every app. Avoid restricting messaging, security, or other apps that must run in the background for features you rely on.
Close heavy tasks and browser tabs. Video calls, games, video playback, and many open browser tabs can keep the processor busy. Close what you are finished with and pause cloud syncing or downloads while on battery if you do not need them immediately. In Task Manager, opened with Ctrl+Shift+Esc, you can spot apps using substantial CPU or memory. Save your work before ending an app; do not stop unfamiliar Windows processes.
Check for updates and restart. Go to Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install relevant updates when convenient, preferably while plugged in. Updates can fix bugs, though installing them may temporarily use more battery. Restart afterward if prompted. For device-specific power or graphics problems, check the PC maker’s support instructions for compatible updates rather than installing drivers from unfamiliar sites.
Review battery health if runtime remains poor. Battery capacity naturally declines with use. In Windows Terminal or Command Prompt, run powercfg /batteryreport. Windows saves a report and shows its file location; open the HTML file and compare Design capacity with Full charge capacity. The report is an estimate, not a definitive diagnosis. If capacity is much lower than expected or the laptop shuts down unexpectedly, contact the device maker or a qualified repair service.

Common Mistakes

Expecting one setting to fix everything. Battery life depends on workload, screen brightness, wireless use, battery age, and hardware. Combine changes and check Battery usage again.
Turning off important background activity. Restricting an app can delay notifications, syncing, or updates. Change permissions only for apps whose background behavior you understand.
Using maximum savings for demanding work. Power efficiency mode can reduce performance. Switch modes when necessary instead of assuming the laptop is faulty.
Installing updates on a nearly empty battery. Updates and restarts can take time and use power. Plug in first when possible, and save open files.
Confusing battery life with battery health. Settings can reduce power consumption but cannot restore capacity lost through normal battery aging.

Tips

Use a lower screen brightness that remains comfortable, and enable a short screen-off timeout when on battery.
Check Battery usage after making changes. Compare similar tasks and time periods; streaming or a video call will not use power like reading a document.
Keep vents clear and use the laptop on a firm surface. Excess heat can affect performance and battery longevity; do not block cooling openings.
If your PC includes a battery charge limit or conservation feature, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It can be useful when the laptop spends most of its time plugged in, but it does not increase runtime on a charge.

Troubleshooting

Energy saver or power mode is missing: Check for Windows updates and restart. Options depend on the device and its power configuration; a work or school administrator may also restrict them. Look in the PC maker’s documentation for device-specific controls.

Battery drains quickly after an update: Updates, indexing, and app setup can temporarily increase activity. Keep the laptop plugged in during updates, restart if requested, then check Battery usage again after the system has settled. If one app remains unusually active, update it or review its background permissions.

Battery usage does not identify the cause: Close demanding apps, lower brightness, and test a similar workload with peripherals disconnected. Battery usage is a guide, not a precise real-time meter; hardware, wireless activity, and screen settings all contribute.

The battery report shows low capacity or the laptop shuts down suddenly: Repeat the report after a full charge and compare its figures, but treat them as estimates. Back up important work. If the battery is swollen, unusually hot, leaking, or damaged, stop using the laptop and seek qualified service; do not press, puncture, or open it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Energy saver damage the battery?
No. It changes power use and background activity; it does not repair or damage battery capacity.

Should I leave my laptop plugged in all the time?
Use the device maker’s guidance. If it offers a charge limit for mostly plugged-in use, consider enabling it; settings vary by model.

Why does my battery drain faster during video calls?
Calls use the camera, microphone, network, display, and processor. Lower brightness, close other demanding apps, and unplug unneeded accessories.

Will lowering brightness make a big difference?
It often helps because the display uses power. The effect varies with screen type, brightness, and what else the laptop is doing.

Can I improve battery health with Windows settings?
Settings can reduce energy use, but they cannot restore capacity lost as a battery ages. Use charge-management features if your device provides them.

What if the laptop still lasts only a short time?
Check the battery report, review app usage, and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair service if the battery appears worn or the laptop behaves unpredictably.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →