If you're one of the countless users who feel like Windows 11's Quick Settings menu turned battery management into an unwelcome scavenger hunt, breathe easy—there's hope. Fans of the concise and practical battery flyout from Windows 10 are finally able to reclaim some sanity, thanks to a nifty third-party application aptly called Battery Flyout. And, let me tell you, this app doesn’t just stop at "restoration." It brings perks that might make even skeptics of customization say, "Hey, Microsoft, take notes!"
Gone was the ability to directly see stats like battery percentage, estimated runtime, or even toggle power modes—all at a glance. Instead, you'd find yourself clicking through various submenus to access even the most basic battery information. Efficiency? Not so much.
Here’s hoping this app nudges Microsoft to do what it does best: improve by borrowing ideas.
But the real story here isn’t just the app itself—it's what it represents. Microsoft has shown a willingness to rebuild and enhance user-requested features during Windows 11’s development cycle. So while Battery Flyout might serve us for now, it could spark hope that perhaps a “Battery Flyout Redux” straight from Redmond might eventually find its way into our systems.
Would you pay $3.99 for what arguably feels like a feature that should’ve been part of Windows from the start? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Neowin This small app fixes Windows 11's underwhelming battery indicator and flyout
What Happened to the Old Battery Flyout?
Back when Microsoft launched Windows 11, they unified all system flyouts into the so-called Quick Settings menu. This decision, however, left many users feeling like their favorite tools—like the standalone battery flyout—had been confiscated. The battery flyout isn't just a trivial interface tweak; for many users, it's integral to keeping tabs on their PC's power health.Gone was the ability to directly see stats like battery percentage, estimated runtime, or even toggle power modes—all at a glance. Instead, you'd find yourself clicking through various submenus to access even the most basic battery information. Efficiency? Not so much.
What Is Battery Flyout and How Does It Fix This?
Think of Battery Flyout as the Robin Hood of battery management on Windows 11. This lightweight app doesn’t just restore the standalone flyout we all loved; it turbocharges it with additional, sorely needed features.Here’s What You Get:
- Tray Battery Percentages: Yes, Windows 11 users can FINALLY enjoy the pleasure of seeing their exact battery percentage displayed right in the system tray without hovering. No guessing. No squinting.
- Interactive Flyout Features:
- A separate dedicated flyout window that opens when you click the icon.
- An 18-hour battery graph, giving you historical data about power usage trends.
- Real-time status of the current battery level and remaining runtime estimates.
- A power mode slider for those quick adjustments we've all missed.
- Bluetooth Device Battery Levels:
- Think of all your connected devices—wireless gaming mice, Bluetooth keyboards, styluses, headphones, etc. Battery Flyout shows you their current battery levels at a glance.
- Customizable Notifications for Battery Levels:
- Set alerts for when your battery falls below a certain percentage (e.g., "Hey, plug me in at 20%!"). Or, ensure that your battery doesn't exceed a certain charge level (say, 90%) to increase its longevity.
- The notification system doesn't just stop at your PC’s battery—it extends to Bluetooth devices too.
Why Do These Features Matter?
Let’s not underestimate the significance of these abilities, especially for productivity enthusiasts, road warriors, or power nerds. Here’s why Battery Flyout isn’t just “nice to have”—it's borderline essential:- Battery Health Management: Keeping lithium-ion batteries charged between ~20%-80% vastly increases their lifespan. This app empowers you to stick to that ideal range with timely alerts.
- Multi-Device Use: For anyone juggling multiple wireless peripherals (think designers with a stylus in one hand and Bluetooth headphones on their head), knowing those extra battery levels in one centralized spot is a lifesaver.
- Enhanced Productivity: The graphing tool and runtime accuracy can help you plan work sessions better—especially if you’re away from a power source.
- Power on Your Terms: Fast tweaking power modes without fumbling through the Settings app? That's convenience worth its weight in gold.
The Caveats
Is Battery Flyout perfect? Not quite. Here’s where the app stumbles:- No Advanced Charge Profiles: Some laptops, particularly those from Dell, ASUS, or Lenovo, feature built-in mechanisms to limit maximum charge (e.g., stopping at 75%-90% to extend battery durability). Battery Flyout doesn’t detect or support these optimizations.
- Compatibility Issues with Apple Devices: For AirPods Pro and other Apple accessories, Battery Flyout struggles to display accurate battery information. So if you're deeply merged into the Apple ecosystem, you may find this frustrating.
- ARM Device Limitations: While great for most Windows devices, the app’s power mode slider doesn’t work on ARM-powered machines—a small hiccup but worth noting for Surface Pro X users and the like.
How to Get It
Unlike some free troubleshooting heroes, Battery Flyout does come with a price tag. It’s currently available via the Microsoft Store for $3.99. Is it worth opening your wallet for? Given the added functionality—and the relief from Windows 11's clunky defaults—it’s safe to say yes.Why Microsoft Should Take Note
It’s a little ironic when third-party developers repeatedly craft better solutions than the original software giant itself, don’t you think? With Battery Flyout, we’re reminded of how simplicity and user preference shouldn’t be underestimated. Microsoft has been taking steps to refine Windows 11’s features, but the absence of a streamlined battery management tool is glaring.Here’s hoping this app nudges Microsoft to do what it does best: improve by borrowing ideas.
Final Thoughts
Battery Flyout is more than just a band-aid solution—it’s a full-blown productivity booster for Windows 11 users. Whether you're missing Windows 10’s straightforward battery information or simply need better visibility for all your power needs, this app feels like the missing piece of the puzzle.But the real story here isn’t just the app itself—it's what it represents. Microsoft has shown a willingness to rebuild and enhance user-requested features during Windows 11’s development cycle. So while Battery Flyout might serve us for now, it could spark hope that perhaps a “Battery Flyout Redux” straight from Redmond might eventually find its way into our systems.
Would you pay $3.99 for what arguably feels like a feature that should’ve been part of Windows from the start? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Neowin This small app fixes Windows 11's underwhelming battery indicator and flyout
