Hold onto your power cables, Windows users! Microsoft is finally rolling out a redesigned battery indicator in Windows 11. If you've ever squinted at the battery icon, puzzled by its less-than-informative display, you're in for a treat.
In response to user feedback, Microsoft has introduced a noticeable upgrade in the Dev Channel build 26120.2510, which shifts from monochrome to a more user-friendly display while adding vibrant hues to communicate charging states more effectively.
But this leads us to ponder: Is it enough for Microsoft to simply revamp existing UI elements, or should they be innovating with entirely new experiences, such as machine-learning-powered battery optimization suggestions? The hardware capabilities are definitely catching up—imagine a future where your laptop not only lets you know your battery level but also suggests when to charge based on your habits!
And remember: while the battery life can be a fleeting thing, the joy of a sleek, functional interface is here to stay—at least until the next big update!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 is finally getting a redesigned battery indicator
The Old vs. The New: Why the Change?
The previous battery indicator in Windows 11 left much to be desired. Users often found it confusing and hard to read, particularly when their devices were charging. You know the struggle: is that lightning bolt really representing an adequate charge, or are we on the precipice of a power outage? It almost felt like a cryptic riddle—while your laptop whispered, "You've got this," the battery indicator was giving you an entirely different message.In response to user feedback, Microsoft has introduced a noticeable upgrade in the Dev Channel build 26120.2510, which shifts from monochrome to a more user-friendly display while adding vibrant hues to communicate charging states more effectively.
Here’s What’s New:
- Increased Size: The new indicator is somewhat larger, allowing it to convey more detailed information at a glance.
- Color-Coded System:
- The battery icon is now vibrantly green while charging.
- When energy-saving mode is activated, it shifts to yellow—different from the plain lightning and leaf icons of the previous design.
How to Get the New Battery Indicator
Feeling adventurous and ready to try it out? Here’s how you can enable the hidden battery indicator in the latest Dev build:- Ensure you are on Build 26120.2510 from the Windows 11 Dev Channel.
- Download and Install ViVeTool:
- Obtain the ViVeTool from GitHub and unpack it into a folder you can easily locate.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Navigate to the folder containing the ViVeTool files using the
CDcommand. For instance, if it’s inC:\Vive, typeCD C:\Vive.
- Enable the New Feature: Type the following commands and hit Enter:
Code:bash vivetool /enable /id:48822452 vivetool /enable /id:48433719 - Restart Your Device: After entering the commands, a restart is necessary for the changes to take effect.
What's More in Build 26120.2510?
Apart from the snazzy battery icon, this build introduces various AI-powered enhancements tailored for those with high-performance PCs boasting the latest Intel and AMD processors equipped with neural processing units. Features like Recall and Click To Do are newly available, enriching the Windows experience further and more personalized than ever.The Bigger Picture
This redesign hints at a broader commitment by Microsoft to prioritize user experience in its operating system. As technology becomes increasingly adaptable and complex, maintaining intuitive interfaces is crucial to keeping users engaged and informed.But this leads us to ponder: Is it enough for Microsoft to simply revamp existing UI elements, or should they be innovating with entirely new experiences, such as machine-learning-powered battery optimization suggestions? The hardware capabilities are definitely catching up—imagine a future where your laptop not only lets you know your battery level but also suggests when to charge based on your habits!
Conclusion
Microsoft's revised battery indicator for Windows 11 is a step in the right direction, navigating away from chaos towards clarity. If you've ever scratched your head over battery notifications, this redesign is likely to brighten your user experience. Power users and casual gamers alike can now navigate the beautiful color spectrum of their battery's health with much less ambiguity. So, go ahead, explore the new features, and don’t forget to dive into the complexities of this latest Windows 11 build!And remember: while the battery life can be a fleeting thing, the joy of a sleek, functional interface is here to stay—at least until the next big update!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 is finally getting a redesigned battery indicator
