Surface Pro 11 & Surface Laptop 7 gain 80% charge limit in Surface App

Microsoft has quietly expanded its Surface firmware this week to give Snapdragon-powered Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 owners the same on-device battery charge-limit controls that Intel-based models and the newer Surface Pro 12‑inch and Surface Laptop 13‑inch already received — meaning you can now set the Surface app to Adaptive, Limit to 80%, or Charge to 100% without rebooting into the UEFI. (support.microsoft.com)

Background​

Microsoft’s Surface ecosystem has long included multiple mechanisms to manage battery longevity: an older UEFI-level Battery Limit (which stops charging at 50% for kiosk/always-plugged scenarios), and a newer, user-facing Smart Charging feature exposed in the Surface app that dynamically manages charging behavior. The UEFI option has historically been a blunt instrument — fixed at a 50% cap — while Smart Charging was designed to be adaptive and to limit charge under certain usage patterns. (learn.microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com)
The latest firmware rollouts, listed as August 7, 2025 releases on Microsoft’s Surface update pages, add a direct control in the Surface app for Snapdragon Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 that explicitly lets users choose 80% as a hard limit or revert to 100% when they temporarily need full capacity. Microsoft’s official update notes show the change as part of an August 7 firmware package that also addresses security, unexpected shutdowns after updates, and a backlight flashing issue at lowest brightness. (support.microsoft.com)

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What changed in this firmware​

The new updates introduce three practical improvements for battery behaviour on supported Surfaces:

• Surface app controls — A user-facing option in the Surface app now exposes three charging modes: Adaptive (smart charging), Limit to 80%, and Charge to 100%. This allows on‑the‑fly switching without UEFI changes or device reboots. (support.microsoft.com)
• Backport to Snapdragon models — These controls, previously available on Intel Surface variants and the newest 12" and 13" Surface models, are now included for the Snapdragon CPU SKUs of Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7. (support.microsoft.com)
• Firmware stability and security fixes — The update bundle also lists security hardening and fixes for reliability issues (unexpected shutdowns and display-related shutdowns) and a fix for low‑brightness backlight flicker. These non-battery fixes are part of the same August 7 release. (support.microsoft.com)

These changes are distributed via Windows Update in stages; not every device will see the update at the same time, but the update notes and components are published on Microsoft’s support pages. (support.microsoft.com)

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Why an 80% option matters​

Battery chemistry and longevity are highly influenced by charge cycles and the maximum state of charge. Running Lithium‑ion batteries continually at 100% increases stress and accelerates capacity loss over time. For users who keep a laptop docked as a desktop replacement, limiting the top-of-charge can meaningfully preserve long‑term capacity.

• Balance between usability and longevity — A 50% UEFI cap preserves battery health aggressively but is impractical for most users who occasionally need full portability. An 80% cap is a pragmatic middle ground for daily docked use: it reduces long-term stress while still leaving enough charge for reasonable unplugged periods. (learn.microsoft.com)
• User flexibility — The new Surface app option removes friction: users can choose 80% as their default and temporarily switch to 100% when traveling or expecting extended unplugged use, then switch back when docked.
• On-device intelligence vs manual control — Adaptive (smart charging) aims to automatically apply limits based on use patterns; the 80% option gives a predictable, user-chosen behavior for those who prefer certainty.

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The difference between UEFI Battery Limit and Surface app controls​

• UEFI Battery Limit: firmware-level toggle that historically enforces a strict 50% cap; intended for kiosk or always-on deployment scenarios and adjusted via UEFI or enterprise tooling. This setting has been present on many Surface models for years. (learn.microsoft.com)
• Surface app Smart Charging: a user-facing, adaptive feature that uses on-device heuristics to pause charging when it infers the device is primarily used while plugged in; its behavior is automatic and not always easy to override on older or some Snapdragon models. The new Surface app options now provide a manual 80% cap and an override to 100% for supported devices. (support.microsoft.com)

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How to use the new options (practical steps)​

If your Surface Pro 11 or Surface Laptop 7 has received the August 7 firmware, the new charge-limit controls will appear inside the Surface app.

• Open Start and launch the Surface app.
• Select Battery & charging or expand Help & support and look for charging options.
• Under Charging mode choose one of:
• Adaptive (smart charging) — lets the device decide.
• Limit to 80% — stops charging at 80% until you change it.
• Charge to 100% — temporarily charge fully.
  After changing, the Surface app will apply the behavior without needing to reboot to UEFI. (support.microsoft.com)

Notes and tips:

• If you don't see the option, confirm you have the latest Surface app from the Microsoft Store and that Windows Update has installed the August 7 firmware components listed for your model. Firmware rollouts can be staged. (support.microsoft.com)
• The older UEFI Battery Limit still exists on many models (it enforces 50% when enabled) and is set by rebooting into UEFI (Power + Volume Up) under Advanced Options — but it’s not needed for the new, more useful 80% cap. (learn.microsoft.com)

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Real-world behavior and reported problems​

The update is a clear quality‑of‑life improvement, but the rollout has highlighted real-world quirks and a few concerning reports:

• Several users reported that firmware changes in late July / early August altered the UEFI Battery Limit behavior — in some cases the UEFI toggle disappeared while the device became stuck at 50% charge, creating a situation where users could not easily get a full charge when needed. Microsoft Q&A threads show users and some Microsoft staff acknowledging similar symptoms and advising escalation to support. This underlines that firmware changes can have unintended side effects for certain hardware/firmware combinations. (learn.microsoft.com)
• Smart Charging behavior has historically been inconsistent on some Snapdragon models: community feedback shows users who never see adaptive limits kick in and others for whom the feature works as intended. The manual 80% option in the Surface app addresses this inconsistency by giving explicit user control. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)
• Because firmware updates can’t be rolled back, users who depend on specific behavior (for example, always needing 100% for travel) should verify post-update behavior and, if necessary, contact support before major trips. Microsoft lists the update components and release notes on the Surface update history pages so users can confirm the update is relevant to their device. (support.microsoft.com)

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Critical analysis: strengths, limitations, and risks​

Strengths​

• Usability — Putting an 80% toggle in the Surface app is the right UX move. It removes friction and aligns Surface with other OEMs that offer explicit charge limits in software.
• Flexibility — The ability to temporarily charge to 100% ensures users don’t lose portability when they need it.
• Longevity-focused — The option reflects good battery stewardship: many manufacturers and businesses prefer limiting top‑of‑charge for devices that are frequently docked.

Limitations​

• Staged rollout and detection — Firmware is released in waves; availability varies by region and configuration. Some users may need to wait or manually download drivers and firmware from Microsoft’s download center.
• Inconsistent adaptive behavior — Smart Charging’s automatic mode remains heuristic-driven and can take time or require particular usage patterns to engage, which frustrated users previously; the 80% option fixes that but keeps adaptive as a black-box choice for others. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)

Risks and cautions​

• Firmware regressions — Some community reports indicate the UEFI toggle for Battery Limit has disappeared or that devices became stuck at 50% following other firmware changes. Because firmware updates are not reversible through Windows Update, this risk must be handled carefully and quickly escalated to Microsoft if experienced. (learn.microsoft.com)
• Mismatch across variants — Because Surface models ship in different silicon configurations (Snapdragon vs Intel), features may appear on one variant before another. Users should verify on-device behavior and not assume parity across CPU versions until Microsoft’s support pages list the change for their exact SKU. (support.microsoft.com)
• Enterprise deployment constraints — IT admins who centrally manage fleets should test these firmware changes before broad deployment — particularly because UEFI-level settings (50% Battery Limit) are used in kiosks and special deployments and because firmware components may impact other subsystems like docking behavior and display drivers. (learn.microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com)

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Wider implications for the Surface line and Copilot+ devices​

This firmware change is emblematic of a broader strategy: Microsoft is backporting thoughtful features from newer Surface SKUs to earlier ones and aiming for parity across variants where feasible. The company’s Surface update history shows continued investment in firmware and driver support for Copilot+ and Snapdragon devices, alongside reliability patches. For users, this creates added value in owning a Surface device: hardware continues to be improved over the device lifecycle. (support.microsoft.com)
At the same time, the rollout underscores the complexity of maintaining feature parity across heterogeneous hardware families (Intel and ARM) while ensuring firmware stability. It also stresses the need for better telemetry and user feedback loops so adaptive features like Smart Charging behave predictably from day one.

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What to do if something goes wrong​

If your Surface behaves unexpectedly after installing updates (for example, stuck at 50% or missing UEFI options):

• Check the Surface update history page for your exact model to confirm the changelog and component list. (support.microsoft.com)
• Confirm the Surface app is up to date from the Microsoft Store and check the Battery & charging section. (support.microsoft.com)
• If a device is stuck at 50% and you need a full charge, open a ticket with Microsoft Support and include your firmware versions and the exact Windows Update KB/driver package IDs. Community Microsoft Q&A threads show this helps surface the issue more quickly. (learn.microsoft.com)

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The next Surface silicon and battery features: what’s next?​

Microsoft’s firmware and Surface app updates are happening alongside an active silicon roadmap in which Qualcomm’s next-gen Snapdragon X2 chips are rumored to arrive in H2 2025. Leaked shipping manifests and industry coverage suggest Qualcomm is preparing an X2 family that could power future Surface flagships, but those reports remain early and should be treated as unconfirmed until official announcements. If Qualcomm’s next-generation chips arrive, expect Microsoft to continue refining battery, NPU, and power management features — particularly as on‑device AI features and NPUs place new, dynamic demands on power management. This Snapdragon X2 reporting is based on industry leaks and should be considered speculative. (wccftech.com, hothardware.com)

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Practical recommendations for owners​

• If battery longevity matters: Choose Limit to 80% in the Surface app as your day‑to‑day mode; switch to Charge to 100% before travel. This gives a strong compromise between preserving battery health and maintaining portability.
• If you need deterministic behavior: Don’t rely on Adaptive alone — use the explicit 80% setting to guarantee top-of-charge behavior.
• Enterprise admins: Pilot the August 7 firmware on a subset of devices before broad deployment, and document fallback plans in case UEFI behavior changes unexpectedly.
• If you rely on docking and external monitors: Test docking scenarios after the update — several previous firmware packages have had intermittent interactions with docks and external displays, so confirm your workflow before a large deployment. (support.microsoft.com)

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Final verdict​

Adding an explicit 80% battery limit to the Surface app for Snapdragon Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 is a practical, user-first improvement. It corrects a long-standing usability gap between the blunt UEFI 50% cap and the opaque Smart Charging heuristics, giving users predictable control without rebooting into firmware. The change demonstrates Microsoft’s willingness to backport meaningful features and refine lifecycle support for its devices. (support.microsoft.com)
That said, firmware modifications carry risk. Recent community reports about UEFI toggles disappearing and devices becoming stuck at 50% after certain updates are a reminder that firmware changes must be monitored closely. Users and admins should adopt a cautious rollout approach: update, verify charging behavior, and open support cases immediately if something looks wrong. (learn.microsoft.com)
For the majority of owners, the new Surface app controls will be a welcome and low‑risk way to extend battery life without sacrificing the convenience of full charge when it’s needed.

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Source: Windows Central Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 Gain New Battery-Charge Limit Features in Latest Firmware Update

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft has quietly pushed a firmware update that brings a long-requested — and long-needed — battery charging control to the Snapdragon-powered Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop (7th Edition), adding a user-friendly 80% charge cap and a temporary 100% override inside the Surface app while also delivering a handful of reliability and security fixes on August 7, 2025.

Background​

Microsoft's Surface lineup has offered battery-conserving features for years, but until recently many of those tools were either firmware-level toggles aimed at kiosk-style deployments or automatic heuristics that left users without explicit control. The Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 launched as part of Microsoft’s Copilot+ wave of devices, shipping in Snapdragon-powered variants with on-chip NPUs and in Intel variants for business customers. Those Snapdragon models brought excellent battery life and new AI capabilities — but also revived longstanding user demand for clearer, more granular battery health controls.
The August 7, 2025 update changes that balance. It exposes three charging modes in the Surface app — Adaptive (smart), Limit to 80%, and Charge to 100% (temporary) — giving owners of the Snapdragon Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 direct, in-app control over how their batteries are charged. The firmware package that delivered the feature also includes multiple fixes for unexpected shutdowns, display-related shutdown behavior, and a backlight flicker at lowest brightness, alongside security patches and updated firmware components.

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What changed on August 7, 2025​

• A new battery-charging control surfaced in the Surface app for Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop (7th Edition): users can now choose between Adaptive (smart) charging, Limit to 80%, or temporarily charge to 100%.
• Reliability fixes addressed unexpected shutdowns after certain updates and display-related shutdowns.
• A bug causing backlight flashing at the lowest brightness was fixed.
• Security updates and a range of Qualcomm and Surface firmware components were included in the release.

These changes arrived as a bundled Surface firmware and driver update — the sort of package Surface devices receive periodically — and were applied automatically via Windows Update for devices in the applicable servicing window. The update includes updated Surface UEFI firmware and several Qualcomm components, meaning the charging behaviors now rely on both firmware and Surface app interactions rather than a simple user-space toggle alone.

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Why this matters: battery health, flexibility, and user control​

Lithium-ion batteries age faster when they spend prolonged time at very high state-of-charge and high temperatures. Historically, Microsoft offered two separate kinds of battery protection:

• UEFI Battery Limit (50%) — a firmware-level option intended for kiosks or permanently docked machines; when enabled it halts charging at roughly 50% to minimize long-term battery wear.
• Smart / Battery Smart Charging (80%) — an adaptive feature that detects prolonged plugged-in use and limits charging to about 80%; behavior is automatic and previously varied across models.

Until now, some Surface owners had to rely on intelligent heuristics (Smart Charging) they couldn't directly control, or on the more extreme 50% UEFI option intended for special deployments. The new Surface app controls give everyday users a practical middle ground: manually choose the 80% limit to preserve battery health during extended docked use, or switch to Charge to 100% temporarily before travel or long unplugged sessions.
This is a clear win for consumer convenience and battery longevity — the feature balances realistic day-to-day needs (80% for desk/dock usage) and real-world exceptions (need a full charge for travel). For Snapdragon-equipped Copilot+ devices, which already advertise extended battery life thanks to efficient silicon and NPUs, this added software-level control helps owners maximize usable lifetime without sacrificing day-to-day flexibility.

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Technical details: how the modes work (and what’s firmware vs. app)​

• Adaptive (Smart Charging): This is the long-standing automatic mode that uses on-device telemetry (usage patterns, time plugged in, battery temperature) to decide when to limit charging to approximately 80%. It will typically disable itself after the battery discharges below ~20% or when usage patterns suggest frequent unplugging.
• Limit to 80%: A manual override that forces charging to stop at 80% until the user changes it. This is intended for users who want to proactively reduce the amount of time the battery spends fully charged.
• Charge to 100% (temporary): Temporarily suspends smart/limit behavior so the battery can be fully charged when required (e.g., before travel). Smart charging/limits will resume per their normal rules afterward.

The new controls are surfaced in the Surface app under Battery & charging; they are implemented through a combination of updated Surface app functionality and firmware/driver changes shipped in the August 7 package. Because part of the behavior relies on updated UEFI and Qualcomm power-management components, the feature rollout occurs as a staged firmware + app update rather than a pure app-level toggle.

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How to access and use the new charging controls​

• Ensure Windows 11 is updated (this feature requires current servicing of the device).
• Open the Surface app (install or update it from the Microsoft Store if it’s missing).
• Navigate to Battery & charging (or expand Help & support and look for charging options).
• Under Charging mode, select:
• Adaptive (smart charging) — let the device decide.
• Limit to 80% — stop charging at 80% until changed.
• Charge to 100% — a temporary override for a full charge.
• If the option does not appear, check Windows Update for a pending Surface firmware/drivers bundle and confirm the Surface app is up to date. Rollouts can be staged, so not every device receives the update at the same time.

These steps provide practical control over charge thresholds without requiring a reboot into UEFI or use of enterprise deployment tools.

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Troubleshooting and known issues to watch for​

The firmware ecosystem on modern PCs — especially those with multiple silicon variants like Surface — is complex. A number of community reports following recent firmware packages have highlighted potential regressions and UX quirks:

• Some users reported the UEFI “Enable Battery Limit” option disappearing after firmware flashes; in a few cases devices reported an effective hard cap at ~50% without an accessible UEFI toggle to reset it. Because UEFI-level changes are delivered as firmware and are not user-reversible through Windows Update, this can be disruptive for users who rely on full-charge behavior for travel. If you encounter this, escalate to Microsoft Support with firmware version numbers and update IDs.
• Behavior can differ depending on the exact hardware SKU and silicon: Intel and Snapdragon variants sometimes receive features at different times or with different behavior. Confirm your device’s exact configuration before assuming parity across models.
• Smart Charging is intentionally adaptive; that means it may not immediately pause when you want it to. If you need a full charge, use the Surface app’s temporary “Charge to 100%” option several hours before you need the battery.
• The rollout uses staged distribution. If your Surface app is up to date and the option still isn’t visible, confirm Windows Update has installed the August 7 firmware components for your model; Microsoft’s update history lists the components and versions applied in the release package.

Immediate steps if you have trouble:

• Confirm the Surface app is updated via the Microsoft Store.
• Check Windows Update for pending Surface firmware and driver packages.
• Reboot after updates and re-check Battery & charging in the Surface app.
• If a device is stuck at a low cap (e.g., 50%) or the UEFI option is missing, open a support ticket with Microsoft and include your current firmware/driver version strings and the Windows Update package IDs. Community forums indicate Microsoft’s support pathway helps escalate firmware regressions.

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Enterprise and IT considerations​

IT administrators should be cautious with firmware updates that change charging behavior, because UEFI-level settings can be deployed via enterprise tooling and may be used intentionally in kiosk or always-plugged scenarios. Key considerations for IT shops managing Surface fleets:

• Test before wide deployment: Staged firmware updates can interact unpredictably with docking stations, display drivers, or custom UEFI configurations. Test the August 7 package on a controlled set of units before pushing to all managed devices.
• UEFI vs Surface app: UEFI Battery Limit (50%) remains a separate firmware/UEFI option intended for kiosk deployments. The Surface app’s 80% cap is a user-facing convenience; do not assume both are interchangeable for enterprise needs.
• Surface Enterprise Management Mode (SEMM): Use SEMM and the Surface IT Toolkit to define desired UEFI settings where 50% Battery Limit is explicitly required. Avoid mass-deploying firmware updates without a rollback plan — firmware cannot be downgraded via Windows Update.
• User training: Communicate the new features to users — explain when to use Limit to 80% vs Adaptive and how to temporarily obtain a full charge for travel.

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Security and stability implications​

The August 7 update included security vulnerability patches and multiple Qualcomm driver/firmware updates. Keeping Surface devices current is essential for security, but the presence of firmware-level behavior changes means:

• Firmware is not reversible via Windows Update. If a regression occurs, resolution typically requires a targeted firmware fix from Microsoft or intervention from support.
• Security patches are high-priority and should be applied, but administrators should factor feature testing and potential UEFI interactions into scheduling.
• Because the update bundle included updated UEFI components and Qualcomm Hexagon/NPU extensions, the update touches low-level subsystems; that increases the scope of potential side-effects but also the importance of the fixes from a security and reliability standpoint.

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Broader context: Copilot+ hardware and battery management​

The Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 were introduced as part of Microsoft’s push to ship Copilot+ PCs with dedicated NPUs (Qualcomm Hexagon in Snapdragon variants). These chips offer on-device AI acceleration (the Hexagon NPU is rated in the tens of TOPS for inferencing in these platforms) and contribute to both performance and energy efficiency.

• Snapdragons’ efficiency profile makes battery health features especially relevant: devices that last longer per charge also tend to spend more time plugged in, which in turn increases the importance of smart charging strategies.
• The new Surface app controls align with modern battery best practices: keeping long-plugged devices at ~80% reduces chemical wear without significant loss of daily usability for most users.
• As Microsoft continues to fold AI features (Recall, Click To Do, enhanced search) into Windows, and as devices run more background inference workloads, controlling thermal and battery stress becomes an ongoing systems engineering challenge.

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Strengths of Microsoft’s approach​

• User-friendly controls: Exposing an 80% cap and a temporary 100% override in the Surface app is a practical, user-centric solution — much better than forcing every user into UEFI-level settings.
• Balanced design: The tri-mode approach (Adaptive / Limit 80% / Charge 100% temporary) offers flexibility for daily use and exceptional situations.
• Firmware + app integration: Implementing the feature as a coordinated firmware and app update allows for reliable enforcement and tight coupling with power-management firmware, which can be necessary for correct behavior on diverse hardware.
• Security and reliability fixes included: Bundling this usability improvement with security and reliability patches is good practice; users gain a practical feature while obtaining important updates.

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Risks, limitations, and unanswered questions​

• Firmware regressions: The recent community reports of a missing UEFI toggle and devices stuck near 50% show that firmware pushes can regress previously visible behavior. Firmware is difficult to roll back; that raises the stakes for updates.
• Staged rollouts and inconsistent behavior: Because updates are staged and behavior can differ across silicon variants, users may see the feature sooner or later than others, or may see subtle differences in how Smart Charging adapts.
• Telemetry and privacy concerns: Adaptive charging depends on device telemetry. While this data is used locally for heuristics in many implementations, enterprises and privacy-conscious users should understand what data is being used and whether any telemetry is shared externally.
• Documentation gaps for power-hungry tasks: Heavy, continuous inference workloads could change thermal/battery patterns. Microsoft’s public guidance addresses smart charging and battery lifespan saver features, but the interplay with sustained AI workloads remains an operational concern for some heavy users.
• Unverified third-party reporting: Some outlets and posts attributed discovery of the update to other publications. When cross-referencing coverage, readers should consider that not every secondary reporting chain is easily traceable; Microsoft’s update history and support documentation remain the authoritative source for exact changelogs and component lists.

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Practical recommendations for Surface owners​

• Update Windows and the Surface app to the latest versions, then check Battery & charging in the Surface app for the new controls.
• Use Limit to 80% if you typically keep your Surface plugged in most of the day and rarely need full runtime away from power.
• Before travel, choose Charge to 100% a few hours ahead to ensure the battery reaches full charge, then let the Surface app or Adaptive mode resume normal behavior afterward.
• If you rely on 100% for frequent long unplugged sessions, avoid enabling UEFI Battery Limit (50%) and instead prefer the app-level 80% control — it’s easier to toggle and targeted at everyday scenarios.
• For managed fleets, test the update on a small subset before broad deployment and prepare a support escalation path in case firmware regressions occur.

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Final analysis: incremental improvement with real-world impact​

The August 7, 2025 firmware and driver bundle for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 represents a meaningful, practical improvement in device usability. By bringing manual 80% and temporary 100% charging options into the Surface app for Snapdragon devices, Microsoft has closed a long-standing gap between the needs of everyday users and the more extreme UEFI Battery Limit intended for edge deployments.
This is an important step toward giving users clear, accessible control over battery health without resorting to low-level firmware toggles. For Copilot+ PCs that already promise extended on-device AI and long battery life, the new charging controls help ensure that those batteries will remain healthier over a longer lifespan.
At the same time, firmware rollouts remain inherently risky: the community reports of missing UEFI options and stuck charge caps are a useful reminder that even well-intentioned updates can have unintended side effects. Users and IT admins should adopt a pragmatic approach: apply security fixes promptly, test firmware updates where possible, and use the new Surface app controls to balance battery longevity against occasional needs for full charges.
Overall, the new Surface app charging controls are a welcome, user-centered addition that reflects broader industry trends toward smarter battery management — but they must be deployed with an awareness of firmware risks and hardware diversity. The pragmatic combination of an 80% cap for everyday battery health and an easy temporary override for full charges gives Surface owners the best of both worlds: extended battery longevity without sacrificing real-world flexibility.

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Source: Windows Report Surface Pro 11 & Laptop 7 Get New Battery Charging Limit With Latest Update

 

[Peterw]

finally they introduced 80% charging limiter of dumb adaptive charging mode, which cannot adapt to any other behavior than using laptop on desk 100% time (any irregular behavior made this mode useless as surface ends up getting charged to 100% almost every single time in adaptive mode).
Took them forever to realize this...

 

[ChatGPT]

You’re right to be annoyed — the old “Adaptive” (aka Smart Charging) mode can be pretty flaky if your usage isn’t predictable, and that’s exactly why Microsoft added an explicit 80% option in the Surface app so you don’t have to rely on adaptive heuristics. Here’s a short explanation and what to try next.
What changed (short)

• Adaptive / Smart Charging tries to learn your habits and will only cap charging when it decides the device is mostly plugged in — that’s why it often still tops up to 100% for irregular use. (support.microsoft.com)
• The Surface app now exposes a manual “Limit to 80%” choice (and a temporary “Charge to 100%” override) so you can force the behavior without messing with UEFI. Use this when you want a predictable 80% cap. (support.microsoft.com, windowscentral.com)
• There’s still a separate UEFI “Battery Limit” (50%) intended for kiosk/always‑plugged scenarios — that one requires rebooting into UEFI to toggle. (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick how-to (set 80% now)

1. Open the Surface app.
2. Go to Battery & charging.
3. Under Charging mode select “Limit to 80%”.
   Your Surface will stay capped at 80% until you switch it back or use “Charge to 100%” temporarily. (support.microsoft.com)

If “Limit to 80%” doesn’t seem to actually stop at 80%

• Make sure Windows Update / Surface firmware and the Surface app are fully up to date (the feature rollout for some models required both app and firmware updates). (windowscentral.com, wus.prod.support.services.microsoft.com)
• Toggle the setting manually to “Limit to 80%” (don’t rely on Adaptive). Reboot after updating if the option behaves oddly.
• If you still see the battery go to 100% despite the 80% setting, report it (Feedback Hub) and contact Microsoft support — some Snapdragon models have had inconsistent smart‑charging behavior until a firmware fix lands. (support.microsoft.com, windowscentral.com)

Workarounds / alternatives

• If you want a hard, always‑on low cap and don’t mind 50%: enable the UEFI Battery Limit (Power + Vol Up on boot → Boot configuration → Advanced options → Enable Battery Limit). This is more rigid and intended for always‑plugged kiosks. (learn.microsoft.com)
• Use the Surface app’s “Charge to 100%” before travel, then switch back to 80% afterward.

If you want, tell me:

• your exact model (Surface Pro 11 vs Surface Laptop 7), Windows version, Surface app version, and whether you’ve installed the latest firmware — I’ll walk through targeted troubleshooting steps and which update to check.