If you're part of Microsoft's Windows Insider Program and play in the Dev Channel sandbox, you’re in for a shiny update. The Windows 11 24H2 preview build (26120.3000 to be exact) introduces new taskbar features aimed at making your life a little easier—or at least more visually engaging. But hold your applause, because Microsoft doesn't do updates without slipping in a little something extra on the side. Can you say "ads"?
Let’s dive into what’s cooking and whether this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for—or one you might want to sidestep when it officially rolls out later.
You know that mildly annoying moment when your laptop's battery level is draining faster than Netflix buffering during peak hours, and you're left guessing how critical the situation is? Microsoft seems to have heard your silent pleas.
Bonus: For those who still want that exact number, you can toggle on a new feature to display the battery percentage directly on the taskbar (disabled by default). To enable it, go to:
Settings > Power & battery and activate “Battery Percentage.”
Think of it as turning your taskbar into a more intuitive dashboard: no more panic attacks every time your laptop goes dark mid-meeting.
You’ll now be able to tweak the threshold battery percentage at which Energy Saver kicks in. For instance, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time unplugged, setting Energy Saver to activate at 50% rather than the system default can add precious minutes or even hours to your workflow. This is especially beneficial for portable warriors who might find themselves without outlets in tight spaces—say, in the middle seat of a budget airline's economy section.
Navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery to experiment with this functionality. A small change like this can make a big difference, particularly if you’re balancing performance and battery longevity.
While it’s understandable that Microsoft wants to push its services, it also raises questions about the trade-offs between enticing users and annoying them outright. Should promotions really be embedded in essential OS configurations, like your settings page?
On the other hand, the inclusion of additional Xbox advertisements walks a fine line. Some users might not notice or care, while others could be irritated by the continued penetration of advertising into parts of Windows that were once purely functional.
However, the introduction of additional advertising remains a divisive topic. What some might find as useful information for entertainment options, others will see as intrusive and out of place. Microsoft’s steady move toward turning Windows into a hub for selling its ecosystem might make users nostalgia for the days when the OS simply… did its job.
For now, Windows 11 24H2 build looks like a mixed bag with promising features shadowed by unnecessary distractions. The best advice? Embrace the improvements but keep an eye on how these updates evolve over time.
What do you think is next? More user-controlled customization, or is this the start of “Ad-supported OS” territory? Let us know your predictions below!
Source: BleepingComputer Windows 11 24H2 preview brings new taskbar features
Let’s dive into what’s cooking and whether this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for—or one you might want to sidestep when it officially rolls out later.
Better Battery Alerts, Finally!
You know that mildly annoying moment when your laptop's battery level is draining faster than Netflix buffering during peak hours, and you're left guessing how critical the situation is? Microsoft seems to have heard your silent pleas.Taskbar Battery Indicator – A Colorful Upgrade
The taskbar is getting a breath of fresh air with a new dynamic battery icon. Gone are the days of hovering over the battery symbol to read an exact percentage. Now the icon itself does the talking. Here's how it works:- Black/White Icon: Indicates a normal or healthy battery level.
- Orange Icon: A visual "Houston, we have a problem" signal, showing your battery is running low and needs charging.
- Green Icon: You’re charging, all’s good in the galaxy.
Bonus: For those who still want that exact number, you can toggle on a new feature to display the battery percentage directly on the taskbar (disabled by default). To enable it, go to:
Settings > Power & battery and activate “Battery Percentage.”
Think of it as turning your taskbar into a more intuitive dashboard: no more panic attacks every time your laptop goes dark mid-meeting.
Enhanced Energy Saver Settings
Windows 11 is also showing some love to its eco-conscious users with improvements to the Energy Saver mode.You’ll now be able to tweak the threshold battery percentage at which Energy Saver kicks in. For instance, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time unplugged, setting Energy Saver to activate at 50% rather than the system default can add precious minutes or even hours to your workflow. This is especially beneficial for portable warriors who might find themselves without outlets in tight spaces—say, in the middle seat of a budget airline's economy section.
Navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery to experiment with this functionality. A small change like this can make a big difference, particularly if you’re balancing performance and battery longevity.
More Xbox Game Pass Ads – Necessary or Nuisance?
Now for the twist: while these taskbar improvements are genuinely useful, Microsoft couldn’t resist sneaking in a little Xbox Game Pass promotional material. Advertisements inside operating systems are becoming something of a trend, and Windows 11 is no exception.What Are They Adding?
If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the world of Game Pass (or even if you haven’t), Microsoft is upping its persuasive power. Here’s what you’ll see in the Settings app:- Invite a Friend Campaign: Users with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass will notice a new ad card encouraging them to refer friends for trial subscriptions. It’s like a pyramid scheme, but for entertainment… and without legal concerns. (At least for now.)
- Non-Subscribers Beware: If you’re Xbox-free, expect a friendly little nudge to join the platform via pop-ups in your settings.
While it’s understandable that Microsoft wants to push its services, it also raises questions about the trade-offs between enticing users and annoying them outright. Should promotions really be embedded in essential OS configurations, like your settings page?
What Does This Mean for You?
If you're enthusiastically clapping for the battery improvements, you're not alone. Any change that eliminates unnecessary annoyances or streamlines your daily workflow is a win, especially when it can literally save your day (and your laptop's battery).On the other hand, the inclusion of additional Xbox advertisements walks a fine line. Some users might not notice or care, while others could be irritated by the continued penetration of advertising into parts of Windows that were once purely functional.
Questions Worth Asking:
- Where’s the Line? At what point do advertisements inside the OS begin to compromise the user experience?
- Choice vs. Mandate: Should features like these ads be opt-in rather than default behavior?
- Ad-Free Alternatives: Are users willing to pay an ad-free premium subscription for services they’re already running on their own PCs?
When Will This Update Go Public?
Currently, these features are marinating in the Dev Channel, meaning final rollout could be a few months away—likely arriving mid-2025. For the eager among you, joining the Windows Insider Program is one way to test-drive these features early, though be warned: Insider builds often carry bugs and performance issues.Final Thoughts: Should You Be Excited?
The new battery functionality deserves applause for its simple yet meaningful enhancement to usability. It’s always refreshing to see an operating system reducing friction in everyday tasks.However, the introduction of additional advertising remains a divisive topic. What some might find as useful information for entertainment options, others will see as intrusive and out of place. Microsoft’s steady move toward turning Windows into a hub for selling its ecosystem might make users nostalgia for the days when the OS simply… did its job.
For now, Windows 11 24H2 build looks like a mixed bag with promising features shadowed by unnecessary distractions. The best advice? Embrace the improvements but keep an eye on how these updates evolve over time.
What do you think is next? More user-controlled customization, or is this the start of “Ad-supported OS” territory? Let us know your predictions below!
Source: BleepingComputer Windows 11 24H2 preview brings new taskbar features
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