Windows 11 has been a transformative journey for Microsoft's flagship operating system, but let’s be honest—some features have stubbornly clung to their antiquated ways. Among these is the battery indicator, a tool that has often been more of an afterthought than a must-have. Fortunately, a recent revelation from the Windows 11 Dev build brings exciting enhancements to this long-overdue feature, finally making it as useful as it should be.
Here’s a quick guide on how to bring this battery feature out of hiding:
So the core question becomes—what else is hiding in the Depths of the Windows 11 Dev build? Traditionally, Microsoft has tucked away numerous features in their testing builds, leaving tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike scavenging for the next big reveal.
Embrace these changes! After all, it’s about time that the battery indicator in Windows became as useful as it should have been all along.
Source: XDA Windows 11's new hidden feature finally makes the battery indicator useful
What's New?
Vibrant Indicators
The most noticeable improvement lies in the battery indicator itself, which will now show distinct colors based on the charging state of your device. When the system enters Energy Saver mode, the battery icon will turn orange, indicating it’s conserving power. Conversely, a green icon will represent that the device is currently charging. In a world filled with endless battery-draining apps and features, these visual cues will aid users in understanding their battery status at a glance.Battery Usage Tracking
But wait, there’s more! Along with color-coded indications, a battery usage chart has been introduced, allowing users to monitor their battery consumption over time. This detailed view is essential for those curious about how their usage patterns impact battery health, which can be especially helpful for gaming or demanding tasks.How to Access the Features
So, how can eager users get their hands on this shiny new feature? Fear not—I have the scoop. To activate this battery-enhancing goodness, you must first download the Windows Dev build of the operating system. Once that’s accomplished, the next step is to employ ViveTool, a tool that lets you unlock hidden features within Windows.Here’s a quick guide on how to bring this battery feature out of hiding:
- Download the Windows Dev build and install it on your device.
- Acquire ViveTool, which can be found on various development forums.
- Open the Command Prompt (with administrator rights).
- Enter the following commands:
- To activate the updated battery icon, type:
Code:
bash vivetool /enable /id:48822452 - To enable section labels for the battery usage graph, type:
Code:
bash vivetool /enable /id:53092139
[]Reboot your system and voilà—your new battery features should now be active!Code:bash vivetool /enable /id:48433719 - To activate the updated battery icon, type:
Why Does This Matter?
The timely enhancement of the battery indicator touches on a broader demand for improved user experience within Windows. In a time when more users are becoming aware of battery sustainability and performance, providing granular data about battery usage aligns perfectly with modern computing needs.So the core question becomes—what else is hiding in the Depths of the Windows 11 Dev build? Traditionally, Microsoft has tucked away numerous features in their testing builds, leaving tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike scavenging for the next big reveal.
Real-World Application
Imagine the scenarios—you're deep in a work project or an epic gaming session, frantically trying to gauge how long you have left before the dreaded battery warning pops up. With this updated battery indicator, you can now have immediate visual feedback if you're teetering on the edge of needing more juice, or if you can comfortably continue without anxiety.Conclusion
The enhanced battery indicator in Windows 11 beckons for a brighter, more intuitive future for the platform. This minor yet impactful tweak illustrates Microsoft's ongoing commitment to user experience, anticipating the needs of Windows users as they engage with their machines. Now that you know how to access these features, will you take the plunge into the Dev build, or are you a wait-and-see type of user? Let’s hear your thoughts!Embrace these changes! After all, it’s about time that the battery indicator in Windows became as useful as it should have been all along.
Source: XDA Windows 11's new hidden feature finally makes the battery indicator useful
