Microsoft Unveils Colorful Update to Windows 11 Battery Icon
Microsoft is set to roll out a significant update to the Windows 11 battery icon, introducing new color indicators aimed at enhancing user awareness of battery status and charging issues. The traditional black battery icon will now feature three distinct colors to quickly communicate the device’s power state.
The new color scheme includes a green icon to indicate that the computer is charging and in a good state, a yellow icon when the battery drops below 20% and enters energy-saving mode, and a red icon to signal critically low battery levels, urging immediate charging.
These updated icons will be prominently displayed in the taskbar’s system tray, quick settings flyout, and Windows Settings. Microsoft has also announced plans to incorporate these icons on the Lock screen in future builds.
In addition to the color changes, the update brings several improvements to the battery icon’s functionality. The company has simplified overlays to prevent obstruction of the icon’s progress bar and introduced an option to display the battery charge percentage next to the icon in the system tray. Users can enable this percentage display through Settings > Power & battery > Battery Percentage.
The update comes in response to high demand from Windows Insiders and customers for more informative battery indicators. Microsoft believes that the new colors and percentage display will significantly enhance user awareness of their device’s charging status.
Currently, the update is available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. Microsoft plans to closely monitor user feedback before considering a broader rollout, ensuring an optimal experience for all Windows 11 users.
As this update progresses through testing phases, it represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to refining the Windows user experience based on community input and evolving technological needs.