Buzz
If your laptop or tablet running Windows 10 quickly drains its battery, try some of the following tricks. You'll notice a significant improvement in battery usage.
1. Optimizing Windows for Better Laptop Battery Life
If your laptop or tablet running Windows 10 quickly drains its battery, try some of the following tricks. You'll notice a significant improvement in battery usage.
1. Enable Power Saving Mode
If you have a new laptop or tablet, you can use the device for many hours after fully charging the battery. However, if you don't fully charge the battery or if you're using an older laptop or tablet, you can only use the device continuously for 2 or 3 hours before the battery runs out.
However, there's a solution when using Windows 10. It's the Battery Saver feature that can be set up to maximize battery life by turning off or reducing power usage by certain functions. For instance, Battery Saver can reduce the screen brightness of the device. They can also turn off background programs - these programs may be draining the computer's battery that users may not be aware of and sometimes don't need to use. You won't receive work schedule or email updates.
Users can set the Battery Saver feature to activate when the battery life is about 20%.
To set up Battery Saver activation, you go to Start >> Settings >> System >> Battery, then select Battery Saver setup (or click the Battery icon on the right side of the taskbar below and click on Battery Saver)
2. Update Windows
One of the most attractive features of Windows 10 is Microsoft sharing updates that users download with different computers. That will speed up downloading large files.
However, users can choose not to share downloaded content with other computers. Because those updates can slow down Internet speed and drain the battery.
To manage Windows Update, go to Start menu, click on Settings >> Update & Security >> Windows Update >> Advanced Options >> Choose How Updates are Delivered. Toggle the On/Off button to Off mode to disable updates.
3. Set up Battery Usage
Windows 10, like its previous versions of the operating system, allows you to control the amount of battery being used. You can tweak settings that may seem insignificant but can decrease battery life by 20% or more.
To use Power Plan, go to Settings and type “Power Plan” in the Search menu and select Choose a Power Plan. You'll see 2 or more options, including Power Saver. Set it to save battery when possible. Or you can choose custom settings.
For example, you can manage screen brightness. Dimming the screen slightly can extend battery life by a few minutes. The more you reduce screen brightness, the longer the battery life.
When you select Create a Power Plan from the menu on the left, you'll have three options: Balanced, Power Saver, or High Performance, or you can create a custom Power Plan.
You can also choose when your computer goes into Sleep mode. This allows you to control the device's Sleep mode, whether you're using battery power or plugged in. If your laptop or tablet is set to go into Sleep mode after 10 or 15 minutes of inactivity, you can change it to 5 minutes. This is important if extending your computer's battery life is more important than having to wake them up frequently.
4. Disable Cortana's Always Listening Mode
Do you use Microsoft's virtual assistant? If yes, then you have two ways to use Cortana. The first is to type into the search box in the Windows 10 taskbar. For example, if you're looking for a document you previously saved but don't remember where, you just type in there requesting Cortana to search. Or if you need a specific software program or want directions to a certain restaurant, just type it in there. Cortana will either search for a file you want on your laptop or suggest a place to find them on the internet.
The second mode of Cortana is Always Listening - the virtual assistant activates voice commands. They work the same way but instead of typing requests, you just say your request. According to some calculations, the Always Listening mode can use up to 6% of processing power. That's quite a lot as it will drain your laptop battery faster.
So, turn off Cortana's Always Listening mode. To turn them off, you type Cortana in the taskbar, select Cortana & Search Settings and slide Hey Cortana to “Off”.
