Windows 11 will introduce new, more colorful and easily interpretable battery icons at a glance.
The green color indicates that the battery is charged, while red indicates that it is nearly depleted.
Microsoft has released a new preview version of Windows 11 that includes significant improvements to the battery icon of the operating system. These changes are designed to help users avoid uncomfortable situations, such as plugging the device into a power outlet without electricity, using the wrong power adapter, or allowing the battery to fully drain before realizing it.
Traditionally, the battery icon has been black, but it will now be updated with three different colors. According to the company, this will allow users to check the battery status with just a quick glance. The new green icon will indicate that the computer is charging and is in good condition. When the charge drops below 20 percent, the icon will change to yellow, signaling that it has entered power-saving mode. Finally, a red icon will warn of a "critically low" battery, suggesting that the computer should be plugged in as soon as possible to avoid shutting down.
These new icons will be displayed in the system tray on the taskbar, as well as in the quick settings and general Windows settings. Microsoft has indicated that they will also be implemented on the lock screen, although this feature will come in a future update.
Additionally, today’s preview version includes two more enhancements: overlays, such as the lightning icon indicating charging, have been streamlined to avoid obstructing the icon's progress bar, and the battery charge percentage can now be shown alongside the icon in the system tray. This option can be enabled in Settings > Power & battery, by turning on the new "Battery percentage" option.
Microsoft assures that this is a highly requested feature by both Insiders and customers, representing a significant advancement from the current battery icon, which provides minimal information and a vague representation of the remaining charge.
Users will immediately notice if a laptop starts charging when connected, and it is harder to ignore or forget a nearly drained battery when the icon is a bright red alongside a single-digit charge percentage. The battery icon updates are already available for Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel, who opted to receive the latest updates as soon as possible. The general rollout will take longer and may be adjusted before being released to other early users, as Microsoft plans to monitor feedback before expanding it to everyone.
