How to Fix Battery Drain Issues on Windows 10 Anniversary Update: Step-by-Step Guide

Battery drain issues can be frustrating, especially after updating to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Many users notice their laptops or tablets losing power faster than before. The good news is that there are several simple steps you can take to improve battery life.

This guide will walk you through easy, detailed instructions to help fix battery drain problems. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along. By the end, you should see better battery performance on your Windows 10 device.

It’s important to understand that battery drain can be caused by various factors such as software settings, background apps, or even hardware problems. Fixing these issues requires a careful approach starting with basic checks and moving towards advanced solutions if needed.

Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting battery drain, make sure you have the following checked:

Device plugged in: Charge your device fully before testing battery life to get accurate results.
Windows updates: Ensure your system is up to date with the latest patches from Microsoft.
Backup important data: Although these steps are safe, it’s always good to back up your files.
Battery health: If your device is old, the battery itself may be worn out and need replacement.

Step 1: Adjust Power and Sleep Settings

Windows 10 Anniversary Update introduced new power settings that can impact battery life. Adjusting these can help reduce unnecessary drain.

Click the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
Go to System > Power & sleep.
Under Screen, set a shorter time for turning off the display when on battery (e.g., 1 or 2 minutes).
Under Sleep, also set a shorter time or put the device to sleep quickly when idle.

Why this matters: Reducing screen-on and idle times prevents the device from using power unnecessarily when not in use.

Step 2: Disable Background Apps

Many apps continue running in the background, consuming battery even when you aren’t actively using them.

Open Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
You will see a list of apps allowed to run in the background.
Turn off the toggle switch for apps you don’t need running all the time.

Why this matters: Background apps use CPU and network resources, which drain battery life over time.

Step 3: Check Battery Usage by App

Windows 10 lets you see which apps are using the most battery, so you can manage them accordingly.

Go to Settings > System > Battery.
Click on See which apps are affecting your battery life.
Review the list and note any apps using excessive power.
Consider closing or uninstalling apps that consume too much battery.

Step 4: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause hardware components to use more power than necessary.

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, and Battery.
Right-click each device and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

If Windows does not find any updates, you can visit your device manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers manually.

Step 5: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Programs that start automatically with Windows can slow down your system and use power in the background.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab.
Review the list of programs that launch at startup.
Right-click any program you don’t need and select Disable.

Why this matters: Fewer programs running means less CPU usage and longer battery life.

Step 6: Use Battery Saver Mode

Battery Saver is a built-in feature that limits background activity and adjusts settings to conserve power.

Open Settings > System > Battery.
Turn on Battery saver status until next charge.
You can also set Battery Saver to turn on automatically when battery falls below a certain percentage.

Step 7: Adjust Display Brightness

The screen brightness is one of the biggest battery consumers on any portable device.

Click the battery icon in the taskbar to open the quick action panel.
Adjust the brightness slider to a lower but comfortable level.
Alternatively, go to Settings > System > Display and adjust brightness there.

Why this matters: Lower brightness drastically reduces power consumption from the display.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the basic steps above don’t fully resolve battery drain, consider these advanced options:

Run the Power Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Power.
Reset Power Plans: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:

powercfg -restoredefaultschemes

This resets all power plans to default settings, which can fix custom power plan issues.

Check for Malware: Malware can cause high CPU and battery usage. Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your antivirus.
Calibrate Your Battery: Sometimes the battery meter is inaccurate. To calibrate, fully charge, then fully discharge your battery once, and recharge again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did my battery life get worse after the Anniversary Update?

The update introduced new features and background services which may use more resources. Also, some drivers might be incompatible, causing increased power consumption.

Is it normal for background apps to use battery?

Yes, but some apps use more battery than necessary. Disabling unnecessary background apps helps extend battery life.

How often should I update my drivers?

It’s a good idea to check for driver updates every few months or after major Windows updates to maintain optimal performance.

Can a worn-out battery cause rapid drain?

Absolutely. Over time, batteries lose capacity and may drain quickly. If your device is old, consider replacing the battery.

Does lowering screen brightness really help?

Yes, the display is one of the largest consumers of battery power, so reducing brightness can make a noticeable difference.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still experience battery drain issues, it may be time to consider the following:

Contact Microsoft Support: Official help can provide guidance specific to your device.
Visit Your Device Manufacturer’s Service Center: Hardware issues such as battery faults or motherboard problems may require professional repair.
Consider Battery Replacement: For laptops and tablets, replacing the battery can restore normal usage times.
Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, a clean installation of Windows 10 Anniversary Update can fix deep software problems.

Conclusion

Battery drain after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update can often be fixed by adjusting power settings, managing background apps, and keeping drivers up to date. Simple tweaks like lowering screen brightness and enabling Battery Saver mode go a long way in extending battery life.

Always start with the easiest steps and work your way up to more advanced solutions if necessary. If issues persist, professional help or hardware replacement may be required. By following this guide, you can enjoy longer battery life and better performance on your Windows 10 device.