Monitoring and reducing the energy usage of applications on Windows 11 can help extend your device’s battery life and improve overall performance. By understanding which apps consume the most power, you can make better decisions about how to use your system efficiently. This guide will walk you through simple steps to check and manage application energy usage.
Windows 11 provides built-in tools that make it easy to see which apps are using the most energy. You don’t need any special software to get started. Just a few clicks can help you identify power-hungry applications.
Reducing energy usage not only saves battery but also helps your device run cooler and quieter. This is especially useful if you use a laptop or tablet on the go.
Follow these detailed steps carefully, even if you are new to Windows 11. Each step includes explanations so you understand why it is important.
Quick Note Before You Start
- Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. Updates often improve system monitoring tools.
- Ensure your device is plugged in or has enough battery power to perform the steps without interruption.
- Close any unnecessary applications before checking energy usage for more accurate results.
How to Monitor Application Energy Usage on Windows 11
Step 1: Open Task Manager
First, you need to open the Task Manager, which shows running apps and their resource usage.
- Right-click the Start button on your taskbar.
- Select Task Manager from the menu that appears.
- If Task Manager opens in compact mode, click More details at the bottom to expand it.
Task Manager is essential because it gives you a real-time overview of what your system is doing.
Step 2: Locate the Energy Usage Column
In the Task Manager window, look for the column named Energy impact. This column shows how much power each application currently uses.
- If you do not see this column, right-click any column header (like “CPU” or “Memory”).
- From the dropdown, click Energy impact to add it to the view.
This column helps identify which apps are using more battery power right now.
Step 3: Understand Energy Impact Values
Energy impact values are usually labeled as Low, Moderate, or High. This gives you an easy way to spot energy-heavy apps.
- Low means the app uses little energy.
- Moderate means average energy consumption.
- High means the app is using a lot of power, which may drain your battery faster.
Knowing this helps you decide which apps to close or limit when you want to save power.
Step 4: Check Energy Usage Over Time
To see energy usage history, switch to the App history tab in the Task Manager.
- This tab shows the energy consumption of applications over the last 24 hours or since the last reset.
- You can sort this list by clicking on the Energy usage column header.
This historical data helps identify apps that consistently use a lot of power, even if they are not active right now.
How to Reduce Application Energy Usage
Step 1: Close or Limit High Energy Apps
If you notice apps with high energy impact, consider closing them if they are not needed.
- In Task Manager, right-click the app name.
- Select End task to close it.
Closing apps that use a lot of energy frees up system resources and conserves battery life.
Step 2: Adjust App Settings
Some applications allow you to reduce their energy consumption through settings.
- Open the app and look for power-saving or performance options.
- For example, reduce video quality in streaming apps or limit background activity.
Lowering the workload of an app can significantly reduce its energy demand.
Step 3: Use Battery Saver Mode
Windows 11 includes a Battery Saver feature that helps reduce energy use automatically.
- Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
- Turn on Battery saver.
- Battery Saver limits background activity and adjusts system settings to conserve power.
This mode is very useful when your battery is running low and you need to extend usage time.
Step 4: Disable Background Apps
Many apps run in the background and use energy even when not actively open.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find apps you rarely use, click the three-dot menu, and select Advanced options.
- Under Background apps permissions, select Never to prevent the app from running in the background.
Limiting background apps reduces unnecessary energy drain.
Alternative and Advanced Options
Use Windows Power Troubleshooter
If you suspect energy usage issues but can’t identify the cause, try the built-in troubleshooter.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Power and click Run.
This tool will scan for common power-related problems and suggest fixes.
Consider Third-Party Monitoring Apps
If you want more detailed energy reports, some third-party programs offer advanced monitoring features.
- Examples include BatteryInfoView or HWMonitor.
- These apps provide deeper insights but require installation and some learning.
Use these only if you are comfortable with additional software and need more details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I see energy usage for all apps on Windows 11?
Task Manager shows most running apps and their energy impact, but some system processes may not be listed in detail.
Does closing apps always save battery?
Yes, closing high-energy apps reduces power consumption, but some background services might still run unless disabled.
Is Battery Saver mode safe to use all the time?
Battery Saver reduces performance slightly to save power. It is safe but may slow down some tasks, so use it when necessary.
How often should I check energy usage?
It’s good to check energy usage regularly, especially if you notice battery draining faster than usual.
Can I prevent apps from starting automatically?
Yes, in Task Manager under the Startup tab, you can disable apps that launch at startup to reduce energy use.
When Nothing Works
If you continue to experience excessive energy consumption despite these steps, it might be a deeper system or hardware issue.
- Try updating your device drivers through Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website.
- Consider resetting Windows power plans to default by running
powercfg -restoredefaultschemesin Command Prompt (run as administrator). - Visit the official Microsoft support site: support.microsoft.com/windows for advanced help.
- If your battery is old or damaged, replacing it may be necessary for better power management.
Conclusion
Monitoring and reducing application energy usage on Windows 11 is simple with the built-in Task Manager and system settings. By regularly checking which apps use the most power and adjusting their behavior, you can save battery life and improve device performance. Using Battery Saver mode and controlling background apps further helps conserve energy.
Remember to keep your system updated and consider advanced troubleshooting if problems persist. With these tips, managing your device’s energy consumption becomes easy and effective.