Windows 11 will mainly perform updates when green power is available

Microsoft will send updates for Windows 11 as much as possible as soon as green power is available. Updates are then performed in the background when solar and wind energy is available, although users can manually set this differently.

For now, it is still a beta function in Insider Preview Build 22567 of Windows 11, Microsoft writes in the release notes. In it, Windows Update runs in the background whenever possible when more forms of clean energy are available. This can be on a sunny or windy day, for example, when more solar power or wind energy is generated. For this, the operating system looks at data that comes from Electricitymap or Watttime. This only applies to computers that are currently connected to the power, such as desktops or laptops on a charger. How much power Microsoft hopes to save among users in this way, the company does not say. Users can also choose to implement an update immediately.

The preview version of the operating system also includes a feature called Smart App Control. It blocks unknown apps, so attackers cannot install software on a device. That only works on clean Windows 11 installations, Microsoft says. With a new installation it will also be easier to link an Android phone to the PC and users can now also manage their Microsoft 365 subscriptions in their account settings.