With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a new feature called “smart charging” which is designed to optimize the charging of your laptop’s battery. While this feature can be useful for some users, others may prefer to have more control over their charging settings. In this article, we will discuss how to turn off smart charging in Windows 11 and regain control over your battery life.
What is Smart Charging?
Before we dive into how to turn off smart charging, let’s first understand what it is. Smart charging is a feature that allows your laptop to intelligently manage its battery charging based on your usage patterns. This means that if you frequently use your laptop while it is plugged in, smart charging will limit the charging to 80% to prevent overcharging and prolong the overall lifespan of your battery.
How to Turn Off Smart Charging
If you prefer to have more control over your charging settings, you can easily turn off smart charging in Windows 11. Here’s how:
- Open the Start menu and click on “Settings.”
- In the Settings menu, click on “System.”
- Select “Power & battery” from the left-hand menu.
- Under the “Battery” section, click on “Battery usage by app.”
- Scroll down and click on “Battery settings.”
- Toggle off the switch next to “Optimize battery usage.”
Once you have turned off smart charging, your laptop will charge to 100% regardless of your usage patterns. This can be useful for users who need their laptop to be fully charged at all times, such as for long work or gaming sessions.
Other Charging Settings to Consider
While you’re in the battery settings, you may also want to explore other options to optimize your laptop’s battery life. These include:
- Battery saver: This feature limits background activity and lowers screen brightness to conserve battery life.
- Battery usage by app: This section shows you which apps are using the most battery and allows you to adjust their settings accordingly.
- Battery health: This feature provides information about your battery’s health and allows you to run a diagnostic test.
Benefits of Turning Off Smart Charging
There are a few benefits to turning off smart charging in Windows 11. These include:
- Full control over charging: By turning off smart charging, you can charge your laptop to 100% regardless of your usage patterns.
- Longer battery lifespan: Overcharging can decrease the overall lifespan of your battery, so turning off smart charging can help prolong its life.
- Better for heavy usage: If you use your laptop for long periods of time while it is plugged in, turning off smart charging can ensure that your battery is fully charged and ready for use.
Conclusion
Smart charging can be a useful feature for some users, but if you prefer to have more control over your charging settings, you can easily turn it off in Windows 11. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can regain control over your battery life and ensure that your laptop is always ready for use. Have you tried turning off smart charging? Let us know in the comments.
