Microsoft is working on another way to save battery when your laptop is plugged in

Laptops and tablets that are plugged in can now use Content Adaptive Brightness Control to save battery.

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What you need to know

What you need to know

A new Windows 11 Build is available for Insiders in the Canary Channel. An update brings systems to Windows 11 Build 25346. It includes a new option to use Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) when a laptop or 2-in-1 is plugged in. Insiders in the Canary Channel can grab the build through Windows Update or grabISOs for it from Microsoft.

The update also has several changes and improvements, including a redesigned connection bar for remote desktop sessions. Here’s everything that’s new, changed, and improved, aslisted by Microsoft:

Build 25346: What’s new

Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) on plugged in devices including desktop PCs

Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) on plugged in devices including desktop PCs

Content Adaptive Brightness Control(CABC) is already a feature that users are familiar with. This feature in Windows 11 will dim or brighten areas of a display or monitor based on the content being displayed with the goal of striking a balance between reduced power consumption with visual experience to save battery life. Starting with this build, we are allowing this feature to run on devices such as laptops and 2-in-1’s that are plugged into a charger. For most users, this change won’t be noticeable and should reduce energy consumption.

This feature can be adjusted via Settings > System > Display under “Brightness & color” and through a drop-down menu with 3 options: Off, Always, and “On Battery Only”. For battery powered devices such as laptops and 2-in-1’s, the default is “On Battery Only”.  We encourage Insiders across laptops, 2-in1’s, to try the  “Always” option and give us feedback on the visual quality of CABC so we can ensure it is properly tuned.

Build 25346: Changes and Improvements

Remote Desktop

Settings

Windows Security

Narrator

Graphics

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.