14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s recently released Windows 11 2022 Update comes with lots of great improvements, but in addition to the features that anyone can easily see in the operating system, the update also comes with more subtle refinements under the hood.
One of these changes concerns Windows Update, as Microsoft is using this important OS component to reduce the carbon emissions of your device.
In other words, Windows Update is now carbon aware, and according to the software giant, the installation of updates should only start at a time when reducing the emissions is possible.
Reducing the carbon emissions
Further polishing has also been making for idling PCs, once again in an attempt to reduce the emissions – after all, many of us do leave computer with the screen off or in idle mode without actually shutting it down.
“With this update we’re also taking steps to improve the Windows Update experience. Windows Update is now carbon aware, making it easier for your devices to reduce carbon emissions,” Microsoft explains.
“When devices are plugged in, turned on, connected to the Internet and regional carbon intensity data is available, Windows Update will schedule installations at specific times of the day when doing so may result in lower carbon emissions because a higher proportion of electricity is coming from lower-carbon sources on the electric grid. We’ve also made some changes to the default power setting for Sleep and Screen off to help reduce carbon emissions when PCs are idle.”
Windows 11 2022 Update is rolling out in stages to devices out there, but eligible devices can already check for updates in Windows Update to get it. However, the rollout takes place in stages, so every device will receive the update when it’s ready (Microsoft hasn’t provided an ETA as to when the broad availability is projected to be reached).