Microsoft has recently announced the introduction of a colour-coded battery indicator in Windows 11, aiming to enhance user experience by providing more apparent battery status updates.
This feature was announced on January 24, 2025, as part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26120.3000 – KB5050103) and is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.
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The new battery icon uses four distinct colours to convey different battery conditions: black for normal status, green for charging, yellow for low battery (typically below 20 percent ), and red for critically low battery.
Microsoft stated, “These icons have been designed to communicate the battery status of your PC with just a quick glance”.
This update also includes an optional battery percentage display next to the icon, which users can enable by navigating to Settings > Power & battery.
How colour-coded indicators work
The colour-coded battery indicators are designed to be intuitive and easy to understand at a glance. A green icon signifies that the device is charging and in a good state, while a yellow icon indicates that the battery level has dropped below 20 per cent, prompting the device to enter energy-saving mode.
A red icon alerts users to a critically low battery, signalling the need to plug in the device immediately to avoid a shutdown.
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Microsoft also highlighted that these colour-coded battery statuses will address significant communication barriers by providing “Clarity at a Glance,” colour diversity for visual impairments or cognitive difficulties, and universal appeal.
The new battery icon will be visible in the system tray on the taskbar, within the quick settings flyout, and throughout the general Windows Settings.
Additionally, there are plans to incorporate these battery indicators onto the lock screen in future updates.
As noted by Microsoft, “This welcome enhancement is all about clarity, practicality, and keeping you off the dreaded ‘Oh no, my battery’s dead!’ cliff”.
Adding a battery percentage option has been one of the most requested features from Windows Insiders and general users.